JOB TITLE

Associate Program Director of Didactic Education, Master of Science:

Physician Assistant

DEPARTMENT

Master of Science:

Physician Assistant Program

LOCATION

Hybrid, Tempe, AZ FSLA Status:

Exempt

REPORTS TO

MSPA

• AZ Program Director

COMPENSATION

$127,000.00 annually

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is primarily responsible for serving the

Master of Science:

Physician Assistant program. The associate program director is responsible for applying their expertise to oversee the curriculum. This includes developing the competencies to meet current practice standards as they relate to the PA role. This individual must be an active participant in the program.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Didactic Education must be able to perform the following essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation: Provide leadership and oversight of the didactic curriculum, ensuring alignment with program goals, institutional requirements, and ARC-PA accreditation standards. Supervise and mentor faculty with assigned didactic course leadership responsibilities, providing guidance related to course management, instructional delivery, assessment methods, and curriculum development. Direct the design, implementation, delivery, and evaluation of didactic courses, including oversight of instructional objectives, learning outcomes, assessments, and educational effectiveness. Coordinate and manage the didactic academic schedule, ensuring effective sequencing and integration of coursework across the curriculum. Oversee curriculum mapping and alignment, ensuring consistency among instructional objectives, course learning outcomes, program learning outcomes, and accreditation requirements. Monitor course quality and compliance, including review of course syllabi, wellness checks, course assessments, and related documentation to ensure adherence to university policies and ARC-PA standards. Evaluate student academic performance and progression, including monitoring students at academic risk, tracking grades and remediation outcomes, and facilitating appropriate intervention strategies. Analyze and maintain didactic education assessment data, including student outcomes, remediation metrics, and program evaluation measures to support continuous quality improvement. Develop, review, and update policies and procedures related to didactic education and accreditation compliance. Participate in accreditation and program assessment activities, including preparation of accreditation reports, self-study documents, and supporting evidence required for ARC-PA review. Provide academic advising and counseling to students regarding academic progression, remediation, and professional development. Collaborate with program leadership and faculty to support curriculum planning, program assessment, strategic initiatives, and continuous program improvement. Perform other job-related duties as assigned that are consistent with the nature and scope of the position. Non-Essential Functions / Additional Duties The following responsibilities are supportive in nature and may be reassigned or modified based on operational needs: Assist with teaching activities in didactic and clinical courses. Participate in admissions activities, including applicant review, interviews, and student selection. Participate in faculty recruitment, interviewing, and selection processes. Serve on program, department, university, or professional committees, including: Admissions Committee Curriculum Committee Student Progress Committee MSPA Advisory Board Participate in outreach, recruitment, community engagement, or special projects as requested. Contribute to professional development initiatives and faculty support activities beyond core job responsibilities.

ATTENDANCE

: Must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines; beginning and ending assignments on time; and scheduled breaks, where applicable.

WORK LOCATION

This position may require weekly onsite support and/or attendance.

COMPETENCIES

Analytical

• Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures. Business Acumen
• Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals. Change Management
• Develops workable; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results. Design
• Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Demonstrates attention to detail. Managing People
• Improves processes Organizational Support
• Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity. Problem Solving
• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. Project Management
• Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities. Safety and Security
• Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job oversees didactic principal faculty.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Graduate of a fully accredited PA, MD, or DO Program with at least 3 years of clinical practice experience in the U.S. Current licensure and NCCPA certification (for PAs) is required. Exceptional candidates with less than three years of clinical experience may be considered. Prior faculty experience in PA or medical education, as well as inter-professional education and incorporating technology including simulation into teaching and practice, is strongly preferred. Proficiency in hands-on clinical skills is required.

Computer skills required:

MS Office 365, MS Teams and SIS system Other skills required: Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customer, and the general public. Ability to prioritize work, perform well under pressure and maintain productivity despite consistent interruptions Certifications/Licensure (if applicable): Valid US driver's license Current licensure and NCCPA certification (for PAs) is required.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

Strong communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines Critical thinking and problem-solving Adaptability in a dynamic, evolving environment

WORK ENVIRONMENT & EXPECTATIONS

Work Arrangement:

Hybrid Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and /or move more than 10 pounds, occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

Travel Requirements:

Must be able travel for program events such Accreditation Site Visits, and program events and ceremonies such as White Coat Ceremony and Graduation. Other weekend activities as assigned. The physical requirements described are representative of the work performed and are not intended to prescribe the only manner in which duties may be accomplished. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

WHAT IT MEANS TO WORK AT SCU

At SCU, how we work is just as important as what we do. We are building a culture that reflects the future of healthcare-collaborative, inclusive, and person-centered. How We Work We prioritize students, patients, and partners in everything we do We collaborate across roles and disciplines-no silos We take ownership and approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset We lead with curiosity, humility, and accountability We contribute to a culture of respect, positivity, and continuous improvement

Our Core Values Integrative Health:

Bringing disciplines together to improve outcomes

Evidence-Informed Practice:

Valuing research, inquiry, and applied knowledge

Health Equity:

Advancing access and outcomes for all populations

Inclusivity:

Fostering a community where diverse perspectives are valued Benefits & Perks At least one medical plan fully covered for employees Option to add dependents at an additional cost Education reimbursement 403(b) retirement plan Access to a wide range of employee discounts and perks