The position of Program Director/Chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies (1.0 full-time, 12-month appointment) will provide leadership for the department of Physician Assistant Studies and its graduate program, as well as provide leadership to continuously improve the education and scholarship of physician assistant students. The Program Director/Chair of the department reports directly to the executive dean of the Brody School of Medicine. The department has strong support and excellent teaching facilities to educate the outstanding students admitted each year. The position will be expected to engage in teaching and service activities in accordance with departmental needs. Specific activities include, but are not limited to: Administration, organization, evaluation, and implementation of the overall effectiveness of the Physician Assistant program. Provides leadership through planning, communication, implementation, staffing, fiscal management, advocation and assisting in student success. Contributes to the formulation and execution of college, university, and accreditation policies and regulations. Oversees the development, execution, and review of a strategic plan in alignment with those of the school and university. Disseminates information from administration to faculty, staff, and students as appropriate. Plans, schedules and conduct regular department meetings. Works with faculty and staff to achieve consensus on decisions facing the department while respecting the goals of the department, school, and university. Develops budget requests in conjunction with the executive dean and managing the departmental budget. Meets regularly with students, providing counseling and mentoring, and assuring appropriate intervention when required. Actively participates in the process of selecting applicants for admission to the program. Leads the process of developing, reviewing, and revising the mission statement, goals, learning outcomes, and program competencies. Provides effective management and leadership through responsiveness to issues related to personnel, strong communication skills, and proactive problem-solving. Manages personnel matters within the department, including evaluation, recruiting/retaining/hiring principal and instructional faculty and staff, medical director, administering workload, mentorship, and other personnel actions as required. Oversees faculty development efforts and professional development activities for staff. Leads the program's efforts to create an effective self-study process, overseeing all aspects of evaluation of the Physician Assistant program. Works collaboratively with university and school administration to ensure the program consistently maintains compliance with Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accreditation standards and policies, as well as all applicable federal and state regulations. Manages curriculum, including planning and initiating changes, and planning enrichment activities. Participates in instructional activities, including but not limited to serving as a lecturer/small group facilitator/course director, participating in student assessment, labs, and other instructional tasks. Serves on program, school, and university committees. Oversees research and service programs carried out under departmental auspices or using departmental resources. Engages in faculty and professional development at the program and institutional level. Supports and promotes faculty engagement in research and scholarly activities. A minimum of 60% of time is devoted to academic and administrative responsibilities in support of the Physician Assistant program. Maintains National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certification and meets Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements. Performs other duties as assigned by the executive dean. Fixed Term (12-month) available at the title/rank of Clinical Assistant Professor, Clinical Associate Professor, or Clinical Professor. Contingent upon available funding. Minimum Education/Experience Master's or Doctoral degree in Physician Assistant Studies or related field from an appropriately accredited institution, or completed foreign degree accepted and recognized for ECFMG Certification, with a minimum of three (3) years of experience within a physician assistant educational program. License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation Current National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certification. Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education Five (5) years of full-time faculty experience in a physician assistant educational program. Evidence of effective leadership and administrative experience characteristics, including the ability to make sound decisions relative to Physician Assistant curriculum, professional development, strategic planning, and engaged service opportunities. Academic record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. Experience with higher education fiscal management and program administration. Knowledge of academic governance. Understanding and experience of Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) accreditation procedures. Special Instructions to Applicant East Carolina University requires applicants to submit a candidate profile online in order to be considered for the position. In addition to submitting a candidate profile online, please submit online the required applicant documents: Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter List of Three References (noting contact information) At the time of employment, two to three original letters of reference, official transcripts, a criminal background check, and proper documentation of identity and employability are required. Please be aware that if selected as the candidate of choice, an automatic e-mail will be sent to the individuals entered by the applicant in the References section of the PeopleAdmin applicant tracking system. Letters of reference submitted via the PeopleAdmin applicant tracking system will be verified and considered towards meeting this requirement. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Additional Instructions to Applicant In order to be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit any requested documents. Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education/experience, if applicable. Unless otherwise identified in the applicable job posting and consistent with University policy, the University will principally employ individuals who reside in the State of North Carolina to the greatest extent practicable. As such, most positions at East Carolina University require employees to live and work in North Carolina (or live within a reasonable daily commuting distance from their duty station) after hire. Candidates should be prepared to relocate within a reasonable, agreed-upon time after an offer of employment has been made and accepted to meet this requirement. Job Open Date 09/23/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Job Close Date - Positions will be posted until 11:59 p.m. EST on this date. If no closing date is indicated, the position may close at any time after the initial screening date. Initial Screening Begins 10/08/2026 Rank Level Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting https://ecu.peopleadmin.com/postings/97221 Nondiscrimination Statement East Carolina University is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care for our employees. ECU prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or disability. Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/TTY) or ADA -Coordinator@ecu.edu . Eligibility for Employment Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.