Director of Counseling

The Counseling Director provides strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and clinical supervision for the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) counseling department, leading a team of six counselors and dedicated support staff. Serving as a primary liaison between campus stakeholders and community mental health networks, this role balances departmental governance with direct student care-including clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment, crisis management, and cross-campus consultation.

Location and Work environment: This is an in-person role located in Duluth, MN.

Work Schedule: Typical work weeks are 40 hours and will follow the standard University working hours.

Primary Responsibilities:

Administration and Operations (30%)

• Staff Supervision & Development: Recruit, orient, supervise, and evaluate clinical and administrative staff; conduct annual performance reviews and oversee professional development.

• Operational & Financial Governance: Manage departmental budgets, allocate resources, and oversee daily office operations and database systems.

• Accreditation & Compliance: Maintain accreditation standards (e.g., IACS, AAAHC) and ensure institutional compliance with professional ethical guidelines (APA, NASW).

• Quality Assurance & Standards: Establish clinical protocols, intake procedures, documentation standards, and clinical competency assessments to ensure quality care.

• Data & Trend Analysis: Monitor service utilization patterns, emerging student mental health trends, and clinical outcomes to optimize resource allocation.

• Other duties as assigned

Leadership, Strategic Vision, and Program Development (25%)

• Strategic Alignment: Define departmental vision and align clinical services, policy, and scope with university-wide strategic goals and health frameworks (e.g., Okanagan Charter).

• Inclusive Care Initiatives: Design and adapt service delivery models to actively reduce barriers to care for marginalized and underrepresented student populations.

• Assessment & Evaluation: Lead departmental assessment and evaluation, analyze departmental data, create departmental reports and utilize outcomes to drive continuous improvement.

• Departmental Representation: Serve as the chief spokesperson for student mental health initiatives across campus.

Direct Client Care and Clinical Services (25%)

• Clinical Practice: Provide direct individual, group, and relationship psychotherapy to UMD students using evidence-based modalities.

• Crisis Response: Lead clinical crisis interventions and emergency risk assessments for individual student emergencies and campus-wide critical incidents.

• Clinical Supervision: Provide direct and/or indirect clinical supervision and training for staff and graduate trainees (e.g., MSW practicum students) as capacity allows.

Consultation, Partnerships, and Outreach (20%)

• Campus & Community Consultation: Serve as the primary mental health consultant to university administration, faculty, staff, parents, and campus health services.

• Interdepartmental Collaboration: Represent the counseling center on critical campus bodies (e.g., Student Care Team, Sexual Misconduct Prevention Committee, Systemwide Mental Health Networks).

• External Partnerships: Establish and sustain referral networks and collaborative relationships with community mental health agencies and local practitioners.

• Outreach & Prevention: Oversee and deliver mental health education, workshops, and prevention programming for students, student leaders (e.g., RAs, orientation leaders), and faculty.

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by October 21st.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least eight years of experience, or an advanced degree plus at least five years of experience, or a terminal degree plus at least two years of experience;

• Must have or obtain Minnesota licensure (LICSW, LP, LMFT, LPCC) within six months of start date and maintain license throughout duration of employment;

• Expert knowledge of the mental health needs and concerns of young adults;

• Demonstrated ability working with a range of culturally and ethnically diverse populations, and evidence of commitment to fostering equity, inclusion, and a collaborative multicultural environment; and

• Excellent written, oral, and digital communication skills;

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD or PsyD in social work, counseling, psychology or related field;

• Experience administering mental health services including crisis intervention and emergency management in a university setting;

• Two years of experience with supervising professional staff in a clinical setting;

• Board certification to provide licensure supervision;

• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic plans;

• Experience with promoting holistic wellbeing within a broad organizational structure

UMD Counseling Services supports student retention, personal development, and overall well-being through the provision of mental health services. Licensed therapists within the department help students navigate life transitions and mental health challenges, to reach their academic and personal goals. Operating on a strength-based, brief psychotherapy model, the department delivers free, confidential care including clinical assessments, individual therapy and support/psychoeducational groups, drop-in consultations ("Let's Talk"), crisis response and clinical case management. The department also serves the greater campus by providing consultation and mental health training as appropriate. Departmental practices are guided by core values of compassion, professional integrity, relationship-building, and a commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive environment for students of all intersecting identities.

Pay Range: $85,000.00-$95,000.00 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.