POSITION SUMMARY:  

The Assistant Program Director shares responsibility with the Program Director for the oversight of all aspects of the Physician Assistant Program. This role requires effective leadership to ensure the program consistently achieves program and student learning outcomes and remains in compliance with ARC-PA Accreditation Standards. 

Key responsibilities include classroom instruction, clinical site maintenance, day-to-day program operations, supporting student success and progression through the program, and ensuring that both classroom and supervised clinical program experiences (SCPEs) are staffed with instructors who align with the mission of the University. The Assistant Program Director also assists the Program Director and the Campus Dean of Academic Affairs with the fiscal well-being of the program.

The Assistant Program Director holds a faculty appointment with the Physician Assistant Program (rank commensurate with experience). In fulfilling the duties of this role, the incumbent must uphold the philosophy of South University, which includes quality service to students, employee development and recognition, sound financial principles, and the cultivation of an environment that fosters innovation, positive engagement, and growth. In the event of a Program Director vacancy, the Assistant Program Director assumes the role of interim Program Director. This position offers a $10,000 signing bonus.

KEY JOB ELEMENTS:

• Selects, trains, develops, manages, and leads principal faculty (full-time and adjunct) in accordance with University and campus policies under the guidance provided by the Campus Director/Dean of Academic Affairs & Operations and the Dean of the College of Health Professions.
• Collaborates with the Program Director to lead accreditation activities and ensure full compliance with federal, state, and accrediting body standards (ARC-PA), as well as all institutional policies and procedures.
• Oversees ongoing program evaluation and analysis, curriculum assessment and revision, and mission statement and program goals review.
• Coordinates faculty responsibilities by effectively managing course assignments and workload, demonstrating strong organizational leadership.
• Leads curriculum development for both the didactic and clinical phases, ensuring alignment with the program’s Student Learning Outcomes and PA competencies.
• Provides effective leadership and personnel management through responsive communication, proactive problem-solving, and acting as a liaison with as needed.
• Oversees daily program operations, long-term planning, and development, while collaborating with the campus leadership team and Program Director to ensure sound fiscal management.
• Supports university-wide initiatives that promote student success in alignment with the institution’s five-year strategic plan.
• Facilitates timely and accurate submission of required programmatic documentation and fees, including reports on graduation rates, certification exam performance, and graduation rates.
• Contributes to PA program instruction by:
  • Teaching in areas of clinical and/or professional expertise.
  • Serving as a student academic advisor.
  • Providing student success support and remedial instruction as needed.
• Assists the Director of Didactic Education with curriculum design and implementation.
• Supports the Director of Clinical Education with clinical site development, monitoring, and retention.
• Actively participates in the program’s admissions process including attendance at open houses, student recruitment, applicant review, candidate interviews, and student selection.
• Collaborates with other academic leaders within the College of Health Professions and the PA Department Chair on scheduling, curriculum deliver, faculty development, department operations, and related initiatives.
• Engages in service, community and campus outreach, Program Advisory Council (PAC) participation, and scholarly activities appropriate to the Assistant Program Director role.
• Participates in annual faculty development related to teaching effectiveness and academic leadership.
• Serves as interim Program Director in the event of a Program Director vacancy until a permanent replacement is appointed by the University.
• Assists with other program, department, or university responsibilities as determined by the Program Director, PA Department Chair, Dean of the College of Health Professions, and/or the Campus Director/Dean of Academic Affairs & Operations.
• Performs duties as outlined in the job description and in accordance with the provisions of Faculty Supplement to the South University Employee Handbook.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• 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.
• At least 2 years of full-time higher education experience is required.
• Two years of clinical experience is required, five years is preferred.
• Experience in PA education administration and leadership is highly preferred.
• 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 decisionmaking 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 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. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 10 pounds unless otherwise specified in the job description. 

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.