Associate Professor of Social Work/Bachelor of Social Work Program Director

• Position Details
• University of Colorado | Denver
• Faculty Level/Title: Associate Professor of Social Work
• Working Title: Associate Professor of Social Work/Bachelor of Social Work Program Director
• FTE: Full-time or part-time: Full-Time
• Salary Range: $90,000-$95,000
• Position #00829856 – Requisition #38005
• Join the University of Colorado Denver

About the University of Colorado - Denver 
Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We’re the state’s premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top ranked bachelors, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners—at any stage of their life and career—for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state’s largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu. 

• Job Description
• * Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *

The University of Colorado Denver’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program will be an undergraduate degree delivered in a hybrid format to prepare students for entry-level, professional, generalist social work practice and for graduate social work education. Located in the Department of Sociology within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), the BSW will utilize an interdisciplinary approach to capture both an academic liberal arts emphasis and the necessary knowledge and skills to enter professional social work practice. The program is expected to begin enrolling students in Spring 2027.  

The Sociology Department, located in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, has 11 rostered faculty, including 7 tenured or tenure-track faculty members. Sociology has approximately 100 undergraduate majors and 20 MA students. Faculty specializations include law & policy, criminology, health & medicine, and families. We are committed to inclusive excellence in our teaching and mentoring and through the programs we offer our students. The department is dedicated to increasing the diversity of our community and our curriculum.  
CU Denver is a public urban research university located in the heart of Denver that is classified by Carnegie as a Research 1 institution. We are a productive faculty that provides both undergraduate and MA students with hands-on learning experiences through internship and research opportunities. 

The regular teaching load is 2 courses per semester, which may be reduced for an initial period, and faculty have access to excellent resources to support research. CU Denver is the most diverse research university in Colorado where more than half of first-year students are students of color and/or first-generation-to-college. 

The Department of Sociology at the University of Colorado Denver invites applications for a tenure track Associate Professor of Social Work and Program Director for its new Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program. The position is located in Denver, Colorado and is not remote. This is a full-time (9 months) faculty appointment with summer availability. The position will start in Summer 2026.  

The Department seeks a dynamic-scholar-teacher-administrator with a track record of success managing a social work degree program with a significant online presence. The incoming BSW Program Director will oversee the launch of CU Denver’s BSW degree.  
The typical time allocation for tenure-track faculty at the University of Colorado Denver is 40% teaching (equivalent to 4 classes per year, 2 classes in each fall and spring semester), 40% research, and 20% service. The BSW Program Directorship is an administrative role compensated by a 20% release in teaching responsibility (equivalent to 2 classes per year, 1 class in each fall and spring semester) and 1.5 months of summer salary. The successful candidate will be prepared to teach required courses within the BSW curriculum. The position requires a flexible teaching schedule to include day and evening classes as well as the ability to teach in a variety of formats (e.g., face-to-face, hybrid, and online). This position reports to the Chair of Sociology.   

In addition to possessing a record of effective leadership in a social work program, the successful candidate will have established success in mentoring students of diverse ethnicities, nationalities, and genders, including first-generation undergraduates; be familiar with successful strategies for delivering social work curriculum online; and possess the capacity for working collaboratively with department and campus colleagues. They must also possess an established record of research and scholarship. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills and a demonstrated commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice are also required.  

• Associate Professor of Social Work/Bachelor of Social Work Program Director
• What you will do:
• Serve as the principal representative of the BSW program to the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Oversee the BSW program’s accreditation with CSWE.
• Work with departmental faculty on the BSW assessment plan.
• Recruit and retain students in the program.
• Collaborate with the department chair to hire additional BSW faculty as needed.
• Schedule BSW courses each semester.
• Coordinate with the department chair on the evaluation of program faculty.
• Make and maintain relationships with social work professionals and social service organizations in the community and region. 
• Teach 6 credits of core social work courses per academic year.
• Participate in departmental, college, and campus committees as required.
• Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)
• Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
• A doctorate in social work or a doctorate in sociology or a closely related field.
• At least 3 years or more of post-MSW social work practice and leadership experience.
• An established record of research and scholarship.

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience with online teaching and distance education programs 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.
• Strong administrative, leadership, management and supervisory knowledge and skills.
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to engage and work with diverse stakeholders in the department, college, university, and larger community. 

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu.

• Compensation and Benefits
• The salary range for this position has been established at $90,000-$95,000 
• The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
• The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
• This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
• Benefits statement to include in all benefits-eligible positions. See Eligibility Matrix.
• Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to complete applications received by January 1, 2026 at 11:59:00 PM. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered. 

• Required Application Materials:
• To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:
• A cover letter indicating how the applicant meets this position’s required and preferred qualifications. 
• Curriculum vitae 
• A statement describing the applicant’s leadership experience and philosophy 
• A statement describing the applicant’s research interests and accomplishments  
• A statement describing the applicant’s teaching experience and philosophy  
• Evidence of excellence in teaching, including course evaluations, sample syllabi, or other materials 
• Contact information for at least three references who would be able to provide letters of recommendation upon request 

Questions should be directed to Jennifer Reich, jennifer.reich@ucdenver.edu. 

Background Check Policy
The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.