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

University of Delaware • Newark, DE

6d • Onsite

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 institution. The director will build a diverse faculty team, design an innovative curriculum, develop policies aligned with ARC-PA standards, and lead the program through initial accreditation and continued development.

The director will lead program development and advancement, guide preparation for provisional accreditation and subsequent reviews, ensure compliance with ARC-PA standards, and direct 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 the broader professional community.

The position is in the Department of Medical & Molecular Sciences, an active, student-centered department with academic, research, outreach, and practice programs, and is part of the College of Health Sciences. 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.
• At least three years of full-time clinical experience.
• At least 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, ensure compliance with ARC-PA standards, and 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, fostering a collegial academic 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, advancing its reputation and strategic growth.
• Build a diverse, high-quality faculty team and design an innovative curriculum and policies aligned with ARC-PA standards.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Annual cost-of-living and merit salary increases have regularly been received by University faculty.
• University benefits package.
• Family-friendly policies supporting work-life balance.
• Relocation funds.
• Start-up funds.
• University responsiveness to the needs of dual-career couples.

What This Job Offers

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