POSITION DESCRIPTION

• |
• Full Time

The University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) is a vibrant, urban, public R1 research university with a strong commitment to access, innovation, and student success. UMKC offers more than 125 academic programs across 16 schools and colleges, including highly regarded Schools of Medicine, Law, and Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences. Situated in the heart of Kansas City, UMKC serves a diverse student body and is deeply embedded in the cultural, healthcare, and economic life of the region. The Department of Psychological Sciences houses APA-accredited doctoral programs in Counseling Psychology and Psychology, creating a rich academic and clinical ecosystem in which Counseling Services plays a critical role.

University Counseling Services is central to UMKC’s commitment to student well-being and persistence. As student mental health needs continue to grow in complexity, scale, and visibility, UMKC is investing in a comprehensive, forward-looking approach to counseling and psychological services, one that emphasizes accessibility, prevention, collaboration, and clinical excellence. The University views Counseling Services not simply as a support unit, but as a strategic partner in advancing retention, equity, and student success.

UMKC seeks a visionary and entrepreneurial Director of Counseling Services to lead the next chapter of this essential function. This role offers a rare opportunity for an experienced leader to design, build, and implement a modern counseling services model within a supportive research university environment. The Director will work closely with senior leadership and campus partners to shape a clear vision, strengthen infrastructure, and introduce innovative service delivery models that reflect national best practices in higher education mental health. The position is ideally suited for a leader who thrives in environments that value creativity, strategic thinking, and purposeful change and who is energized by the opportunity to leave a lasting institutional legacy.

Embracing a holistic and population-based approach to mental health, the Director will lead efforts that expand prevention, outreach, and early intervention while ensuring the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based clinical services. The role also offers the opportunity to deepen integration with academic programs, particularly the APA-accredited doctoral and internship training programs, strengthening UMKC’s reputation as a leader in both student care and professional training.

The Director of Counseling Services is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the Roo Wellness/ Counseling Services, including the development and implementation of campus-wide mental health initiatives; supervision, mentorship, and development of clinical staff and trainees; delivery of clinical services; and administrative oversight of the APA-accredited psychology internship program. The Director will serve as a key thought partner to university leadership, helping to shape policies, partnerships, and long-term strategies that position UMKC at the forefront of student mental health innovation. 

Candidates should via the university’s webpage and include a CV and Cover letter. Later in the search process, additional information may be sought from interested candidates, along with names and contact information for at least 5 references. Candidates will be notified before references are contacted.

Nominations and inquiries of interest may be sent in confidence to the University’s search partner:

Anna Cramer, Senior HR Consultant at umhrexecutivesearch@umsystem.edu

Apply Online via the university’s webpage, Job ID 58212: https://erecruit.umsystem.edu/psc/tamext/KCITY/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&SiteId=7&FOCUS=Applicant&JobOpeningId=58212&PostingSeq=1

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.