Founding Program Director, Physician Assistant Program, Medical & Molecular Sciences (MMSC)

University of Delaware • Newark, NJ

6d

About The Position

The University of Delaware College of Health Sciences invites applications for a full-time, open-rank, continuing-track faculty position as the Founding Program Director of the Physician Assistant Program in the Department of Medical & Molecular Sciences. This is an opportunity to establish and grow a new PA program at a research-intensive university. The director will help build a diverse, high-quality faculty team, design an innovative curriculum, develop policy aligned with ARC-PA standards, and lead the program through initial accreditation and continued development.

The director will lead program development and advancement, including preparation for provisional accreditation and subsequent accreditation reviews, compliance with ARC-PA standards, and continuous assessment and improvement. In collaboration with faculty and University partners, the director will oversee student recruitment and enrollment, curriculum delivery, course scheduling, faculty assignments, and student support. The role also includes recruiting, supervising, and mentoring faculty and staff; overseeing program administration, budget, and resources; developing and maintaining clinical affiliate partnerships for student placements; and representing the program within the University and broader professional community.

The program is housed in the Department of Medical & Molecular Sciences, an agile, student-centered department with academic programs, research, outreach, and practice activities. The College of Health Sciences includes multiple academic units and research teams, and the University is located in Newark, Delaware. The position start date is as soon as possible, but negotiable. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Relocation funds and start-up funds are available.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a related health field, education, or science.
• Current certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
• Possess, or be eligible for, unencumbered licensure as a physician assistant in Delaware.
• Minimum of three years of full-time clinical experience.
• Three years of full-time higher education experience in an instructional or leadership capacity within a PA educational program.
• Strong working knowledge of ARC-PA accreditation requirements and standards, including experience with self-study preparation, accreditation site visits, and ongoing compliance.

Nice To Haves

• Doctoral degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and advancement of the Physician Assistant Program.
• Guide preparation for provisional accreditation and subsequent accreditation reviews, ensuring compliance with ARC-PA standards.
• Direct continuous program assessment and improvement.
• Oversee student recruitment and enrollment, curriculum delivery, course scheduling, faculty assignments, and student support in collaboration with faculty and University partners.
• Recruit, supervise, and mentor faculty and staff, cultivating a collegial environment that supports collaboration and professional development.
• Oversee program administration, budget, and resources.
• Develop and maintain clinical affiliate partnerships that support student placements.
• Represent the program within the University and the broader professional community.
• Advance the program’s reputation and strategic growth through partnerships.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Annual cost-of-living and merit salary increases have regularly been provided to faculty.
• University benefits package described as one of the best in the nation.
• Family-friendly policies supporting work-life balance.
• Relocation funds available.
• Start-up funds available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager