What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Director position at Meharry Medical College?
The Program Director is responsible for the overall management, and administration of the Genetic Counseling Program (Master Degree). They report to the Chair of the Department of Integrative Genomics and Epidemiology. They serve as Academic Advisor, assisting students in selecting courses, planning their academic journey, and meeting graduation requirements; synergize with the Office of Professional Development to provide guidance on career paths and opportunities; coordinate curriculum development and program assessment; and collaborate with faculty and staff to enhance program quality. The Program Director ensures that the program maintains compliance with the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) Standards and is aligned with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) requirements. The Director will provide strategic oversight to ensure academic excellence, program stability, and continuous improvement, while fostering a culture that represents the mission of Meharry Medical College to serve the underserved.
Essential Functions (Duties and Responsibilities) – Assign a percentage to each essential function (equal to 100%):
Program leadership (Administration)
Curriculum and Academic Oversight (Administration)
Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of the program’s curriculum ensuring alignment with the ACGC Standards (Section B), and SACSCOC academic principles.
Ensure that all curricular requirements are met, including teaching core competencies in genetics, counseling, and clinical practice.
30%
Job Description
This job description represents an overview of the job duties and responsibilities. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of
responsibilities. An employee should be capable of performing the duties as assigned by their supervisor with or without accommodations.
Provide academic advising to students and monitor their performance, implementing remediation plans as needed to support their success.
Coordinate program admissions, including recruitment strategies, admissions criteria, and evaluation processes.
Faculty and Staff Management
Coordinate, monitor, and evaluate all faculty and staff contributing to the program, ensuring they are supported in meeting the program’s goals and accreditation standards.
Provide guidance to faculty and staff on accessing required continuing education and professional development opportunities.
Contribute to faculty and staff annual performance reviews and encourage mentorship and collaboration among program personnel.
10%
Teaching and Clinical Supervision
Contribute to teaching within the program by delivering lectures, directing courses, leading discussions, or supervising clinical fieldwork as appropriate.
Foster partnerships with clinical sites and preceptors to ensure high-quality fieldwork training for students.
Provide counseling services to patients when required for research and clinical studies
30%
Other duties as assigned
=100%
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Previous experience as Program Director is desired.
Must be a Certified Genetic Counselor and maintain certification in good standing.
Demonstrated leadership experience in program management, curriculum development, or academic administration.
Strong commitment to Meharry’s mission with experience in developing related initiatives.
Familiarity with ACGC Standards and SACSCOC accreditation requirements is highly preferred.
Education And Experience
Must hold a PhD or Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from an ACGC-accredited program.
Environmental Conditions and Physical Demands
Usual office environment
Manual dexterity
Visual and auditory acuity
Able to sit, stand or walk for extended periods of time
Essential Functions (Duties and Responsibilities) – Assign a percentage to each essential function (equal to 100%):
Program leadership (Administration)
- Ensure compliance with ACGC standards of Accreditation and SACSCOC principles, including submitting the prospectus and other documentation needed for initial program accreditation and maintaining documentation, conducting reviews, and submitting required reports.
- Develop, implement, and continuously review the program’s strategic plan, encompassing the mission, vision, goals, and values.
- Lead the development and ongoing revision for the program, ensuring its success.
- Plan for the program’s long-term fiscal stability, including budget preparation, resource allocation, and funding initiatives.
- Serve as the primary liaison with the ACGC and SACSCOC, ensuring effective communication regarding program changes in staffing, administrative, financial, and/or fieldwork training changes.
- Convene and collaborate with the Program Advisory Board, integrating feedback to improve program outcomes.
Curriculum and Academic Oversight (Administration)
Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of the program’s curriculum ensuring alignment with the ACGC Standards (Section B), and SACSCOC academic principles.
Ensure that all curricular requirements are met, including teaching core competencies in genetics, counseling, and clinical practice.
30%
Job Description
This job description represents an overview of the job duties and responsibilities. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of
responsibilities. An employee should be capable of performing the duties as assigned by their supervisor with or without accommodations.
Provide academic advising to students and monitor their performance, implementing remediation plans as needed to support their success.
Coordinate program admissions, including recruitment strategies, admissions criteria, and evaluation processes.
Faculty and Staff Management
Coordinate, monitor, and evaluate all faculty and staff contributing to the program, ensuring they are supported in meeting the program’s goals and accreditation standards.
Provide guidance to faculty and staff on accessing required continuing education and professional development opportunities.
Contribute to faculty and staff annual performance reviews and encourage mentorship and collaboration among program personnel.
10%
Teaching and Clinical Supervision
Contribute to teaching within the program by delivering lectures, directing courses, leading discussions, or supervising clinical fieldwork as appropriate.
Foster partnerships with clinical sites and preceptors to ensure high-quality fieldwork training for students.
Provide counseling services to patients when required for research and clinical studies
30%
Other duties as assigned
=100%
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Previous experience as Program Director is desired.
Must be a Certified Genetic Counselor and maintain certification in good standing.
Demonstrated leadership experience in program management, curriculum development, or academic administration.
Strong commitment to Meharry’s mission with experience in developing related initiatives.
Familiarity with ACGC Standards and SACSCOC accreditation requirements is highly preferred.
Education And Experience
Must hold a PhD or Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from an ACGC-accredited program.
Environmental Conditions and Physical Demands
Usual office environment
Manual dexterity
Visual and auditory acuity
Able to sit, stand or walk for extended periods of time
