Executive Director, Department of Physician Assistant Studies

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Job description

Union, NJ

Kean University, in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Executive Director, Department of Physician Assistant Studies. Under the direction of the Dean of the College of Health Professions and Human Services, the Executive Director is the academic and administrative leader of the department responsible for managing all department activities. The Executive Director plays a critical leadership role within the College, overseeing the continued development, growth and ongoing management of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree program.

Primary Responsibilities:

Department Administration Responsibilities

  1. Manages the preparation, supervision, and monitoring of faculty teaching schedules (including any staff teaching schedules) and workloads during the academic year and summer sessions and submission of such schedules to the Dean consistent with University policies, and ensures adherence to time and attendance policies.
  2. Provides managerial leadership in program planning, interdisciplinary planning and development of other synergies between programmatic areas.
  3. Manages the hiring process for faculty, staff and adjuncts consistent with accreditation guidelines, University policies and equal opportunity and affirmative action guidelines.
  4. Ensures timely submission of all ARTP and A-328 applications of department faculty as provided by the Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.
  5. Manages and coordinates all applicable instructional and human resources policies of the department, college and the University, including time and attendance.
  6. Manages and coordinates new course development, new programs and options as well as updating appropriate student reference material such as guidesheets, catalogues, accreditation reports and associated functions.
  7. With appropriate University fund-raising offices, setting and managing external fund-raising operations.
  8. Recommends program options and project coordinators to the academic dean and is responsible for the supervision of such.
  9. Preparation and management of the academic advisement plan of all programs within the department; ensuring that all students are provided with competent, up-to-date and timely advisement.
  10. Ensures compliance with University policies on release time, overload teaching and distribution of faculty loads during each semester and during summer sessions.
  11. Manages department interactions with the Office of Accreditation and Assessment and other appropriate University offices for purposes of evaluating program and faculty performance goals (e.g., alumni outcomes and involvement with current programs, program trends, enrollment management, program marketing, external recruiting, and other on-going data-gathering operations).
  12. Performs other related duties as required.

Operational Responsibilities

  1. Prepares and manages the department budget, including achieving cost-savings through the pooling of program resources across departments/colleges.
  2. Manages the distribution and allocation of department resources.
  3. Recommends travel, training, allocations of research time and resources and similar duties.
  4. Supervises University and department policies on office hours, time and attendance, peer observation of faculty (both full-time and adjunct), student evaluation of courses, class cancellations and reporting as required.
  5. Manages department and program curricula and other academic committees and assigning faculty to serve on such committees.
  6. Manages the coordination and reporting of program assessment and program review activities.
  7. Manages student grievances as required by University policies in a timely and fair manner.
  8. Provides support to University and college governance structures (such as Faculty Senate, UPC, UCC) by providing data, reports and staff assignments.
  9. Facilitates the promotion and scheduling scholarly conferences, panels and forums to advance the University, college and the department.
  10. Supervises and evaluates the non-teaching staff and non-tenure track faculty assigned to the department and performs annual reviews as required by the Office of Human Resources and in compliance with Division of SVPAA guidelines and processes. This includes supervising managerial staff (including the Medical Director), principal and instructional faculty and staff in activities that directly relate to the PA program.
  11. Performs other related duties as required.

General Responsibilities

  1. Manages the academic, administrative and fund-raising objectives of the department to advance the mission of Kean.
  2. Develops policies, procedures and instruments of student outcomes and implements such to improve student outcomes, including annual graduation and retention rates.
  3. Ensures that all unit employees comply with contractual obligations and State of New Jersey ethics laws and regulations.
  4. Manages the duties of the office consistent with Federal and State guidelines and University policies and procedures.
  5. Develops policies and procedures to revise all courses (biannually) and degree-granting majors and minors (every three years). This requires generating valid and reliable data for use by the Office of Accreditation and Assessment.
  6. Assists in drafting and recommending policies and procedures which may require local negotiation with bargaining units and assisting in implementation within the department.
  7. Performs other related duties as required.

ARC-PA Accreditation and Compliance Responsibilities

  1. Actively pursues and secures accreditation from ARC-PA, in accordance with the accreditor’s policies and timelines.
  2. Adheres to all accreditation standards and policies. Continuously operates in full compliance with all accreditation standards, criteria, policies and procedures established by the accrediting body.
  3. Undergoes regular self-assessment and review. Engages in ongoing, systematic self-assessment processes to evaluate their effectiveness, identify areas for improvement and ensure continued alignment with accreditation standards. This includes regular data collection, analysis and reporting as required by the accreditor.
  4. Submits timely and accurate reports and documentation. Prepares and submits all required reports, including annual reports, interim reports and self-studies, to the accrediting agency in a timely and accurate manner.
  5. Facilitates accreditation visits and cooperates fully with accreditation site visit teams, providing all requested documentation, access to facilities and opportunities for interviews with faculty, staff, students and administrators.
  6. Addresses recommendations and stipulations. Promptly and thoroughly addresses any recommendations, suggestions, or stipulations issued by the accrediting body following a review or visit, providing evidence of corrective action and improvement.
  7. Maintains open communication with the accreditor and fosters ongoing, transparent communication regarding any significant changes to the program, institutional mission or any other matters that may impact accreditation status.
  8. Allocates necessary resources and sufficient financial, human and physical resources to support programs in achieving and maintaining accreditation.
  9. Disseminates accreditation information regarding program accreditation status, including any public disclosures required by the accreditor.
  10. Performs other related duties as required.

