Program Director

Program Director, Assistant or Associate Professor, Physician Assistant Studies

Midwestern University's College of Health Sciences, Downers Grove, Illinois invites applications for the position of Program Director, Assistant or Associate Professor, Physician Assistant Studies. The Program Director provides leadership for academic, clinical, and research activities within the PA program, promoting high standards in teaching excellence, clinical experiences, student success, and research productivity. The position requires a forward-thinking, innovative leader who can build capacity and manage a high-capacity team. The position is predominantly administrative, so teaching is limited. The Program Director reports directly to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences (CHS). This is a 12-month, full-time, tenure-track faculty appointment. Academic rank is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Responsibilities:

• Perform all duties of the Program Director as described in the ARC-PA Standards.
• Ensure the program is adhering to all ARC-PA accreditation standards, including preparing and submitting all required reports.
• Provide supervision and mentorship to the medical director, faculty, and staff.
• Oversee the curriculum, its delivery, and all assessments as governed by ARC-PA Standards.
• Manage all resources and the annual operating budget.
• Make recommendations annually to the CHS Dean regarding capital purchases and improvements.
• Oversee the program's marketing and admissions processes.
• Align the program's strategic priorities with the College and University's strategic vision.
• Prove oversight of the clinical team, nurture relationships with community partners, and foster new relationships with strategic outreach.
• Support student success through the appropriate allocation of resources and services throughout the program.
• Support faculty and staff development and ensure effective faculty and staff evaluations.
• Engage in scholarship and maintain the program's research agenda.
• Review and approve all program-level grant applications.
• Deliver high-quality teaching and learning experiences in the classroom.
• Use effective communication skills to nurture relationships and facilitate change with faculty, staff, and students.
• Promote a culture of collegiality and collaboration within the program and across the college.
• Engage as an active member of the PA faculty, CHS Dean's Council, and Midwestern University community.

Requirements:

• Graduate-level degree in physician assistant studies.
• Current or eligible for State of Illinois PA license.
• At least three years of full-time higher education experience, with teaching responsibilities at the post-secondary level.
• Demonstrated abilities in teaching, scholarship, service, and mentorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in a related field.
• Experience with ARC-PA, or other accreditation.
• Evidence of visionary, dynamic leadership with high standards.
• Demonstrated success in leading high-functioning teams through change.

Compensation:

$155,000 - $200,000

The salary is commensurate with experience.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long-term disability and pet insurance. We offer flexible spending accounts, including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account. We offer a work-life balance with a competitive time off package including paid holidays, sick/flex days, personal days, and vacation days. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan at a 10% contribution with no required match, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, a 10% tuition relief for each year of service (up to 100%) for spouses, partners, and children, and an employee assistance program. Wellness is important to us, and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.

About Midwestern University:

Midwestern University is an independent institution of higher education committed to the education of health care professionals. The Illinois campus is located on a spacious 105-acre campus in Downers Grove, 25 miles west of Chicago, and is home to the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Pharmacy-Downers Grove Campus, College of Dental Medicine-Illinois, Chicago College of Optometry, and College of Health Sciences-Downers Grove Campus. The PA program is housed in the College of Health Sciences along with Speech-Language Pathology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Behavioral Sciences.

About Downers Grove:

Downers Grove, Illinois offers a strong combination of suburban quality of life and convenient access to Chicago. A 30 minute drive or ride on the Metra gets you to downtown Chicago and all that it has to offer. The village is known for its highly rated public schools, its safe community, its vibrant and walkable downtown with restaurants, shops, and seasonal events, and its abundant outdoor recreation through more than 60 local parks and nearby forest preserves. Its location near major employment centers such as Oak Brook, Naperville, and Chicago also provides strong job access, making Downers Grove a desirable place to live for those seeking a balance of community atmosphere, amenities, and connectivity.

Next Steps:

Review of applications will begin April 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

Please submit your application packet through MWU's online job board at www.midwestern.edu. Your online application should include:

• Cover letter (upload as an attachment)
• CV (upload as an attachment)

Questions should be directed to: Sarah Radtke, Dean of the College of Health Sciences. sradtk@midwestern.edu. 630-515-7435