Physician Assistant Program Director

the position of Physician Assistant Program Director . SUNY Oneonta seeks a dynamic leader to build and lead its new Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program. This is a distinctive opportunity to shape a new PA program from the ground up and establish its academic vision, curriculum, culture, and clinical partnerships. As the inaugural Program Director, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with university leadership, faculty, healthcare partners, and the broader community to develop a high-quality, student-centered program that responds to the needs of diverse and underserved populations. The Director will play a central role in guiding the program through development, SUNY and NYSED approval, and ARC-PA accreditation while building a strong foundation for its long-term success. The position offers a primarily academic environment with meaningful opportunities for teaching, clinical practice, and community engagement. The role will focus primarily on program leadership and administration, while also encompassing teaching, service, and clinical practice, with the expectation of maintaining clinical currency. This is a 12-month appointment, with occasional travel for conferences, clinical site development, and accreditation activities, as well as extended hours during key periods. In this role, the Director will lead program development and operations, recruit and mentor faculty and staff, develop an innovative and outcomes-based curriculum, cultivate clinical and community partnerships, and support student success. The successful candidate will qualify for appointment as a clinical faculty member and will have the opportunity to help establish a program that prepares future PAs to serve diverse communities with excellence and compassion. Key Responsibilities: Program Leadership and Administration Providing strategic and operational leadership for the PA program. Supervising faculty and staff, including the medical director. Overseeing program operations, budgeting, and alignment with institutional goals. Curriculum Development and Assessment Developing and implementing a rigorous, innovative, and outcomes-based curriculum. Integrating simulation and interprofessional education. Establishing policies for admissions, progression, and graduation. Accreditation and Compliance Guiding and managing approval process through SUNY and NYSED. Leading ARC-PA accreditation processes and ensuring ongoing compliance. Preparing accreditation documentation and remaining informed on standards. Faculty and Staff Recruitment and Development Recruiting qualified, diverse faculty and staff. Supervising and mentoring principal faculty, instructional faculty, and program staff. Fostering a collaborative, inclusive academic culture. Encouraging scholarly activity while not requiring it as the primary driver for promotion or advancement. Student Recruitment and Success Directing the admissions process to attract a qualified and diverse student body. Supporting student academic advising, mentoring, and wellness. Teaching in areas of expertise. Community Engagement and Advocacy Building partnerships with Bassett Healthcare Network and with other clinical affiliates and healthcare organizations. Representing and advocating for the program locally and nationally. Seeking philanthropic and grant support. Required Qualifications: Graduate of an ARC-PA-accredited PA program. Current NCCPA certification. Eligible for or currently licensed as a PA in New York State. Minimum of three (3) years of clinical experience as a PA. Minimum of three (3) years of full-time higher education experience in a PA or healthcare-related program at the time of the appointment. Preferred Qualifications: Doctoral degree (e.g., DMSc, DHSc, PhD, EdD, MD, DO). Excellent communication and organizational abilities. Over three (3) years of academic leadership or teaching in PA or health professions education. Knowledge of rural/underserved healthcare delivery. Ability to build and sustain clinical and community partnerships. Familiarity with ARC-PA standards and program development. Experience with state or federal grants (e.g., HRSA, SAMHSA). Strong leadership, team-building, and strategic planning skills. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. About SUNY Oneonta: SUNY Oneonta is a mid-size, four-year, public university that enrolls approximately 5,500 students pursuing bachelor's or master's degrees and certificates across more than 70 academic programs. Known as an exemplary residential campus that values inclusion, service and sustainability, SUNY Oneonta is a nurturing community where students grow intellectually, thrive socially and live purposefully. With small classes, a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, loads of activities and guaranteed opportunities to learn by doing, the university offers students an engaging and supportive educational experience at an attractive cost of attendance. SUNY Oneonta consistently earns high marks for academic quality, affordability, student life and its beautiful campus, and is ranked No. 29 among Regional Universities North and No. 2 for Best Value for In-State Students in the 2027 edition of U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges. Nestled in the northern foothills of the Catskill Mountains, SUNY Oneonta's idyllic setting in Central New York is ideal for study, adventure and self-discovery. The university is located in the City of Oneonta, a picturesque college town of just under 14,000 residents that has been recognized among the 20 Most Picturesque Small Towns in America and ranked No. 45 among the Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025. The natural beauty of the region is breathtaking year-round, with opportunities for hiking, biking, boating, swimming and skiing in every season. Caring is SUNY Oneonta's longest-standing tradition, dating back to the school's founding in the late 1800s, and that spirit continues today through a growing alumni network and a campus culture centered on inclusivity, service and sustainability. About the Community: Oneonta, NY , is a year-round destination nestled in the Susquehanna Valley and rolling hills of Central New York, with the Catskill Mountains providing a spectacular backdrop and abundant opportunities for hiking, biking, boating, skiing and exploring the outdoors. Originally built in response to the booming railroad industry in the mid-1800s, Oneonta combines rich history with a picturesque landscape and a vibrant college-town atmosphere. Walkable and full of personality, the city offers an appealing mix of arts, culture, local dining and outdoor recreation, with Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center, the Catskill Symphony Orchestra, Community Arts Network of Oneonta, galleries, artisan shops, festivals and seasonal markets adding to its creative energy. Downtown brings music, farm-to-table dining, quirky boutiques and local favorites, including Oneonta's famously distinctive cold-cheese pizza. With Albany, Binghamton and Utica all within a short drive, Oneonta offers the character of a small city alongside access to the broader Central New York region, making it an engaging setting for higher education professionals who value community, culture and the natural beauty of the Catskills. Oneonta is home to A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital and the FoxCare Center, which are parts of the larger Bassett Healthcare System, a leader in the rural healthcare field. Application and Nomination Process: All correspondence relating to the position of Physician Assistant Program Director at SUNY Oneonta should be directed in confidence to the University's executive search consultant: Danan Tsan, Vice President Scott Healy & Associates danan@scotthealy.com A complete application should include the following: Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position; Updated CV; Contact information for three (3) professional references with title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.) Applications received by November 30, 2026 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled. Salary: $130,000 - $150,000 commensurate with experience. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. SUNY Oneonta is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer. Information on SUNY's comprehensive benefits offerings can be found at https://www.suny.edu/benefits . SUNY Oneonta values a diverse university community. Please visit our website on diversity at: https://suny.oneonta.edu/diversity . Moreover, the university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. "At SUNY Oneonta, we believe that diversity is an asset and a source of strength that energizes our collective growth and innovation." - President Alberto Cardelle, SUNY Oneonta