Job description

Franklin Pierce University, in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of MPAS-TX Hybrid Program Director. Franklin Pierce University seeks a collaborative and dynamic leader to serve in this important role. The Program Director provides executive leadership and strategic direction for all aspects of the PA Program, serving as the chief administrative officer responsible for program vision, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement. This position ensures the program’s mission fulfillment while maintaining ARC-PA accreditation standards, managing institutional relationships, adhering to policies and procedures, and fostering excellence in PA education. The Program Director reports directly to the Dean of the College of Health and Natural Sciences and leads a comprehensive team of directors, faculty, and staff to deliver outstanding educational outcomes and graduate competent, caring physician assistants.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for all aspects of the PA program
• Develop and implement program strategic plans aligned with institutional mission and goals
• Establish program vision, mission, and long-term objectives in collaboration with stakeholders
• Lead organizational change management and program adaptation to healthcare evolution
• Foster innovation in PA education and anticipate future workforce needs
• Represent the program at the highest institutional and professional levels

Program Administration & Management

• Oversee day-to-day functions and operations of the entire PA program
• Lead program organization, structure, and operational efficiency initiatives
• Manage program administration including policies, procedures, and governance
• Coordinate integration between didactic, clinical, and assessment components
• Ensure program compliance with institutional policies and procedures
• Oversee program facilities, resources, and infrastructure management

Faculty Leadership & Human Resources

• Supervise and evaluate all PA program faculty and administrative staff
• Lead faculty recruitment, selection, hiring, and onboarding processes
• Conduct faculty performance evaluations, promotion, and disciplinary actions
• Foster faculty development, professional growth, and scholarly activities
• Promote collaborative faculty culture and team effectiveness
• Manage faculty workload distribution and assignments

Financial Management & Resource Allocation

• Develop, manage, and oversee program budget and financial resources
• Lead fiscal planning, budget development, and resource allocation decisions
• Monitor financial performance and implement cost-effective operations
• Secure funding through grants, partnerships, and revenue generation
• Manage capital expenditures and equipment procurement
• Ensure financial accountability and transparency

ARC-PA Accreditation Leadership

• Lead coordination and direction of all ARC-PA accreditation processes and activities
• Ensure continuous compliance with ARC-PA Standards and policies
• Direct accreditation self-study preparation and site visit coordination
• Complete and submit all required ARC-PA documents and reports
• Monitor accreditation timeline and maintain continuous compliance
• Lead accreditation improvement initiatives and corrective action plans

Academic Excellence & Program Quality

• Oversee total academic program integrity including didactic and clinical components
• Ensure curriculum quality, relevance, and alignment with professional competencies
• Lead continuous programmatic review, analysis, and improvement initiatives
• Monitor student outcomes, graduation rates, and certification pass rates
• Implement quality assurance measures and performance improvement plans
• Foster academic excellence and educational innovation

Student Affairs & Academic Success

• Oversee comprehensive student recruitment, admission, and selection processes
• Ensure student support services and academic success programming
• Monitor student progression, retention, and graduation outcomes
• Provide ultimate oversight for student advisement and counseling services
• Handle student appeals, grievances, and disciplinary matters
• Foster inclusive, supportive learning environment for diverse student populations

External Relations & Partnership Development

• Maintain and develop collaborative external relationships with healthcare organizations
• Facilitate valuable clinical experiences and community partnerships
• Represent the program to external stakeholders and professional organizations
• Lead community outreach and public relations initiatives
• Foster relationships with alumni, employers, and healthcare leaders
• Advocate for the PA profession and program within professional communities

Curriculum Leadership & Educational Innovation

• Provide leadership in curriculum design, implementation, coordination, and evaluation
• Ensure curriculum alignment with ARC-PA standards and professional competencies
• Lead educational innovation and emerging pedagogy implementation
• Foster interprofessional education and collaborative learning initiatives
• Oversee curriculum committee and academic governance processes
• Promote evidence-based educational practices and continuous improvement

Program Evaluation & Outcomes Assessment

• Lead comprehensive program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts
• Develop and implement program assessment strategies and metrics
• Analyze program outcomes data and implement improvement initiatives
• Conduct regular program review and strategic planning activities
• Report program outcomes to internal and external stakeholders
• Benchmark program performance against national standards and peer institutions

Professional Leadership & Service

• Serve as primary spokesperson and representative for the PA program
• Lead PA Steering Committee and other program governance bodies
• Participate actively in professional organizations and PA education leadership
• Engage in scholarly activities including research, publication, and presentation
• Provide leadership to PA education profession and contribute to best practices
• Mentor other PA program leaders and contribute to professional development

Teaching & Clinical Practice

• Provide classroom instruction and course leadership as appropriate
• Maintain clinical competence and currency in PA practice
• Serve as role model for faculty teaching and professional engagement
• Contribute to student learning through direct instruction and mentorship
• Participate in clinical practice or maintain clinical relationships as required
• Support faculty teaching development and pedagogical excellence

