Senior Director, Educator Preparation

Title: Senior Director, Educator Preparation

Employee Classification: Sr Program Director

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Provost

SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Education

Department: UNT-Education-Ed Prep-132230

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Commensurate with experience

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview
Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year. We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team. Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.

Department Summary
The Department of Teacher Education and Administration seeks to improve educational practice through the generation of knowledge and to prepare education professionals who serve all students. It focuses on the preparation of EC-6 secondary educators and school administrators who employ current theory and research.

Position Overview
The Senior Director of Educator Preparation serves as the chief operational and strategic leader of the University of North Texas Educator Preparation Office (EPO). This role is responsible for ensuring program excellence, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency across all educator preparation pathways.

The Senior Director provides end-to-end leadership across clinical practice, certification and accountability, and student success, ensuring alignment with university priorities and full compliance with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). The position acts as the primary institutional authority for EPO operations, data reporting, and state accountability.

This role is both strategic and execution-focused, driving continuous improvement, strengthening PK–12 partnerships, and ensuring candidates are prepared, supported, and successful from admission through certification and employment. Additional responsibilities include managing departmental resources, advising college leadership on regulatory and programmatic initiatives, and leading strategic projects that support the mission and growth of the college's educator preparation programs.

This role reports directly to the Chair of the Department of Teacher Education & Administration, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Dean of the College of Education, ensuring alignment across departmental and college leadership.

Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in a related field and 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in program administration, operations, higher education administration, or a related field, including 3 years of supervisory or leadership experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
* Knowledge of university policies, procedures, and administrative operations.
* Knowledge of applicable federal, state, accreditation, and regulatory requirements.
* Demonstrated strategic leadership and organizational management skills.
* Strong financial management and budget administration skills.
* Ability to develop long-range strategic initiatives and operational plans.
* Ability to evaluate organizational effectiveness through assessment methodologies, data analysis, and performance metrics.
* Strong leadership, coaching, and staff development skills.
* Excellent project and change management skills.
* Ability to build collaborative partnerships across internal and external stakeholders.
* Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
* Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications
Earned doctorate in Education or closely related field

Experience in an equivalent senior leadership role

Experience working within Texas educator preparation programs and TEA requirements

Experience serving as TEA EPP Legal Authority or in a comparable compliance leadership role

Proven success leading accreditation or state approval reviews

Strong background in data systems, accountability, and program evaluation

Experience leading organizational restructuring or operational transformation

Required License/Registration/Certifications
Job Duties
Strategic Oversight: Lead all educator preparation programs, managing 11 staff members and organizational design. Legal Authority: Serve as primary TEA contact and official legal authority for state compliance. TAC Alignment: Ensure strict adherence to Texas Administrative Code (TAC) rules for admissions and accountability. Mandatory Reporting: Oversee all ASEP submissions, Title II reporting, and 5-year continuing approval reviews. ECOS Management: Direct candidate recommendation processes and ensure data integrity via the ECOS system. Data-Driven Strategy: Build integrated data systems to track candidate progression and program outcomes. %Field Experiences: Oversee all clinical teaching, field placements, internships, and residency pathways. District Alliances: Establish strategic K-12 partnerships and manage MOUs across North Texas. Pipeline Innovation: Strengthen teacher pipelines through innovative "grow-your-own" and residency models. Holistic Support: Manage student success models spanning advising, TExES preparation, and job placement. Stakeholder Engagement: Chair the mandated EPO Advisory Committee and engage regional community stakeholders. Operational Efficiency: Streamline workflows and administrative structures to eliminate redundancy and increase clarity.
 
Physical RequirementsCommunicating with others to exchange information.
Environmental HazardsNo adverse environmental conditions expected.
Work ScheduleMonday-Friday 8am-5pm
Driving University VehicleNo
Security SensitiveThis is a Security Sensitive Position.
Special InstructionsApplicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.
BenefitsFor information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement
The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.