The School of Health Sciences and Human Performance (HSHP) at Ithaca College (https://www.ithaca.edu/) , in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates (http://www.scotthealy.com/) , invites applications and nominations for the position of Program Director, Clinical Assistant/Associate Professor, Physician Assistant Studies . Ithaca College seeks a dynamic, collaborative leader who is committed to advancing the program's equity framework, furthering the program's vision, and guiding the program toward long-term sustainability as a nationally recognized accredited program. The Program Director is responsible for leading a team of 7 faculty and related support staff.
Ithaca seeks candidates who are energized by managing change and want to provide leadership during an exciting time of continued development within the program. The School of HSHP encourages creative collaboration and innovation in our faculty and staff, providing support and resources for them to grow in their fields and lead students to their own innovative ideas and achievements. We encourage collaboration across a variety of allied health professions within the School alongside campus and community partners as we have a school-wide emphasis on interprofessional education and practice.
Ithaca College and the School of HSHP is strongly committed to offering robust curricular experiences and fostering an inclusive environment for its campus community. To that end, candidates with related experience are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths and expertise. Ithaca welcomes different ways of thinking and looks for candidates with unique points of view and life experiences. We are inclusive of individuals with a wide range of cultural, personal, and professional backgrounds, talents, and skills. Our campus is a vibrant and rewarding community where diverse minds can learn, succeed, and excel.
This is primarily an administrative role so limited teaching is an expectation of this position. Pursuit of a scholarly agenda or clinical practice, along with service to the program, school, and college is required. The Program Director reports directly to the Dean of HSHP. This is a 12-month full time multi-year renewable notice (MYRN) faculty appointment. Academic rank will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Start date is negotiable.
Responsibilities:
Performing all duties of the Program Director as described in the ARC-PA standards.
Serving as an effective program leader, manager, and administrator.
Setting strategic priorities and managing program implementation aligned with available budget and resources, including developing staffing plans and annual budgets.
Supervising, mentoring, and responding to concerns from the Medical Director, faculty, and staff.
Guiding faculty in curricular revisions and assessment to ensure ongoing compliance with ARC-PA standards and Ithaca College policies and procedures.
Guiding faculty and staff in supporting student advising and success.
Nurturing community relationships, networking with local providers, and fostering partnerships with regional K-12 schools to create pathways to the PA profession.
Using transparent communication and active listening strategies with administrators, faculty, staff, and students.
Assuring that the program is adhering to ARC-PA program accreditation standards, including preparing and submitting all required reports and documentation, and Ithaca College policies and procedures.
Leading and/or participating in faculty and staff recruitment, development, and evaluation.
Providing guidance on student recruitment, selection, and retention.
Maintaining connections with appropriate national physician assistant-related associations.
Collaborating on interprofessional and interdisciplinary initiatives within the School of HSHP and across the college.
Attending regular leadership team meetings within the School of HSHP and other meetings at the College and within the community as requested.
Required Qualifications:
Master's degree from an accredited PA program.
Current NCCPA certification with licensure in the State of New York within 6 months of hire.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in higher education.
Minimum of 2 years of full-time clinical experience.
Understanding of PA education, standards of accreditation through Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and the role of PAs in delivering high quality health care.
Preferred Qualifications:
Evidence of visionary leadership and strong interpersonal skills.
Experience with curriculum design and assessment
Experience developing and managing operational budgets and staffing plans.
Experience working with constituents within and outside of higher education.
Experience supporting an equity framework and working with students of diverse backgrounds
Compensation
$155,000 - $170,000
About Ithaca College:
Ithaca College (https://www.ithaca.edu/about) is a comprehensive residential campus community of approximately 5,000 students, consistently ranked among the best in the Northeast. IC offers a distinct integrative learning experience designed to prepare students for the personal, professional, and global challenges of our age. Since its founding, the College has recognized the profound impact of combining academic theory with hands-on practice and a distinctive integration of performance. With 70 majors and 70 minors across five industry-leading schools, students benefit from small class sizes, personal mentorship, collaborative partnerships, and professional guidance-supported by expert faculty and first-rate facilities typically found at larger institutions.
At Ithaca, faculty and staff are deeply committed to student education and growth. As thought leaders moving their fields forward, IC faculty not only mentor students but also continue to develop as professionals who use their knowledge and expertise to make a difference in the world. Ithaca College is especially noted for hands-on preprofessional education, offering both liberal arts and professional degrees. The School of Health Sciences and Human Performance offers graduate degrees in several health-related fields, including physician assistant studies, athletic training, exercise science, occupational and physical therapy, and speech-language pathology.
