The Director of Didactic Education (DDE) provides strategic
leadership, oversight, and continuous quality improvement for the
didactic phase of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant
Studies Program. Reporting directly to the Program Director, the
DDE is responsible for ensuring the quality, integrity,
implementation, assessment, and ongoing evaluation of the didactic
curriculum while promoting excellence in teaching, learning,
faculty development, and educational outcomes.
The DDE serves as a key member of the program leadership team in implementing initiatives that strengthen educational quality, improve learner outcomes, address accreditation recommendations, and support the successful achievement and maintenance of ARC-PA accreditation standards through continuous quality improvement efforts. Working collaboratively with the Program Director, Medical Director, Director of Clinical Education, principal faculty, instructional staff, and college leadership, the DDE provides leadership in curriculum development, assessment, accreditation compliance, and learner success.
Essential Duties:
Didactic Curriculum Leadership
The DDE serves as a key member of the program leadership team in implementing initiatives that strengthen educational quality, improve learner outcomes, address accreditation recommendations, and support the successful achievement and maintenance of ARC-PA accreditation standards through continuous quality improvement efforts. Working collaboratively with the Program Director, Medical Director, Director of Clinical Education, principal faculty, instructional staff, and college leadership, the DDE provides leadership in curriculum development, assessment, accreditation compliance, and learner success.
Essential Duties:
Didactic Curriculum Leadership
- Provide leadership for the planning, implementation, coordination, delivery, and continuous evaluation of the didactic curriculum.
- Lead implementation and ongoing evaluation of the didactic assessment plan.
- Analyze learning outcomes using multiple assessment measures, including: Course / Practical / PACKRAT / End of Curriculum/ Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs); Competency / clinical readiness assessments; Course and program evaluations
- Utilize assessment data to identify trends and recommend curricular improvements.
- Coordinate annual curriculum review and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Develop reports summarizing learner outcomes and curricular effectiveness.
- Collaborate with faculty to implement evidence-based curricular improvements.
- Collaborate with the Program Director in maintaining compliance with ARC-PA Standards.
- Assist with preparation of accreditation reports, annual reports, progress reports, self-studies, and site visit materials.
- Maintain documentation demonstrating curriculum effectiveness and continuous quality improvement.
- Assist in implementing and monitoring action plans developed in response to accreditation recommendations.
- Monitor curricular changes to ensure compliance with ARC-PA reporting requirements.
- Participate in ongoing program evaluation and strategic planning activities.
- Mentor new and existing faculty regarding instructional design, teaching methodologies, assessment strategies, and learner-centered education.
- Coordinate faculty orientation related to curriculum delivery and educational best practices.
- Promote active learning, simulation-based education, and evidence-based instructional methods.
- Coordinate peer teaching observations and facilitate constructive feedback.
- Identify faculty development needs and recommend professional development opportunities.
- Review didactic course syllabi to ensure consistency with institutional and program policies.
- Ensure course objectives, instructional activities, and assessments are appropriately aligned.
- Monitor examination quality, item analysis, and alignment with NCCPA content and task areas.
- Collaborate with course directors to improve assessment validity and reliability.
- Ensure timely completion of grading, course evaluations, and required academic documentation.
- Monitor learner academic performance throughout the didactic phase.
- Identify learners at risk for academic difficulty using performance indicators and assessment data.
- Collaborate with faculty to develop individualized remediation and academic success plans.
- Participate in academic advising and learner mentoring.
- Chair the Academic and Professional Performance Review Committee (APPRC) and other learner progression activities as assigned.
- Collaborate with institutional student support services to promote learner success and retention.
- Maintain an active teaching workload appropriate to expertise and program needs.
- Develop instructional materials utilizing evidence-based educational practices.
- Participate in laboratory instruction, simulation activities, clinical skills instruction, and competency assessments.
- Evaluate learner performance using valid, reliable, and equitable assessment methods.
- Participate in admissions activities, including applicant interviews and admissions committee responsibilities.
- Participate in faculty meetings, institutional committees, and program governance.
- Assist with strategic planning and resource allocation related to didactic education.
- Collaborate with the Medical Director and Director of Clinical Education to ensure curricular integration and program effectiveness.
- Represent the program at institutional, regional, state, and national meetings as appropriate.
- Maintain scholarly activity consistent with institutional expectations.
- Participate in educational research, quality improvement initiatives, and professional service.
- Maintain NCCPA certification, licensure, and continuing professional development.
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and respectful learning environment.
- Demonstrate professionalism consistent with the Physician Assistant profession and institutional values.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director.
- Graduation from an ARC-PA-accredited Physician Assistant program.
- Current NCCPA certification.
- Eligibility for New York State licensure as a Physician Assistant within six months of start date of employment.
- Master's degree in Physician Assistant studies
- Minimum of five years of clinical practice experience.
- Minimum of three years of experience teaching in a graduate PA or health professions education program.
- Demonstrated experience in curriculum development, educational assessment, and student evaluation.
- Knowledge of ARC-PA Standards and accreditation processes.
- Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze educational data and implement continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student-centered education.
- Doctoral degree in education, health professions education, healthcare administration, or a related field.
- Previous experience serving as a Director of Didactic Education, Academic Coordinator, Associate Program Director, or equivalent academic leadership role.
- Experience participating in ARC-PA accreditation reviews or self-study preparation.
- Experience leading curriculum redesign or competency-based education initiatives.
- Experience mentoring faculty and facilitating faculty development.
- Experience with simulation-based education and educational technologies.
- Experience with assessment software and educational data analytics.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Ability to mentor faculty and foster collaborative working relationships.
The Director of Didactic Education works primarily within the Physician Assistant Program and collaborates extensively with faculty, learners, administrators, clinical partners, and community stakeholders. The primary work location is the Physician Assistant Program located in the Rothschild Building on the downtown Ithaca Commons. Parking is not provided; however, the location is accessible via the TCAT bus system. Travel to the main south hill campus may be required.
Work is performed primarily in an accessible indoor educational environment using computers, audiovisual equipment, simulation technologies, and standard office equipment. The incumbent may occasionally be required to transport equipment or materials between campus locations or participate in off-campus educational activities. Evening and weekend work may occasionally be required to support instructional activities, simulation events, admissions events, or other program needs.
Performance Expectations
The Director of Didactic Education is expected to:
- Provide visionary leadership for the didactic curriculum.
- Promote excellence in teaching, learning, and assessment.
- Lead continuous quality improvement initiatives that improve educational outcomes.
- Support successful compliance with ARC-PA Standards and accreditation requirements.
- Foster faculty development and collaborative program leadership.
- Advance learner success through data-informed educational practices.
- Contribute to the long-term stability, quality, and continuous improvement of the Physician Assistant Program.
$125,000-$130,000
Application Instructions
Interested applicants must apply online and submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at (607) 274-8000 or humanresources@ithaca.edu .
Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages applications from individuals whose experiences contribute to the diversity and excellence of the College.
Visa sponsorship may be provided for this position.
We pride ourselves on providing our benefit-eligible employees with comprehensive benefits, including:
• Healthcare including vision and dental
• Generous Paid Time Off Policies
• 403B Retirement Savings Plan with Matching Employer Contribution
• EAP
• Flexible Work Plans
• Educational Benefits
• Career-Enhancing Trainings
• For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit https://www.ithaca.edu/human-resources/employee-benefits-wellness.
In an effort to promote campus safety and the security of College resources, Ithaca College will, consistent with the requirements of the law and prudent practices, conduct criminal background investigations per College policy. This position is subject to a criminal background check. All offers of employment are contingent upon review of the criminal background check.