Teaching Responsibilities

  1. Teaches in-load courses, which are assigned through the Dean. Teaching responsibilities include up to 12 credit hours distributed over a 12-month period, from September 1st to August 31st.
  2. May include fall, winter, spring and/or summer teaching assignments. Course assignments may vary and can change based on department and student needs. Compensation for these courses is included in the salary designated for this position.

Kean University is an ‘in person’ employer. Employees are expected to work on site at one of the Kean campus locations. This position requires travel and a flexible schedule including evening and weekend hours.

Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree minimum and at least three years of full-time higher education experience is required.
  • Physician Assistant (PA) and must hold current or emeritus NCCPA Certification status.
  • Other professional experience including related health management fields, research organizations or not-for-profit entities is preferred.
  • State Licensure and a minimum of 2-5 years of clinical practice experience as a PA is also preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Effective Leadership and Management Oversight:

  • Strategic thinking and visioning
  • Team leadership, motivation and development (including faculty and staff)
  • Responsiveness to issues related to personnel

Communication:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills for interacting with students, faculty, staff, administrators and external stakeholders.
  • Presentation skills

Organizational and Administrative:

  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
  • Budgeting and financial management
  • Resource allocation and optimization
  • Data analysis and reporting

Curriculum and Pedagogy:

  • Deep understanding of curriculum development, design and assessment
  • Knowledge of pedagogical best practices
  • Knowledge and understanding of accreditation standards and processes relevant to the program

Student-Service Approach:

  • Ability to effectively advise and support students
  • Commitment to student success and retention

Innovation and Adaptability:

  • Ability to identify and respond to trends in the field and higher education
  • Creative and pro-active problem-solving

Technical Proficiency:

  • Proficiency with academic software, learning management systems (LMS), and standard office productivity tools (Microsoft Office Suite, etc.)
  • Familiarity with databases for tracking student information and program metrics

About Kean University:

Kean University in Union, New Jersey, has grown into a comprehensive, global institution of higher education serving a diverse enrollment of more than 18,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Kean’s mission is to provide an affordable, accessible and world-class education that prepares students to think and respond critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world.

The University continues its legacy as a top producer of teachers in New Jersey and is a growing educational hub in the fields of business, health care and technology. Its six colleges – the College of Business and Public Management; the College of Education; the College of Liberal Arts; the Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology; Michael Graves College; and the College of Health Professions and Human Services – offer more than 50 undergraduate programs and more than 70 options for graduate study, leading to master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, professional diplomas or certifications. Kean is also a proud R2 research University.

The University is also a higher education innovator within the State of New Jersey, partnering with Ocean County College, in Toms River, New Jersey and Brookdale Community College, in Lincroft, New Jersey, to provide access for students to earn a bachelor’s degree from Kean. The Kean Skylands campus, located in Jefferson Township, New Jersey, is designed to serve as an outdoor living laboratory for field-based scientific study and other classroom and field instruction.

About the College of Health Professions and Human Services:

The College of Health Professions and Human Services contains all of Kean University’s graduate and undergraduate programs in clinical practice, including Applied Psychology, Athletic Training, Social Work, Public Health, Physical Therapy, Exercise Science, Occupational Therapy, Genetic Counseling, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. Students benefit from studying side by side with others preparing for clinical careers, recognizing the powerful interprofessional relationships that animate best practices across the clinical professions. The College of Health Professions and Human Services is a burgeoning hub for some of the latest technological advances and facilities in the nation.

Kean offers day, night and weekend courses on site, and several programs also offer online and hybrid classes. Many programs include internships and research opportunities, where students stay abreast of the latest breakthroughs and advancements in their fields. Our top-notch psychology, occupational therapy, and speech pathology clinics prepare graduates through hands-on training. Kean offers accessible and affordable world-class education. The M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies Program graduates PAs who provide evidence-based, equitable health care to diverse populations and who value service to others as well as life-long learning.

About the Community:

Union, New Jersey is a vibrant township known for its rich history, diverse community, and convenient location just 20 miles from New York City. Home to Kean University and the historic Liberty Hall Museum, Union offers a mix of cultural attractions, parks, and shopping destinations like The Mills at Jersey Gardens nearby. Residents enjoy easy access to major highways and public transit, making commuting a breeze. The local economy is stable, with strong education, healthcare, and retail sectors. With excellent schools, a range of housing options, and a welcoming suburban feel, Union is a great place for families and professionals looking to settle in a well-connected, thriving community.

How to apply

All correspondence relating to the position of Executive Director, Department of Physician Assistant Studies at Kean University should be directed in confidence to the University’s executive search consultant:

Jamie Marcus, Vice President

Scott Healy & Associates

[email protected]

A complete application should include the following:

  1. Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
  2. Updated CV;
  3. Statement outlining the applicant’s research agenda;
  4. Statement addressing past or potential contributions to mentoring students and engagement through teaching, scholarship and service;
  5. Statement on teaching philosophy and experience; and
  6. Names and contact information for 3 professional references. Professional references will not be contacted until the final stage of the search process. Official transcripts are required prior to the starting date of employment.

Applications received by August 18, 2025 will receive priority consideration. Review of applications will begin immediately, and the search will remain open until the position is filled.

This position includes a competitive salary and benefits package. Please visit this link for information on employee Benefits. The university will support the ongoing scholarly and academic activity performed by the successful applicant with released time and research assistance, among other benefits.

Kean University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.