Founding Director, Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies

Viterbo University; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in La Crosse, Wisconsin, seeks a Founding Director for its new Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies. The role involves strategic leadership in curriculum design, faculty recruitment, and program operations. Candidates should hold a Master's in a relevant field, have a minimum of three years in higher education, and demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills. This is a full-time administrative position with significant influence on the program's success.

Qualifications

• Must hold a current or emeritus NCCPA credential.
• Minimum of 3 years academic experience required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and launch of the new physician associate program.
• Provide strategic leadership across curriculum design and accreditation.
• Oversee program fiscal management and resource planning.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Management

Collaboration

Curriculum design

Education

Master's degree in Physician Assistant studies or related field

Doctorate preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Viterbo University, in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Founding Director, Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies in the College of Nursing and Health (CNH). Viterbo University seeks an experienced and collaborative leader to serve in this full‑time, 12‑month academic administration position with faculty appointment. This is a unique opportunity to lead the development and launch of a new physician associate program at a mission‑driven institution with a strong foundation in the health sciences and a commitment to academic excellence and community impact.

The Founding Director will play a central role in shaping the physician associate graduate program, providing strategic leadership across curriculum design, accreditation, faculty recruitment and development, and program operations. With 50% of effort dedicated to administrative responsibilities, the director will serve as the accreditation liaison and institutional representative to the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC‑PA), while cultivating clinical partnerships locally and nationally. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health, this role offers the opportunity to build a program from inception with strong institutional support and a clear vision for growth.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates a commitment to the mission, philosophy, values, and goals of Viterbo University and the CNH
• Implement the policies of the University and the CNH
• Participates in program assessment evaluation processes
• Participates in student advising activities as assigned
• Demonstrate collaborative relationships with internal and external communities of interest
• Assists with the recruitment, applicant selection and retention of qualified students
• Provide visionary leadership and effective administration of the PA program in alignment with institutional mission and accreditation requirements
• Establish strategic goals and lead continuous quality improvement activities across all areas of the program
• Manage program operations, including scheduling, faculty assignments, committee processes, and governance
• Maintain effective communication and collaboration with college leadership
• Oversee program fiscal management, resource planning, and budget development
• Lead the design, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of a coherent, compliant curriculum that meets ARC‑PA standards and prepares students for PANCE success
• Ensure curriculum alignment with program competencies, professional standards and learning outcomes
• Collaborate with faculty and committees on curriculum changes, assessment strategies, and instructional effectiveness
• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate program faculty and staff, including principal and instructional faculty
• Monitor student progress, retention, and outcomes; implement strategies to support student achievement

Teaching

• Facilitates effective teaching/learning activities in the didactic, simulation, and/or clinical settings
• Prepares and updates content and syllabi for assigned courses according to CNH curricular plans and program student learning outcomes
• Demonstrates expertise in developing, conducting, and evaluating essential learning experiences within the didactic, simulation, and/or clinical settings
• Conducts course assessment activities to evaluate effectiveness and enhance student learning

Service

• Shares talents as a resource person/mentor to colleagues and/or students
• Participate in professional, CNH, and university activities
• Participates in ongoing quality improvement/accreditation activities
• Participate in local, state, and national professional organizations

Scholarly Work

• Participate in professional/scholarly activities to maintain certification and practice, as applicable
• Engages in life‑long learning
• Carries out other responsibilities as delegated or assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Physician Assistant/Associate Degree from a program accredited by ARC‑PA, (Master's required; Doctorate preferred)
• Hold and maintain current or emeritus credential from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
• Minimum of 3 years of full‑time higher education experience at the time of appointment
• Excellent written and/or oral communication skills
• Excellent management/supervisory skills
• Willingness and ability to participate actively in a plan of professional development to enhance and maintain currency in relevant skills and knowledge

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in academic administration including curriculum planning, faculty oversight and program evaluation
• Knowledge of PA education, accreditation requirements including PA self‑studies, accreditation reports, and site visit planning
• Experience with program budgeting and resource allocation
• Will hold a record of scholarship, teaching excellence, and professional service
• Microsoft Office proficiency

The university does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that the university operates. Title IX's mandate not to discriminate on the basis of sex extends to students, employees, and other persons in all aspects of the university's programs, activities, and operations. Inquiries regarding how Title IX applies to the university may be referred to the university Title IX coordinator, to the assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Education, or to both.