Founding Physician Assistant Program Director

Summary

The Founding Physician Assistant (PA) Program Director will lead the development, accreditation, and launch of a new PA program. This role oversees all academic, administrative, and operational functions to ensure program quality, compliance, and long-term success.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the design, planning, and implementation of the PA program, including curriculum development, assessment strategies, and program policies.
• Oversee the ARC-PA accreditation process, including preparation of the application, self-study reports, and site visit coordination.
• Establish the program's vision, mission, and long-term strategic goals in alignment with institutional priorities.
• Recruit, hire, mentor, and evaluate faculty and staff.
• Ensure compliance with ARC-PA standards, institutional policies, and state/federal regulations.
• Develop and manage program budgets, resource allocation, and operational planning.
• Oversee student admissions processes, academic progression, and program evaluation.
• Foster a culture of academic excellence, professionalism, and student-centered learning.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clinical partners to secure high-quality clinical rotation sites.
• Collaborate with the Director of Clinical Education to ensure clinical experience meets program and accreditation standards.
• Teach within the PA curriculum as appropriate.
• Engage in scholarly activity, professional development, and service to the institution and profession.
• Represent the program within the institution and to external stakeholders.
• Promote the program's visibility and reputation through community outreach, professional organizations, and partnerships.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an ARC-PA-accredited PA program.
• Master's degree required, doctoral degree preferred.
• Current NCCPA certification (or equivalent for physicians).
• Eligible for licensure as a PA (or physician) in Pennsylvania.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in PA education, including leadership or administrative roles.
• Demonstrated experience with ARC-PA accreditation processes.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Supervisory Duties

None, initially. After the hire, the program director will supervisor appropriate administrative support and, at the appropriate time, a clinical director and faculty within the program.

Disclaimer

The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the position.

Job Description Status

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are illustrative ones anticipated for this position. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Washington & Jefferson College reserves the right to amend or change this job description to meet the needs of its programs. This job description and any attachments do not constitute or represent a contract.

Application Instructions

Apply for this job at https://washjeff.applicantpro.com/jobs/. Please submit a cover letter and resume. It is recommended that all documents be in PDF format and uploaded at one time. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Employee Benefits

Washington & Jefferson College offers a comprehensive benefit package for benefit eligible employees; including health, vision, and dental coverage, group life insurance, AD&D and LTD coverage, retirement plan, generous leave time, and the tuition benefit programs. These benefits add significantly to the employee's total compensation package.

Getting to Know W&J

Washington & Jefferson College is the best of both worlds: a small-town college setting in historic Washington, Pa., with easy access to the bustling business and cultural districts of nearby Pittsburgh, Pa. just 30 miles to the north. Founded in 1781, W&J College is a private, residential liberal arts college that is focused on student success. Our dedicated, experienced professors are passionate about teaching and work closely with our students to ensure that they receive a quality, comprehensive education. For more than 200 years, our alumni have influenced change in business, politics, medicine, and the arts and sciences as CEOs, lawyers, doctors, researchers, writers, teachers, and in many other equally worthy professions.

Celebrating Community

Washington & Jefferson College welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs who wish to participate in a diverse educational community. The College strives to be a place where all students, faculty, administrators and employees are able to live, study and work in an atmosphere free from bias and harassment. The College encourages civil debate and lively exchange of ideas in the belief that such exchanges promote understanding that will grow beyond simple tolerance of difference to embracing and celebrating the richness of diversity. Our graduates acquire knowledge and learn skills that help them thrive in a culturally diverse world.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender identity, or national origin.