Program Director, Physician Assistant Program

POSITION SUMMARY:  The Program Director is a member of the faculty (rank commensurate with experience) who also holds an administrative appointment related to managing the PA program.  The Program Director is responsible for the oversight of all aspects of the Physician Assistant Program.  It is expected that the Program Director provides effective and responsive leadership towards ensuring the program consistently meets student learning outcomes and the graduate competencies. The incumbent is responsible for compliance with ARC-PA Accreditation Standards through continuous review and analysis of programmatic assessment.    The Program Director’s responsibilities include classroom instruction, day‐to‐day program operations, assisting students toward successful program completion, and staffing the classroom with instructors who support the mission of the University. The Program Director is co‐responsible with the Campus Dean of Academic Affairs for the fiscal well‐being of the program providing ongoing assessment of the budgetary needs and communicating unexpected fiscal needs as they arise.   The Program Director must ensure that the South University philosophy is considered in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of this position, which includes quality services to clients; development, growth, involvement, and recognition of employees; sound economic principles; and maintenance of an environment which is conducive to innovation, positive thinking, and expansion. This position offers a $10,000 sign-on bonus.      KEY JOB ELEMENTS: Oversees accreditation activities and assures full compliance with federal, state, and accrediting body standards (ARC-PA, SACSCOC) and regulations, as well as adhering to all policies and procedures. Provides teaching and instruction in the PA program to meet the instructional needs of the program including: Overseeing coordination of instruction for didactic courses. Lecturing in areas of clinical and/or professional expertise. Serving as a small group facilitator, and facilitating remediation as needed. Designs and delivers instruction in alignment with the South University model. Oversees continuous program evaluation and analysis, curriculum evaluation, analysis and revision, and mission statement review. Responsible for providing appropriate support for the accurate completion and timely submission of internal/external reports (e.g., accreditation, credentialing, course observations, and annual faculty/staff evaluations), programmatic fees and documentation, and university processes as necessary. Oversees faculty coordination by effectively managing coursework, clinical site development, and workload of all PA program faculty through demonstration of program organization according to the policies and procedures of the University Supervises the daily operations of the program. Responsible for the recruitment and retention of faculty and staff. Provides effective management and leadership through responsiveness to issues related to personnel, strong communication skills, and proactive problem solving with resolutions according to South University policies and procedures. Oversees program development and planning with proper fiscal management in collaboration with the Campus Leadership Team.                                                                       Administers the program, program/department initiatives designed to achieve student outcomes, and Campus/community relations. Relates professional/clinical experience to learning by continuing professional/ clinical skills development, and introducing professional/clinical perspective into courses. Promotes student success by showing flexibility and exhibiting a passion for teaching and students while ensuring a positive educational experience. Notifies expected or unexpected substantive change within the program and of any change in institutional accreditation status or legal authority to provide postsecondary education. Engages in service, community and campus relations, and scholarly activities appropriate to the role of the Program Director. Oversees the Program Advisory Council (PAC) process including selecting members and facilitating meetings at least twice per year. Participates in faculty development opportunities each year as required in the areas of teaching and academic administration and advocates for faculty professional development. Manages the operations of student professional organizations. The Program Director is co-responsible with the PA Department Chair and the Dean of the College of Health Professions for accreditation activities on their campus.  A minimum of 80% of time is devoted to academic and administrative responsibilities in support of the PA program. Adheres to university policies and performs instructional duties as assigned and outlined in the job description and in accordance with the provisions of Faculty Supplement to the South University Employee Handbook. Communicates consistently and effectively with supervisors, University administrators, faculty, and other South University departments. Manages the learning environment through keeping accurate records and enforcing academic policies consistent with the University, College/School, and Campus. Assists with other responsibilities as determined by the Campus Dean of Academic Affairs, the Dean of the College of Health Professions, and the PA Department Chair. JOB REQUIREMENTS: At least 3 years of full-time higher education experience at the time of appointment is required. A minimum of two years successful performance in a full-time university-level teaching role and prior management experience in higher education or in another organization within the program director’s discipline. Graduation from an accredited PA program. Terminal degree as a Physician Assistant. Current or emeritus NCCPA certification. PAs with active certification must be eligible for state licensure or hold an active, valid, and unencumbered state license in the state where they are assigned. Two years of leadership experience in higher education or another organization within the program’s discipline is required. Five years of clinical experience is required. Strong leadership skills. Proactive problem solving. Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to build successful relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the community. Excellent time management, attention to detail, and organizational skills. Excellent critical thinking, conflict resolution, and decision‐making skills. Excellent teaching skills as evidenced in prior teaching evaluations. Computer based skills (i.e., software, analytical, and report writing skills) and experience with computerized learning management systems.   WORK ENVIRONMENT:                                                                                                                  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The term "qualified individual with a disability" means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the position.   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate professionally in person, over the telephone, through email, video conference, and other electronic means, move about the office or school, handle various types of media and equipment, and visually or otherwise identify, observe and assess.                                                                                   South University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student and graduate success. We are committed to building and developing a diverse environment where a variety of ideas, cultures and perspectives can thrive.