Assistant Director - EMS Programs

Advertising Summary: 

Unit: School Of Medicine MBU

Department: Surgery

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Assistant Director – EMS Programs will serve as the Paramedic Program Director for the VCU Health Paramedic Program and all EMS initial education courses conducted under the Center for Trauma and Critical Care Education. The Assistant Director will ensure the program's compliance with all accreditation standards, maintain academic excellence, and foster a supportive learning environment for students. This position reports to the Director for CTCCE.

Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Administration:
• Oversee all aspects of program operations, including curriculum development, course scheduling, student recruitment and retention, and faculty management
• Work with the Center Director, the Medical Director, and the designated VCU Health administrator on current operational status, future development while ensuring compliance with current accreditation standards
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, institutional, and regulatory requirements related to EMS education (e.g. CoAEMSP), student records, privacy, and clinical training
• Develop and manage the program budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources
• Prepare and submit all required reports to accrediting bodies, state agencies, and institutional administration
• Monitor and improve key program performance metrics, including retention, graduation rates, credentialing examination performance, employer satisfaction, and accreditation outcomes
• Develop and maintain clinical affiliation agreements with healthcare agencies
• Develop and maintain field affiliation agreements with EMS agencies
• Develop and maintain satellite program sites in accordance with current accreditation standards. Coordinating with satellite leadership to include oversight and appointment of the Lead Instructor
• Represent the program at professional organizations, conferences, and community events

Curriculum & Instruction:
• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive and up-to-date Paramedic, AEMT, and EMT curriculum
• Ensure curricula meet the current National EMS Education Standards and prepares students for national certification and state licensure
• Monitor student progress and implement remediation strategies as needed
• Facilitate didactic, laboratory, and clinical instruction as needed
• Assist with other courses that are offered by CTCCE

Faculty Management & Development:
• Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and evaluate program faculty and instructional staff
• Foster a collaborative and supportive environment for faculty growth and professional development
• Complete faculty and staff evaluations and set professional developmental goals
• Ensure faculty maintain appropriate credentials and remain current in their field
• Provide direct supervision, coaching, scheduling, and performance management for assigned faculty and staff in accordance with university and health system policies
• Ensure faculty complete required annual RAM survey
• Ensures the Program holds the minimum of required yearly meetings of the Paramedic Advisory Committee and group completes required accreditation survey (RAM)
• Ensures that the composition of the Paramedic Advisory Committee reflects the communities of interest
• Ensures effective communication with the Chair, Vice Chair and committee members as needed
• Ensure that meeting minutes are maintained and distributed

Student Success:
• Advise and mentor paramedic students, providing guidance on academic progression and career development
• Address student concerns and grievances in a fair and timely manner
• Ensure students in all cohorts complete accreditation required surveys during class (RAM) and post-graduation

Clinical & Field Operations:
• Oversee the coordination of clinical and field internship experiences, ensuring high-quality learning opportunities.
• Develop collaborative relationships with EMS agencies, healthcare systems, public safety organizations, and acade

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required
• Current Virginia Department of Health Paramedic certification or the ability to meet this requirement within 6 months of hire
• Current National Registry (NREMT) Paramedic certification
• Current Virginia Department of Health Education Coordinator certification with no or the ability to meet this requirement within 6 months of hire
• Minimum of 10 years of experience as a Paramedic
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in EMS education, including teaching and curriculum development
• Demonstrated experience in program administration and leadership
• Knowledge of national EMS education standards (e.g., CoAEMSP) and accreditation processes
• Strong organizational, communication (written and verbal), and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in educational technology and learning management systems
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in EMS, Education, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
• Previous experience as a Paramedic Program Director.
• Experience managing multiple ongoing EMS education programs (EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic).
• Experience with grant-funded educational initiatives.
• Experience supervising satellite campuses or distributed instructional sites
• Experience with CoAEMSP accreditation self-study and site visits.
• Experience with Platinum Planner or other similar tracking software product.
• Previously attended Fundamentals of Accreditation Workshop (CoAEMSP).
• Current instructor certifications (e.g., ACLS, PALS, PHTLS, BLS).
• Record of scholarly activity and professional presentations.

Salary Range: $95,000 - $115,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 20911Y - Administrator HS 1

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Mary Waite
Contact Email: Mary. Waite@vcuhealth.org