Job Description
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 and benefits are commensurate with experience. Review of applications will begin February 15, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. 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. Please submit your application packet through MWU's online job board https://recruiting.ultipro.com/MID1016/JobBoard/14e53f57-a561-4a17-e6ef-fbd661b8b6c1/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=ce922e6e-cf1c-4a8c-ace5-29275b43fd9f 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. Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts. Compensation Information: $155000.00 / Annually - $200000.00 / Annually