The posting
Job Description:
Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Fairfield University in its search for Director of the EdD Program in Educational Leadership.
For priority consideration, please apply by December 21, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled; however, review of applications received after the priority date is not guaranteed.
At a time of remarkable institutional growth and investment in graduate education, Fairfield University offers an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished academic leader to shape the next chapter of its Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership program. As Associate/Full Professor and Director, the successful candidate will build upon an established doctoral program, driving its continued growth and national visibility, strengthening strategic partnerships, and advancing doctoral education that connects research with practice across P-12 and higher education settings.
Under the leadership of President Mark R. Nemec and Provost Christine Siegel, Fairfield has experienced a 38% increase in enrollment since 2017, accompanied by substantial investments in academic programs, facilities, graduate education, and research, reinforcing the University's commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
A key priority for the Director will be strengthening enrollment pipelines, particularly in Higher Education Administration, while developing relationships with schools, districts, and higher education institutions. Collaborative research with educational partners will also be an important focus, creating opportunities for faculty and doctoral students to engage in scholarship connected to educational practice.
This position reports to the Dean of the School of Education and Human Development and carries a nine-month faculty appointment with an additional stipend for summer administrative responsibilities.
About the EdD Program in Educational Leadership
Launched in 2021 within the Department of Psychological & Educational Consultation in Fairfield's School of Education and Human Development, the EdD in Educational Leadership prepares experienced educators and higher education professionals to lead meaningful change within their institutions and communities. Rooted in Fairfield's Jesuit mission and commitment to social justice and equity, the 32-month, low-residency program is designed for working professionals, combining primarily online coursework with short summer residencies and offering two concentrations: Teacher Leadership and Higher Education Administration. The Teacher Leader track is tailored for experienced P-12 educators who seek to take on expanded roles and responsibilities in their grade-level teams, departments, schools, or districts to influence teaching and learning practices that advance equity goals. The Higher Education Administration track prepares professionals who work in higher education to advocate for equity and the well-being of their student communities through leadership roles across postsecondary settings (e.g., student affairs, institutional advancement, admissions, marketing, and communications, etc.). The program currently enrolls approximately 60 doctoral students and has 31 alumni.
The program's summer residencies bring doctoral students and faculty together on Fairfield's coastal Connecticut campus for seminars, collaborative learning, and workshops focused on advancing dissertation research.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Program Director serves as the lead academic administrator for the program. They coordinate and direct all activities associated with the program, including but not limited to:
- Lead program-specific recruitment and enrollment initiatives in collaboration with Graduate Admissions, Marketing, faculty, current students, and alumni to strengthen enrollment pipelines and support program growth;
- Oversee student advising, mentoring, and academic progress, including orientation, dissertation writing seminars, residencies, and professional development opportunities; ensure students receive regular communication regarding academic standing and access to appropriate University resources;
- Serve as the primary resource for program information and policies, ensuring compliance with University, School, Department, and Program requirements and maintaining accurate program and student records;
- Collaborate with faculty, the Department, and the Office of the Dean to oversee curriculum development, academic quality, learning objectives, student assessment, and continuous program improvement;
- Oversee course scheduling, faculty teaching assignments, and the program budget while recruiting, supporting, and mentoring EdD faculty and affiliate faculty;
- Develop and strengthen partnerships across the University and with external educational organizations, including schools, districts, and community partners, to advance program visibility, collaborative research, and opportunities for growth;
- Facilitate shared governance and program effectiveness efforts;
- Guide the course and program assessment processes, including external accreditation and reports.
In addition, the Associate/Full Professor and Program Director will:
- Teach within the EdD program
- Chair and serve as a member on dissertation committees
- Maintain an active research/scholarship/professional excellence agenda, including a record of scholarly publications and presentations
- Provide professionally related service to the School, University, and community
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- An earned doctoral degree (PhD or EdD) in Educational Leadership or a closely related field of education from an accredited institution;
- Leadership experience in PK-12 schools, districts, or in higher education;
- Experience leading or contributing as a member of a leadership team to the growth and success of a graduate program;
- Current appointment at or qualifications for appointment to the rank of an Associate or Full Professor on either the tenure track or non-tenure track;
- Demonstrated commitment to justice and inclusion within and across educational institutions;
- Record of scholarly and/or professional achievement in educational leadership or a related field, with demonstrated engagement in issues of justice, equity, and inclusion in education;
- Evidence of successful teaching, advising, and mentoring students at the graduate level;
- Track record of building relationships and working collaboratively with diverse educational partners within and across educational institutions, and the communities they serve;
- Experience mentoring student research and serving on thesis/dissertation committees;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience facilitating internal and external educational and community partners in the development and implementation of strategic plans and continuous improvement efforts;
- Experience directing or coordinating a doctoral program;
- Experience seeking and managing external grant funding;
- Evidence of successful teaching experience in PK-20 educational settings;
- Experience with fiscal and personnel management;
- Experience teaching in online or hybrid learning environments.
About the Institution
Founded in 1942, Fairfield University is a nationally recognized private university committed to academic excellence, intellectual inquiry, and the education of the whole person. Located on a picturesque campus in Fairfield, Connecticut, the University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across five schools and colleges.
Fairfield is experiencing extraordinary institutional momentum. Undergraduate admissions have become increasingly competitive, with acceptance rates declining from approximately 67% to below 20% over the past decade. In the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, Fairfield climbed 30 places to No. 109 among National Universities. This upward trajectory has been accompanied by an expanding academic portfolio, including new graduate and doctoral programs, and continued investment in academic facilities and research.
Rooted in its Jesuit and Catholic identity, Fairfield fosters a learning environment that values rigorous scholarship, ethical leadership, and service to others. Its mission emphasizes the development of thoughtful leaders prepared to address complex challenges and contribute meaningfully to their professions and communities.
Living in the Area
Situated along Long Island Sound, Fairfield, Connecticut, offers an exceptional coastal New England lifestyle with convenient access to New York City. With five miles of shoreline and five beautiful beaches, including Jennings and Penfield Beaches, residents enjoy swimming, boating, and waterfront recreation throughout the warmer months. Fairfield's lively downtown features an appealing mix of restaurants, boutiques, and cultural attractions, while the historic village of Southport adds to the area's coastal charm. With convenient Metro-North rail service to Manhattan, Fairfield offers an attractive balance of seaside living, outdoor recreation, and access to the cultural and professional opportunities of the greater New York metropolitan area.
To Apply
For priority consideration, please apply by December 21, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled; however, review of applications received after the priority date is not guaranteed.
To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjy84jf5
Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.
Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.
Inquiries and questions: Please send to [email protected]
Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to [email protected].
Anticipated base salary hiring range: $121,366.19 to $163,923.32 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience, with an additional program director stipend of $7,500.
Benefits: Eligible employees may receive health and dental insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, tuition benefits, and other benefits in accordance with University policies. Additional information is available through Fairfield University Benefits.
Institutional Information
Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Category:
Academic - Faculty Tenure/Tenure Track
Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.
*Disclaimer
The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.
Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Eligible employees may receive health, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefits, and other benefits according to institutional policy. Fairfield University Benefits
