Program Director, Physician Assistant

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Our 120-year story—past, present and future—is a history formed by the many individuals who have developed the education and spirit of community that have become our pledge to the students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters of South University. Online and at our 8 locations and 2 learning sites, we take pride in our welcoming environment; one-on-one support and personalized attention that helps students define goals and identify the means to pursue them. Our small classes feature hands-on experiences that not only shape students’ skills and excellence in their chosen fields but also shape their characters through encouraging community involvement, volunteerism and the pursuit of life-long learning.  

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Benefits:

*Medical

*Dental

*Vision

FSA/HSA

Tuition Assistant Program

Long/Short Term Disability

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

401K Match 

Generous Paid Time Off

12 Paid Holidays

* includes domestic partner coverage

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 leadership towards ensuring the program consistently meets program and Student Learning Outcomes and is in compliance with ARC-PA Accreditation Standards. 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 as it relates to education and helping to maintain/grow enrollment.

 

The Program Director also participates in activities that promote the stature of the Department and the campus and abides by the mandates set by Education Management Corporation, the South University Board of Trustees, the University Chancellor, Vice President – Academic Affairs, Campus Director, and the local Executive Committee.

 

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 for a minimum of 8 courses classes per academic year 
• 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., OSAIRS, 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, supervising the daily operations, which includes the recruiting/interviewing of faculty and scheduling of instruction.
• 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, as appropriate by program.
• In the absence of a Department Chair for the PA program, the Program Director is co-responsible with the Dean of the College of Health Professions for accreditation activities on his/her campus which are normally handled by the Department Chair.
• 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 Director, Dean of the College of Health Professions, and, if applicable, the Department Chair.

REQUIREMENTS:

• For graduate programs, a terminal degree from a regionally accredited institution in the discipline to be taught, with a concentration in the teaching discipline (minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline) required.
• A minimum of two years of 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.
• At least 3 years of full-time higher education experience at the time of appointment is required.
• Successful record of increasing responsibility or project/initiative leadership within a university or industry setting.
• Active, valid, and unencumbered PA state licensure and NCCPA certification or emeritus status are required.
• Membership in a professional association tied to the area of instruction (preferred).
• Practical experience in PA Education and knowledge of current best practices in medicine.
• Computer-based skills (i.e., software, analytical, and report writing skills) and experience with computerized learning management systems.
• Develop and complete projects without continued direct supervision.
• Physically work in the United States while performing all responsibilities of the position for the University.
• Read, analyze, and interpret accreditation criteria, state agency regulations, and academic journals.

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 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 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. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 10 pounds unless otherwise specified in the job description. The individual must be able to travel out of the local area with an occasional overnight stay to participate in a variety of conferences and meetings.

 

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.