Design Director Jobs in Utah

Position Information

Position/Rank Program Director University of Utah Physician Assistant Program DOQ

Department 00962 - Physician Asst. Ed. & Science

City Salt Lake City, UT

Track Non Tenure Track

New Position to Begin As soon as filled

Details

The Division of Physician Assistant Education and Sciences (DPAES) at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine (SFESOM), University of Utah, seeks an accomplished and visionary leader to serve as Program Director of the University of Utah Physician Assistant Program (UPAP). This career-line faculty position (rank and track determined based on qualifications) offers a unique opportunity to lead one of the nation’s premier PA programs within a thriving academic health system. Faculty benefit from close integration with University of Utah Health, providing rich opportunities for collaboration in education, clinical care, and innovative scholarship.

DPAES is a standalone division within SFESOM with a fully integrated tripartite mission encompassing educational excellence, clinical impact, and research innovation. The division is strategically positioned to lead transformation in healthcare workforce development, with a clear focus on expanding access, advancing health equity, and driving measurable improvements in patient and educational outcomes.

UPAP is one of the nation’s most respected physician assistant programs, consistently ranked among the top programs in the United States and currently ranked #2 among public programs. Established in 1970, the program has a longstanding track record of excellence in preparing practice-ready physician assistants, with a strong emphasis on primary care and service to medically underserved populations. UPAP has played a pivotal role in advancing the PA profession and continues to serve as a model for innovation, academic rigor, and mission-driven education.

Joining UPAP as Program Director offers the opportunity to lead a top-tier program with a strong national reputation, a deeply mission-driven culture, and a sustained commitment to shaping the future of the PA profession. This is a rare chance to influence the next generation of healthcare leaders while advancing innovation, equity, and excellence in physician assistant education.

Job Responsibilities:

This position oversees the comprehensive management of the Physician Assistant Program. Key responsibilities include curriculum design and continuous program evaluation and analysis, budget administration, coordination of the admissions process, and supervision of faculty, the medical director, and administrative staff. Additional duties include teaching, faculty recruitment, developing clinical rotation sites, and maintaining program accreditation.

The position reports to the Vice Chair of Education in the Division of Physician Assistant Education and Sciences at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Physician Assistant with current or emeritus certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
• Minimum of a master’s degree in a field related to physician assistant practice or the education of physician assistant students, doctorate preferred
• PA licensed or eligible for licensure in the State of Utah
• A minimum of three (3) years full-time experience in higher education at a Physician Assistant program, five (5) years and leadership experience preferred
• Strong interpersonal communication, organization, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
• Interest in areas that align with the Division mission
• A strong record of scholarship
• Proficiency with computer technology (i.e. word processing, e-mail, spreadsheets, databases, SPSS, SAS, AI)
• Knowledge of legislative, regulatory, legal, and practice issues affecting higher education, clinical education, students, and the physician assistant profession
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Knowledgeable about ARC-PA accreditation standards and the self-study process

Program Director Responsibilities:

Effective leadership of the Physician Assistant Program, to include:

• Program planning, administration, organization and fiscal management
• Continuous programmatic review and analysis
• Adherence and completion of all ARC-PA required documents, standards and policies
• Ensuring that the Program meets all ARC-PA guidelines, requirements, and standards
• Supervising the medical director, principal and instructional faculty, and staff in activities that directly relate to the PA program.

Exhibits strong leadership through:

• Responsiveness to issues related to personnel
• Strong communication skills
• Proactive problem solving
• Transparent Communication
• Collaborative working environment
• Active mentorship and development of faculty
• Strategic planning

FTE: 1.0

Quick link for posting: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/202105

To Apply:

The search committee will accept applications until the position is filled. Applicants should include a letter describing relevant experiences and interest in the position, curriculum vitae, a leadership statement, a complete application and the names and contact information of three personal references. Please contact Jo Rolls at Joanne.Rolls@hsc.utah.edu with any questions regarding this posting.

Division Vision Statement

To be the premier physician assistant division in the United States and renowned for excellence in education, clinical practice, research, and community engagement.

The Division of Physician Assistant Education and Sciences aspires to create a future where all individuals have access to high-quality health care, where our profession is at the forefront of clinical care, medical innovation and leadership, and where our research drives meaningful improvements in health and educational outcomes. Through our integrated approach, we aim to transform the health and well-being of all the communities we serve.

Division Mission Statement

To promote accessible, high-value, patient-centered health care through innovation, education, clinical care, leadership, scholarship, health policy and advocacy for all.

Clinical Mission: To address and bridge care gaps, ensuring access to high-quality health care for all individuals. DPAES is dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care that meets the full spectrum of needs of our populations. By leveraging innovative practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we strive to eliminate gaps in health outcomes and enhance the overall well-being of all patients.

Research Mission: To improve health and educational outcomes for all individuals through evidence-based research. DPAES is dedicated to developing novel systems to improve our understanding of the drivers of educational and health outcomes. Our goal is to utilize state-of-the-art techniques in the full range of translational and community-based methods to create comprehensive strategies to address complex health and social issues.

Education Mission: To contribute meaningfully to the advancement of education of clinicians, health professions educators, leaders, advocates, and researchers. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development, we ensure all are equipped to excel in their careers and make a positive impact on the health care system, contributing to the future of exceptional health professions education.

Advocacy, Success, and Impact Mission: We are committed to fostering the advancement of requisite and universal academic and professional excellence for all students, staff and faculty. Guided by an abiding commitment to the core values of justice, representation, fairness and belonging, we strive to create a welcoming and affirming culture and environment that fosters growth and success for all. Through these efforts, we aim to enhance individual, group, and organizational potential and improve the health and well-being of all communities.

EEO /Non-Discrimination Information

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah Health (U of U Health) is a patient focused center distinguished by collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. The U of U Health values candidates who are committed to fostering and furthering the culture of compassion, collaboration, innovation, accountability, acceptance, integrity, quality, and trust that is integral to our mission.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number, can be located at https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/.

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.

Notice

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

Special Instructions for Candidates

Applicants should include a letter describing relevant experiences and interest in the position, curriculum vitae, a leadership statement, a complete application and the names and contact information of three personal references. Please contact Jo Rolls at Joanne.Rolls@hsc.utah.edu with any questions regarding this posting.

Open Date 05/19/2026

Close Date 12/31/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Requisition Number PRN04063F

Type Faculty