Nestled in the heart of New York State's scenic Finger Lakes region, Ithaca College sits atop South Hill overlooking picturesque Cayuga Lake and is just minutes away from the city center. Combining small town warmth and charm with the vibrancy of a college community, the thriving and culturally diverse city of Ithaca (https://www.visitithaca.com/) has been rated by Kiplinger's as one of the top 10 places to live in the United States.
About the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program:
The Ithaca College Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program (https://www.ithaca.edu/academics/school-health-sciences-and-human-performance/school-health-sciences-and-human-performance-hshp-graduate-programs/physician-assistant-studies) is a 27-month residential program enrolling a cohort of 50 learners each year. Its mission is to educate, engage and empower physician assistants to achieve excellence through medical theory, clinical practice, and exemplary professional performance in communities that are historically marginalized, underserved, health professional shortage areas, and rural. The program is currently provisionally accredited by ARC-PA with a site visit scheduled for Fall 2025.
Our program offers several unique components:
A dedicated state-of-the-art facility which includes 20,000 square feet of smart classrooms and a Clinical Learning Center that includes high fidelity mannekins, dedicated space for simulated clinical experiences, and an operating suite. On main campus, learners have access to Anatomage table, human anatomy lab, healthcare simulation lab, and movement analysis lab.
A focus on Team-Based Learning, in which learners actively participate in problem-solving through dialogue and discussion.
Collaborative teaching with other programs within the School of HSHP as well as opportunities to engage in interprofessional practice.
A Leadership and Professional Series to introduce learners to the PA profession and develop effective leadership and advocacy skills.
A Transition to Clinical Practice course, which prepares learners for the PANCE examination while also fine-tuning entry-level skills to ensure clinical readiness prior to graduation.
About the Community:
Ithaca, NY (https://www.visitithaca.com/) , is a vibrant and scenic city nestled in the Finger Lakes region, best known for its breathtaking gorges, waterfalls, and progressive, community-minded spirit. Home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, the city thrives on innovation, education, and the arts. Residents enjoy a lively downtown filled with local shops, restaurants, and farmers markets, as well as easy access to outdoor recreation like hiking, kayaking, and wine tasting along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. The economy is driven by higher education, healthcare, tech, and sustainable agriculture, offering a strong job market and a commitment to environmental stewardship. With its mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a welcoming, intellectually engaged community, Ithaca offers an exceptional quality of life for those looking to put down roots.
Application and Nomination Process:
All correspondence relating to the position of Program Director, Clinical Assistant/Associate Professor, Physician Assistant Studies at Ithaca College should be directed in confidence to the College's executive search consultant:
Christopher Healy, President
Scott Healy & Associates
chris@scotthealy.com
A complete application should include the following:
Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
Updated CV;
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 July 28, 2025, will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.
Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.
At Ithaca College, a comprehensive residential campus community of approximately 5,000 students, we strive to be at the forefront of the higher education landscape. We offer a distinct integrative learning experience that makes students ready for the personal, professional, and global challenges of our age.
We seek candidates who embrace integrative learning and want to be a part of this exciting time in Ithaca College history. We encourage creative collaboration and innovation in our faculty and staff, providing support and resources for them to grow in their fields and lead students to their own innovative ideas and achievements.
We welcome different ways of thinking and look for candidates with unique points of view and life experiences. We are inclusive of individuals with a wide range of cultural, personal, and professional backgrounds, talents, and skills. Our campus is a vibrant and rewarding community where diverse minds can learn, succeed, and excel.
When reviewing candidates, we are looking for indicators of a number of core competencies. Prospective candidates must be adaptable, collaborative, inclusive, respectful, responsive, results driven, and sustainable. They must communicate effectively, demonstrate leadership, exhibit professional integrity and ethics, take initiative, value personal and professional development, and show that they will engage in the college.
Nestled in the heart of New York State's scenic Finger Lakes region, Ithaca College sits atop South Hill overlooking picturesque Cayuga Lake and is just minutes away from the city center. Combining small town warmth and charm with the vibrancy of a college community, the thriving and culturally diverse city of Ithaca has been rated by Kiplinger's as one of the top 10 places to live in the United States.
To learn more about Ithaca College, visit us at http://ithaca.edu
