Program Director - Physician Assistant Program

Position Summary

The Program Director is a member of the faculty (rank commensurate with experience) who also holds a key administrative role overseeing all aspects of the Physician Assistant (PA) program. This individual is expected to provide effective and responsive leadership to ensure the program consistently meets student learning outcomes and the graduate competencies.

The Program Director is responsible for maintaining compliance with ARC-PA Accreditation Standards through continuous program assessment, critical analysis, and quality improvement. The role includes supervision and support of all program faculty and staff, including the Medical Director.

Key responsibilities include program organization and administration, fiscal oversight, and effective communication. The Program Director participates in classroom instruction, daily program operations, student support, and recruitment and retention of qualified instructors who align with the University’s mission.

In partnership with the Campus Director, Dean of Academic Affairs and Operations, the Program Director share responsibility for the program’s fiscal health, including ongoing budget evaluation and communication of any unanticipated financial needs.

The Program Director must integrate the South University philosophy into all aspects of the role, delivering quality service, fostering employee growth and recognition, upholding sound economic practices and maintaining and environment that encourages innovation collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Essential Functions

Ensures compliance with all federal, and state regulations, accrediting body standards (including ARC-PA and SACSCOC), as well as institutional policies and procedures. Leads all accreditation-related activities for the program.

Provides teaching and instructional support in the PA program to meet academic and professional standards, including:

• Coordination and delivery of didactic coursework.
• Teaching in areas of clinical and/or professional expertise.
• Overseeing targeted academic support and remediation.
• Designs and delivers instruction in alignment with the South University model.

Leads ongoing program evaluation and continuous quality improvement, including curriculum analysis and revision, and mission statement review.

Ensures timely and accurate submission of internal and external reports (e. g., accreditation documentation, credentialing, course observations, and annual faculty/staff evaluations), programmatic fees, and university processes as necessary.

Oversees faculty coordination by effectively managing teaching assignments, clinical site development, and faculty workload in alignment with university policies and procedures and accreditation requirements.

• Directs the daily operations of the program.
• Leads recruitment, hiring, and retention of program faculty and staff.
• Demonstrates effective leadership through responsiveness to issues related to personnel, strong communication skills, and proactive problem solving in accordance with to South University policies and procedures.
• Collaborates with the Campus Leadership Team to guide program development, planning, and fiscal management.

Administers program and departmental initiatives to support student outcomes and foster strong campus and community relationships.

Maintains clinical/professional expertise and integrates real-world experience into instruction to enrich student learning.

Promotes student success through flexibility, enthusiasm for teaching, and a commitment to providing a positive educational experience.

Notifies the institution of any anticipated or unanticipated substantive changes within the program or in institutional accreditation status or legal authority to provide postsecondary education.

Engages in service activities, community engagement, campus relations, and scholarly work appropriate to the role of Program Director.

• Oversees the Program Advisory Council (PAC) including member selection and facilitation of biannual meetings.
• Engages in ongoing professional development in teaching and academic administration; supports and advocates for faculty development opportunities.
• Oversees the operations of student professional organizations within the program.

Shares responsibility for all campus accreditation activities with the PA Department Chair and the Dean of the College of Health Professions.

The Program Director is assigned to the program on a 12-month, 1.0 FTE, full-time basis, and at least 50% of that time is devoted to administrative responsibilities for the program.

Complies with university policies and fulfills instructional responsibilities as assigned and outlined in Faculty Supplement to the South University Employee Handbook.

Maintains effective communication with supervisors, University administrators, faculty, and other South University departments.

Manages the academic environment by maintaining accurate records and enforcing academic policies consistent with the University, College, and campus standards.

Performs additional duties as assigned by the Campus Director/Dean of Academic Affairs and Operations, the Dean of the College of Health Professions, or the PA Department Chair.

Required Qualifications

Education/Certifications

• 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.

Experience

• Two years of clinical experience is required, five years is preferred.
• At least 3 years of full-time higher education experience at the time of appointment is required.
• Two years of leadership experience in higher education or another organization within the program’s discipline 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.

Lead and collaborate effectively within teams and across departments.

Interpret, implement, and ensure compliance with accreditation standards, academic policies, state agency regulations, and institutional procedures.

Present information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, including students, faculty, campus leadership, corporate stakeholders, and external groups.

Resolve inquiries, concerns, and complaints from students, employees, and external stakeholders in a professional and solutions-oriented manner.

• Listen actively and respond appropriately to the needs of students, staff, and colleagues.
• Adapt to evolving priorities, changing assignments, and dynamic program needs.
• Manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines consistently in a fast-paced environment.
• Build strong professional relationships and contribute positively to a diverse and collaborative team environment.
• Work independently, demonstrate initiative, and complete projects with minimal supervision.
• Embrace change and demonstrate flexibility in approach and problem-solving.
• Read, analyze, and apply information from accreditation bodies, academic journals, and regulatory sources.
• Physically work in the United States while fulfilling all responsibilities of the position.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

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.