Problem Management & Resolution

• Lead management of complex and emergency response for program-related issues
• Handle multifaceted problems affecting students, faculty, or program operations
• Manage conflicts and disputes involving multiple stakeholders
• Implement contingency planning and business continuity measures
• Coordinate with institutional leadership during critical incidents
• Ensure program resilience and adaptability during challenging circumstances

Required Qualifications:

Education & Certification

• Master’s degree in physician assistant studies or medicine
• National certification by NCCPA (National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants)
• Current, valid, unrestricted license to practice as a Physician Assistant in TX

Professional Experience

• A minimum of two years of experience as a practicing Physician Assistant and three years of experience in PA education;
• A record of excellence in teaching as well as a record of professional and community service;
• A minimum of three years or higher of higher education experience.
• Demonstrated success in academic leadership and management experience or demonstrated characteristics needed for success in a management or leadership position.

Leadership & Management Skills

• Proven leadership experience with faculty, staff, and complex organizations
• Budget management and fiscal oversight experience
• Strategic planning and organizational development capabilities
• Change management and innovation leadership experience
• Crisis management and problem-solving expertise

Knowledge & Expertise

• Comprehensive knowledge of ARC-PA accreditation standards and processes
• Understanding of higher education administration and academic governance
• Knowledge of healthcare systems, policy, and professional practice
• Familiarity with PA profession history, scope of practice, and future trends

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and educational technology platforms
• Public speaking and presentation skills
• Negotiation and conflict resolution abilities

Professional Attributes

• Visionary leadership and strategic thinking capabilities
• Strong ethical standards and professional integrity
• Commitment to educational excellence and student success
• Collaborative approach to leadership and team building
• Cultural competency and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Adaptability and resilience in dynamic environments

Preferred Qualifications:

Advanced Education & Training

• Doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DHSc, or equivalent)
• Advanced degree in education, healthcare administration, or related field
• Formal leadership development or executive education training

Professional Experience

• 7+ years of clinical practice with diverse experience
• 5+ years of academic leadership or program administration experience
• Previous experience as PA program director or associate director
• Experience with accreditation processes and quality improvement initiatives

Specialized Expertise

• Grant writing and research experience
• Healthcare policy and advocacy experience
• Interprofessional education and collaborative practice experience
• National leadership in PA education or professional organizations

Technical & Strategic Skills

• Experience with data analysis and institutional research
• Knowledge of healthcare economics and financial management
• Experience with strategic planning and organizational development
• Technology integration and educational innovation experience

About Franklin Pierce University:

Franklin Pierce University, founded in 1962, has empowered thousands of undergraduate and graduate students to achieve academic excellence and lead meaningful, successful lives. Drawing from our strong foundation in liberal education, FPU offers programs and educational experiences that develop essential intellectual and professional skills; promotes close connections between students, faculty members, and staff; and positions our students to realize their potential through highly personalized, financially accessible academic offerings.

Franklin Pierce encompasses a far-reaching geographic and virtual network, educating a diverse population of residential undergraduates, online learners, and full-time graduate students through our flagship residential campus in Rindge, NH, at our academic centers in Manchester and Lebanon (NH), Goodyear, AZ, Round Rock, TX, and online. FPU continues to explore new educational models and programs that build on a legacy of excellence to help students expand their knowledge, direct their passions, and graduate as qualified, engaged leaders.

At Franklin Pierce University, we believe in establishing a legacy through our unique ability to support and prepare students to thrive as leaders and engaged members of society. To do this, we know that it takes outstanding people from every background imaginable to support our mission.

About the College of Health and Natural Sciences:

The College of Health and Natural Sciencesat FPU prepares students for careers in healthcare, including physical therapy, physician assistant studies, and nursing to meet the highest academic standards in their fields while gaining practical, compassionate experience serving their communities. Our graduate programs are highly regarded for academic excellence, distinguished faculty, responsive staff, and opportunities for hands-on clinical experience. Students learn in small classes, online, and in clinical settings with outstanding faculty.

About the Community:

Located in Central Texas just 20 miles north of Austin, Round Rock is one of the fastest-growing cities in America and is nationally recognized as one of the country’s most livable towns. The “Sports Capital of Texas” blends a strong economy with a laid-back atmosphere, offering easy access to outdoor recreation, a walkable downtown, and a growing mix of restaurants, shops, and community events. Round Rock’s business-friendly environment and proximity to Austin’s tech and creative hubs make it a practical choice for commuters and remote workers alike. With well-kept neighborhoods, respected schools, and plenty of green space, Round Rock is a city that balances growth with a strong sense of community.

How to apply

All correspondence relating to the position of MPAS-TX Hybrid Program Director at Franklin Pierce University should be directed in confidence to the University’s executive search consultant:

Danan Tsan, 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. Three (3) professional references with contact information, title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)

Applications received by August 18, 2025 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Franklin Pierce University does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.

Diversifying the student body, faculty, and administration is congruent with our mission. We value diverse populations and cultures including, but not limited to, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, national origin, neurodiversity, race, and religion. Franklin Pierce University is an EO/AA/Vet/Disability employer.