Director - Program Operations

Although open until filled, priority application date is June 12, 2024.

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the nation's premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoy outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

The University of Washington School of Pharmacy is ranked nationally in the top schools of Pharmacy. At the School of Pharmacy, we are committed to educating the next generation of leaders in pharmacy, pharmaceutical research and health care - while seeking to ensure the safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines.

This position directs operations for the experiential education unit within the UW School of Pharmacy's Office of Professional Pharmacy Education (OPPE), the team that runs the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. Approximately 400 PharmD students train to be pharmacists through a rigorous four-year curriculum, delivered by instructional faculty in three departments and supported by several hundred clinical preceptors across the region.

Responsibilities for this position include supervision of staff, strategic and tactical leadership for experiential education, and management of resources for the experiential education and preceptor and site development program areas. This position is accountable for coordination of student off-site experiential learning placements in early and advanced practice experiences, leadership for program development, direct engagement with students, and cultivation of relationships with professional practice site partners. This individual reports to the Assistant Dean for Program Operations and works closely with experiential education faculty, the Director of Assessment & Accreditation, the Assistant Dean for Practice & Professional Affairs, and the Associate Dean for Professional Pharmacy Education.

Core competencies for this position include professional accountability; leadership; resilience; project management; partnership/relationship development; excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills; team building and people skills, and proficient technical and analytical skills. With the support of a team, the position requires the ability to effectively oversee multiple complex programs and manage several competing priorities, using independent judgment and decision making.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership (25%)

Lead all aspects of experiential education operations, including budget management, policy development, process implementation, and quality improvement.

Provide operational oversight, leadership, and day-to-day support for Early and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience areas.

Manage program resources and budgets.

Oversee the development, management, revision, and implementation of policies and procedures related to experiential education.

Provide operational and strategic support for program assessment and evaluation initiatives.

Drive strategic initiatives for program enhancement, leveraging stakeholder input and data analysis.

Ensure experiential education compliance with accreditation standards.

Serve as a leader in OPPE.

Site and Preceptor Management (25%)

Ensure that experiential sites foster a supportive atmosphere conducive to learning and aligned with values of respect and dignity.

Assist in the identification, recruitment, and retention of preceptors and sites to support the needs of experiential education.

Coordinate and conduct site visits.

Oversee the site affiliation agreement process, negotiating terms, involving the Attorney General's Office, and revising agreements as needed.

Oversee preceptor development operations - coordinate preceptor training or continuing education sessions, evaluations, awards, and newsletter.

Coordinate the site and preceptor evaluation processes.

Maintain student records and monitor student progress in collaboration with course faculty.

Oversee PharmD program completion process.

Staff Management (25%)

Manage, guide, and motivate experiential education staff (3.0 FTE).

Lead search processes and make hiring recommendations, as needed.

Conduct performance evaluations and implement performance management plans, as needed.

Supervise work, monitor workflow, and provide mentoring.

Relationships and Representation (10%)

Build and maintain trusting relationships with the following groups:

• Student cohorts, communicating clear expectations, addressing concerns openly, and ensuring that information is provided at the appropriate times throughout the year.

• Site directors and preceptors, clinical and affiliate faculty, and other external stakeholders.

• School of Pharmacy faculty and staff, the Dean's Office, Student Affairs, Curriculum and Assessment Committees, and other internal stakeholders.

Represent the Office of Professional Pharmacy Education (OPPE) and the School of Pharmacy to internal and external stakeholders.

Serve on committees and participate in regional and national groups related to experiential education, advocating for program interests and objectives.

Technical Expertise (10%)

Manage student information systems designed to administer and support the experiential education program.

Serve as a subject matter expert in EE learning management systems.

Provide troubleshooting support for preceptors, students, faculty, and staff.

Backup and Support (5%)

Offer backup support across various OPPE functions, ensuring continuity and operational effectiveness in dynamic environments.

Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in humanities, social sciences, life sciences, business, communications or related field.

At least 4 years in roles responsible for the management of programs, projects, products, or teams.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Supervisor experience, including mentorship, team building, and evaluation of staff.

Demonstrated excellence in managing multiple/complex programs and projects.

Strong teamwork orientation and focus; demonstrated experience building and leading teams.

Experience managing and tracking budgets and allocating program resources.

Demonstrated ability to think creatively, solve problems efficiently, and adapt to an ever-changing educational environment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Masters degree or other post-baccalaureate training/certification in humanities, social sciences, life science, business, communications, or a related field.

Increasing responsibilities within program/project management experience.

Understanding of experiential education, ideally in the area of pharmacy or other health profession training.

Understanding of pharmacy as a profession and career pathways available to PharmD graduates.

Knowledge of trends and practices in assessment and program evaluation in higher education.

Familiarity with best practices for managing student information and other sensitive data.

Experience working with institutional policy frameworks and/or local, state, or federal regulatory structures.

Knowledge of University of Washington and/or School of Pharmacy systems (SDB, EARS, Salesforce, CORE ELMS, etc.) or similar products.

Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.

These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are access ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.