Campus News

Rockford University, the alma mater of Jane Addams, seeks a founding Director for the Bachelor’s in Social Work Program to begin in Fall 2025.  This is a full-time faculty position with 25% time allocated to administration of the BSW program and 75% of time allocated to traditional academic activities, including teaching (3 courses per semester), research and service. 

Successful candidates must have an MSW from a CSWE accredited program and be licensed or license-eligible in the State of Illinois (Ph.D. in social work preferred but not required).  Demonstrated excellence in teaching in a higher education setting preferred; experience in CSWE accreditation processes particularly desirable. The program director must have the ability to provide leadership through teaching, scholarship, curriculum development, administrative experience, and/or other academic and professional activities in social work.  

Rockford University is located within convenient commuting distance to Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison, WI in Rockford, IL, the second largest city in Illinois outside of the Chicago metropolitan area. Rockford University is a four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. We offer approximately 80 majors, minors and concentrations, and are home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States, as well as to NCAA Division III athletics teams.

Please submit via a single .pdf resume, cover letter, transcripts (official upon hire), and list of three professional references to HumanResources@rockford.edu . Review of resumes will begin immediately and continue until the position if filled. This fulltime, exempt opportunity offers an annual salary of $57,000-$58,000.

Our Benefits: Supporting You Every Step of the Way

We believe in taking care of our employees, which is why we offer a competitive benefits package that goes above and beyond. Here’s how we support your health, happiness, and future:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance to ensure you and your family stay healthy.
• Savings for Health & Dependent Care: Flexible savings options to manage healthcare and dependent care costs.
• Financial Protection: Life, AD&D, and disability insurance for peace of mind when life throws you a curveball.
• Retirement Security: 403(b) plan with employer contributions to help you build a secure future.
• Personal Support: Access to our Employee Assistance Program, offering resources for both personal and professional needs.
• Education Benefits: Tuition remission for full-time and part-time employees, their spouses, and dependents. We offer tuition remission both at Rockford University and other partnering colleges through a tuition exchange.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous time off to help you recharge and spend quality time with loved ones.

At Rockford University, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that values a well-rounded workforce and community. We welcome candidates who, through their professional experience, contribute to excellence in their work and enhance our institutional mission.