Organization Overview
The Ackerman Institute for the Family was founded in 1960, and is one of the premier institutions for family therapy treatment, and one of the most highly regarded training facilities for family therapists in the United States. The Institute serves a diverse population of families at all stages of family life by offering a variety of programs that address a broad range of issues and concerns. The faculty at the Institute have achieved national prominence and earned national awards for the development of innovative approaches to family therapy and professional training.
Position Summary
The Ackerman Institute for the Family is entering a transformational chapter. As we shape Ackerman 2.0, we are establishing a bold new leadership position: Vice President of Training and Student Life.
This is a strategic, senior-level position responsible for shaping and overseeing the entire training ecosystem—from admissions through student experience to graduation. This includes leading the design and execution of all training programs, integrating student life, and leveraging technology and internal data to propel Ackerman to the forefront of clinical education in couple and family therapy. The VP will also take responsibility for all master’s-level initiatives including the Practicum, masters-level BIPOC programming, and other educational tracks designed to engage emerging behavioral health professionals.
This is a big job that requires creativity, collaboration, organizational strength, and consistent execution. The VP will help revamp the Institute’s structure and strategy around education, working closely with the leadership team to:
- Build a robust pipeline for master’s-level trainees through practicum and other entry programs
- Provide continuity and excellence for post-graduate students already in the system
- Develop a new structure for the graduate-level and post-graduate programs aligned with future training demands
The VP will also play a key role in the intellectual and academic integration of the Institute’s new innovations, projects, and centers. This includes collaborating with Directors of Projects and Centers to embed their work into the broader training ecosystem. The role may include a reporting structure where project directors report to the VP to ensure alignment with educational direction and institutional strategy.
This includes working closely with the Development/Strategy and Finance leaders to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and long-term sustainability. The VP will collaborate with Project and Center Directors to integrate their work into the broader training and academic ecosystem. Over time, this role may include a formal reporting structure to ensure consistency, accountability, and impact.
Essential Job Functions
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Development of Training Programs
- Redesign the flagship postgraduate training program to meet the current and future needs of behavioral health students and professionals
- Manage the development and delivery of practicum, postgraduate training, and other master’s-level programs
- Ensure all curriculum meets the mission and goals of the Institute
- Work closely with Clinic Directors to ensure all training activities comply with clinical standards and obligations
- Supervise Faculty and Student Life Leaders
- Mentor and support training faculty through pedagogical and structural evolution
- Oversee the Dean of Admissions and Student Life to ensure seamless student engagement, development, and retention
- Advance Technological and Data-Driven Innovation
- Evaluate and adopt learning technologies (e.g., hybrid platforms, asynchronous content, AI integration)
- Use institutional data to refine strategy, demonstrate impact, and position Ackerman as a leader in clinical education
- Oversee Certificate Programs
- Ensure alignment of certificate programs with postgraduate and institutional training goals
- Foster Cross-Departmental Partnerships
- Collaborate with ARA, Clinic, Research, Continuing Education, Development, and Marketing to ensure cohesive operations and messaging
- Partner with project and center directors to support integration of projects into core academic strategy and operations
- Position Ackerman as a Thought Leader
- Contribute to public discourse and professional leadership in the field of couple and family therapy education
Strategic Priorities (2025–2026)
- Lead a redesign of Ackerman’s postgraduate training experience for the 2026 cohort
- Significantly build out the practicum program to increase scope, reach, and impact
- Maintain and support current trainees in the core training program and other active educational programs
- Develop additional educational programs for postgraduate behavioral health trainees
- Oversee and grow master’s-level entry programs (e.g. practicum and BIPOC-specific programming)
- Lead the partnership between training, admissions, and student life to ensure alignment and continuity
- Actively participate in the adoption of relevant technology and data strategies to elevate educational delivery and performance tracking
- Partner with all key departments to shape and execute a clear educational vision for Ackerman 2.0
- Support the integration and strategic alignment of Ackerman’s projects and centers with core training goals
Who You Are
- A visionary educational leader with expertise in family systems and postgraduate training
- Comfortable working across teams and structures to unify goals and deliver results
- Experienced in using digital tools and educational technologies to drive learning
- Dedicated to inclusive, equity-centered approaches in clinical education
- Strategic, creative, and action-oriented with a deep sense of organizational purpose
Qualifications
- Strong background in family therapy, systemic thinking, and educational delivery models (LCSW, LMFT, PhD, PsyD, MD) preferred
- At least 10 years of experience in postgraduate clinical training and supervision
- Proven experience in program development, academic leadership, and innovation
- Knowledge of hybrid education methods and data-informed evaluation
- Personable, organized, and able to manage multiple institutional priorities
Work Environment
- This position is 4 days in office and 1 day remote/hybrid
Compensation
- Salary: $160,000-$170,000
Welcoming Diversity
The Ackerman Institute for the Family provides equal opportunities to all individuals without regard to race, religion, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. It does not discriminate based on any status protected by law. This policy applies to all employment, education, volunteer, and clinical care related activities or in any other aspect of the Institute’s operation. Black, Indigenous, and people of color; trans, non-binary, and intersex people, especially transwomen; those from poor and working-class backgrounds, immigrants, people with disabilities; as well as people at the intersections of these experiences are highly encouraged to apply.
To Apply
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Human Resources at: jnazario@ackerman.org, Subject: “Vice President of Training & Student Life.” Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.