Program Director - Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism, Center for Disabilities Studies, University of Delaware

The Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (DNEA) at the Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS) improves the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families across the lifespan through training, technical assistance, and information dissemination. Its activities are undertaken in a collaborative manner with state and community stakeholders. Through its work, the DNEA leverages the interdisciplinary expertise in ASD and across multiple fields within the Center for Disabilities Studies, as well as partner organizations, in order to maximize impact. The DNEA has significant opportunities for growth through the expansion of state-based training contracts, the development of research protocols, and the solicitation of federal and foundation funding.

The Program Director of the Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (DNEA) provides conceptual and administrative leadership for all DNEA activities. The Program Director has primary responsibility for developing, implementing, and managing the DNEA; maintaining effective communication and collaboration with the Interagency Committee for Autism (ICA); facilitating the support of the DNEA through grants and contracts; establishing innovative practices that can be disseminated on state, national and international levels; providing the translational pivot between research and application; cultivating relationships with University, federal, state, and community partners; conducting training and technical assistance; and influencing policy and practice to enhance the positive impact on individuals with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities, as well as their families. The DNEA Program Director develops and promotes collaborative ventures with and among stakeholders across the state and nation.

The Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS) promotes increased access, opportunity and accomplishment among people with disabilities-across ages and life domains-through its multifaceted research, training and service portfolio. CDS is one of 67 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) nationwide, and is the largest research and public service center in the College of Education and Human Development. The Center's current programmatic units focus on transition to adult life, health and wellness, PreK-12 education, assistive technology, and interdisciplinary training via the Disability Studies minor and the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program. The Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (DNEA) is a program that both contributes to and draws upon the existing programmatic units in its work with the community. CDS works in close collaboration with federal agencies and organizations, state agencies, other units at the University of Delaware, community organizations, service providers, individuals with disabilities, and their families.

Major Responsibilities

• Provides vision, develops long-term objectives, devises and implements processes and practices, and makes operating decisions that affect the DNEA;
• Assists internal and external stakeholders in the application of knowledge to practice, the implementation of evidence-based practice, and the translation of practical challenges into questions for empirical investigation;
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships and collaborations with state and federal agencies, as well as national and community organizations, to expand influence and impact;
• Assesses the quality of training and technical assistance implementation and integrity of data collection. Provides solutions, suggestions, or alternatives in order to ensure high quality service delivery and data collection.
• Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates DNEA staff, including professional staff, graduate assistants and undergraduate students;
• Manages and has fiscal responsibility for activities supervised;
• Identifies and pursues external funding in order to establish and maintain a strong program of service and research. Develops funding applications and prepares reports required by granting agencies.
• Provides training and technical assistance through the DNEA to state and community providers, schools, and agencies;
• Exercises a high degree of creativity, foresight, and judgment in planning, organizing, and guiding activities of importance;
• Fosters research and programmatic collaboration among units at the University of Delaware;

Qualifications
Master's degree, Ph.D. preferred, and five years of experience in a discipline closely aligned with the scope of the project, such as a health-related discipline, psychology, or education. Background in training, services, and/or research methods in support of people with autism spectrum disorders and their families.

How to Apply:
Special Requirements:
Ability to drive to off-campus locations.

For a complete list of requirements and job duties and to apply online, please visit the UDJOBS website at www.udel.edu/udjobs Job ID 104393.

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women, Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University's Notice of Non-Discrimination can be seen at: www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html