Program Director, MS Physician Assistant Studies Program

Saybrook University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chicago School invites applications for a Program Director to lead the MS Physician Assistant Studies program. The role includes strategic leadership, accreditation readiness, and alignment with institutional priorities.

You will supervise faculty, oversee curriculum and outcomes, and ensure timely degree completion while maintaining robust relationships with stakeholders. Requirements include certification as an NCCPA-certified PA, a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution,

Qualifications

• Graduated from an accredited Physician Assistant program and currently hold NCCPA certification.
• Earned doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DHSc, DMSc, or related field) from a regionally accredited institution.
• Minimum of three years of full-time higher education experience within a PA program setting.
• Experience with ARC-PA processes including self-study and site visits.
• Clinical practice experience as a Physician Assistant.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision and leadership aligned with ARC-PA standards and institutional goals.
• Ensure program organization, structure, and delivery meet accreditation and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain compliance with ARC-PA policies including accreditation reviews and site visits.
• Lead programmatic self-assessment, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement.
• Establish communication across faculty, administration, students, and external stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain accreditation documentation and reports.
• Oversee data collection, analysis, and reporting to support accreditation and outcomes.
• Coordinate site-visit preparation, documentation, and logistics.

Skills

Leadership

ARC-PA knowledge

Accreditation experience

Curriculum development

Stakeholder communication

Education

Doctoral degree (PhD/EdD/DHSc/DMSc or related)

NCCPA certification

Accredited PA program graduate

3+ years higher education PA program experience

Job description

Position Summary

Program Director responsible for the development, launch, and ongoing oversight of the MS Physician Assistant Studies (PA) program, ensuring compliance with accreditation standards and alignment with institutional priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision and leadership aligned with institutional goals and ARC‑PA standards.
• Ensure program organization, structure, and delivery meet all accreditation and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain continuous compliance with ARC‑PA policies, including preparation for accreditation reviews and site visits.
• Lead programmatic self‑assessment, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement processes.
• Establish and maintain effective communication across faculty, administration, students, and external stakeholders.
• Develop, implement, and maintain accreditation documentation and reports.
• Oversee data collection, analysis, and reporting to support accreditation and program outcomes.
• Coordinate site‑visit preparation, documentation, logistics, and stakeholder readiness.
• Oversee design, implementation, and evaluation of didactic and clinical curriculum aligned with program learning outcomes.
• Monitor student learning outcomes and program effectiveness through data‑driven assessment practices.
• Recruit, hire, develop, and evaluate program faculty and staff.
• Supervise faculty performance, engagement, and collaborative academic environment.
• Ensure systems support student progression, retention, and timely degree completion.
• Develop and manage program budget in collaboration with institutional leadership.
• Ensure efficient day‑to‑day program operations, including scheduling and staffing.
• Represent the program internally and externally to cultivate partnerships and enhance visibility.

Required Qualifications

• Graduated from an accredited Physician Assistant program and currently hold NCCPA certification.
• Earned doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DHSc, DMSc, or related field) from a regionally accredited institution.
• Minimum of three years of full‑time higher education experience, preferably five or more years, within a PA program setting.
• Experience within an accredited PA program and progressive leadership (e.g., Assistant/Associate Program Director, Clinical Director, Academic Coordinator).
• Direct experience with ARC‑PA processes, including self‑study preparation, accreditation reporting, and site visits.
• Clinical practice experience as a Physician Assistant.
• Demonstrated administrative leadership in program planning, personnel management, budget oversight, and outcomes assessment.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and evaluating faculty.
• Experience with program assessment, outcomes evaluation, and continuous quality improvement.
• Experience working collaboratively as part of an academic and/or leadership team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior role as Program Director or in a leadership position within a PA program.
• Experience leading accreditation reviews or site visits.
• Evidence of scholarship and professional engagement.
• Experience with curriculum development and program assessment.
• Experience with hybrid education delivery.

Compensation and Benefits

The base compensation is estimated at $140,000–$200,000. Additional compensation factors may affect total compensation. Benefits include generous paid time off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a retirement plan with employer contribution, flexible spending accounts, and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Chicago School strongly recommends that all employees are fully vaccinated for COVID‑19 per CDC guidance.