Program Director- IL- Physician Assistant Studies

Our organization is seeking applications for the role of Program Director, Assistant or Associate Professor in Physician Assistant Studies at the College of Health Sciences located in Downers Grove, Illinois. The individual in this position will lead academic, clinical, and research initiatives within the PA program, ensuring excellence in teaching, clinical experiences, student achievement, and research output. We are looking for a visionary and innovative leader capable of enhancing capacity and managing a high-performing team. This role is primarily administrative, with limited teaching responsibilities. The Program Director will report directly to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences (CHS). This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track faculty position, with academic rank based on experience and qualifications.

• Fulfill all responsibilities of the Program Director as outlined in the ARC-PA Standards.
• Ensure compliance with all ARC-PA accreditation standards, including the preparation and submission of necessary reports.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to the medical director, faculty, and staff.
• Oversee the curriculum, its implementation, and all assessments in accordance with ARC-PA Standards.
• Manage resources and the annual operating budget effectively.
• Annually recommend capital purchases and improvements to the CHS Dean.
• Supervise the program’s marketing and admissions strategies.
• Align the program’s strategic goals with those of the College and University.
• Oversee the clinical team, cultivate relationships with community partners, and develop new strategic outreach initiatives.
• Facilitate student success by appropriately allocating resources and services throughout the program.
• Support faculty and staff development and ensure thorough evaluations of faculty and staff performance.
• Engage in scholarly activities and maintain the program’s research agenda.
• Review and approve all grant applications at the program level.
• Deliver high-quality educational experiences in the classroom.
• Utilize effective communication skills to foster relationships and drive change among faculty, staff, and students.
• Encourage a culture of collaboration and collegiality within the program and across the college.
• Actively participate as a member of the PA faculty, CHS Dean’s Council, and the broader university community.

• Possession of a graduate-level degree in physician assistant studies.
• Current or eligibility for a State of Illinois PA license.
• A minimum of three years of full-time experience in higher education, including teaching at the post-secondary level.
• Proven skills in teaching, scholarship, service, and mentorship.

• A doctoral degree in a relevant field.
• Experience with ARC-PA or other accreditation processes.
• Evidence of dynamic and visionary leadership with high standards.
• Demonstrated success in guiding high-functioning teams through periods of change.

The salary range for this position is $155,000 - $200,000, with compensation and benefits aligned with experience. The review of applications will commence on February 15, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

Our organization is an independent higher education institution dedicated to training healthcare professionals. The Illinois campus spans 105 acres in Downers Grove, situated 25 miles west of Chicago. It houses various colleges, including those for Osteopathic Medicine, Pharmacy, Dental Medicine, Optometry, and Health Sciences. The PA program is part of the College of Health Sciences, which also includes Speech-Language Pathology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Behavioral Sciences.

Interested candidates should submit their application materials through our online job portal. The application should include:

• A cover letter (to be uploaded as an attachment)
• A CV (to be uploaded as an attachment)

Our organization is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy), gender (including gender expressions, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital status, age, disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected class, in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. We comply with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act and the Smoke-Free Illinois Act, as well as the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.