Program Director, Master of Physician Assistant Program

Colby-Sawyer College is expanding its academic portfolio by adding a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program and seeking applications for a Program Director. Establishing a master's level PA program strengthens Colby-Sawyer's position as a regional leader in health sciences, expanding on its strong nursing and allied-health programs while fulfilling the strategic commitment to offer graduate education that is committed to building a workforce focused on community needs. Colby-Sawyer has a longstanding and established partnership as a preferred partner with Dartmouth Health, New Hampshire's only academic health system. In addition, the Janet Udall Schaefer '52 Center for Health Sciences, newly opened in 2024, is a dynamic hub for academic and clinical training in nursing and health sciences. This next-generation center is equipped with the latest hospital-grade instruments and devices in a four-room simulation center, three clinical exam rooms, two skills laboratories, and two anatomy and physiology labs. The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has approved our application request for entry into provisional accreditation status.

Summary

The Master of Physician Assistant Program Director is responsible for providing effective leadership and management in the establishment of ARC-PA provisional accreditation status at Colby-Sawyer. The responsibilities of the Program Director include the supervision of the medical director, principal and instructional faculty, and staff working within the PA program, program organization, program administration, fiscal management of the program, effective communication, continuous programmatic review and analysis, completion of ARC-PA required documents, and adherence to the Standards and ARC-PA policies (ARC- PA Standards, 6th Edition A2.09, A2.10).

This position is a full-time, 12-month position with administrative and eventual teaching responsibilities upon program launch.

All Colby-Sawyer employees are expected to evaluate decisions, actions, communications, and service delivery from the perspective of advancing the college's mission, philosophy, values, and strategic themes, most notably in maximizing student recruitment, retention, and success.

Essential Job Functions:

General Administrative Responsibilities

• Effectively lead the development and implementation of the achievement of provisional accreditation status
• Hire and onboard the required faculty positions and administrative staff roles as identified by ARC-PA standards (Section D).
• Supervise the medical director, faculty, and dedicated administrative staff within the PA program.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Associate Director of Graduate Admissions to recruit students into the program and to coordinate the admissions process

Accreditation Responsibilities

• Effectively lead and manage the developing PA program through the initial provisional accreditation process.
• Conduct and complete an initial self-study report in accordance with and compliant with ARC-PA deadlines and standards.
• Ensure ongoing compliance and maintain good standing accreditation status by timely completion of provisional reports, annual reports, and any required notifications to ARC-PA.
• Attend conferences and professional development offered by ARC-PA to ensure compliance with accreditation standards.
• Support the Director of Clinical Education with the identification and development of clinical curriculum, preceptor, and clinical site requirements as identified by ARC-PA standards.

Business and Financial Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Dean for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences to prepare and manage a program budget.

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Responsibilities

• Develop course syllabi and implement a curriculum in accordance with and in compliance with ARC-PA standards and Academic Policy Committee process.
• Develop, implement, and conduct a program evaluation and assessment plan in compliance with ARC-PA standards and institutional assessment practices.
• Support and collaborate with faculty on syllabi and curriculum development to meet ARC-PA didactic standards.
• Teach within the didactic or clinical curriculum in areas of expertise as appropriate to program needs and in accordance with institutional expectations and accreditation standards for the Program Director role.
• Engage in scholarly and professional activities as appropriate to program needs that support ongoing growth in PA education and clinical practice, which may include educational research, clinical scholarship, contributions to professional organizations, presentations, and continuing medical education.

Engagement and Service

• Serve as a visible ambassador for the PA program and Colby-Sawyer College within the college, the local community, and the broader health care community.
• Participate in college, school, and departmental governance, committees, and service activities as appropriate to the Program Director role.
• Represent the PA program at regional, state, and national PA and health professions education meetings and maintain active involvement in professional organizations that support the program and the PA profession.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of three years of full-time higher education experience in a PA program.
• Graduation from an accredited physician assistant program.
• Master's degree minimum, Doctorate degree in related field preferred.
• Current or Emeritus NCCPA certification required.
• Licensed or eligible for licensure in the state of New Hampshire.
• Demonstrated experience with ARC PA accreditation processes, including self-study preparation, site visit participation, or related accreditation work.
• Evidence of effective teaching, curriculum development, or educational leadership in a health profession or related academic setting.
• Minimum of five years of clinical experience as a practicing PA.
• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to set priorities, make decisions, and guide a complex academic program.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders and cooperatively with administration, faculty, and staff.

Colby-Sawyer College is a comprehensive liberal arts-based institution located in the scenic Lake Sunapee area of New Hampshire. We have friendly people, beautiful nature, and small-town amenities and shops. We are located about 35 minutes south of Dartmouth College and just 1 hour 30 minutes from Boston. For more information see Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce, NH.

We strive to always be a people-first organization. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all employees. If you are looking for a place where you will feel welcome and that you belong, Colby-Sawyer College is that place.

Colby-Sawyer is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the institution. Applicants are encouraged to share what they can offer and how they can help us to achieve and maintain these values in their cover letter.

Interested candidates may also visit Human Resources in Colgate Hall Room 230, Monday through Friday from 8am - 5pm, to alternatively complete a paper application.

Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Colby-Sawyer College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment which celebrates multiple perspectives. Colby-Sawyer College will not tolerate discrimination in employment or employment-related decisions on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, mental or physical disability, family or marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or gender identity.