We are seeking an innovative and dynamic faculty member to serve as inaugural Program Director for a new Masters in Genetic Counseling Program. The Program Director will play a pivotal role in establishing and developing the program in Genetic Counseling from the ground up. The Program Director will be responsible for designing program framework, implementing strategic initiatives, and building a strong foundation for future success. Reporting to the Chair of the Department of Integrative Genomics and Epidemiology, the Director is responsible for program administration and planning, supporting and coordinating curriculum development and assessment, and leading special programs to support the advancement of our students. The Director is responsible for building critical links to engage faculty and campus partners in teaching, research, and curricular experiences. The Director collaborates with the Admissions Office to recruit the strongest pool of applicants and supervises staff and faculty assigned to the MS in Genetics Counseling Program to support the success of the program and its students. The Program Director will ensure that the program maintains compliance with the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) Standards and is aligned with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) requirements. The Director will provide strategic oversight to ensure academic excellence, program stability, and continuous improvement, while fostering a culture where all individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute.

Essential Functions:

Program Leadership and Administration

• Lead the design and development of the program, including establishing the curriculum, policies, and procedures.
• Convene and collaborate with the Program Advisory Board, integrating feedback to improve program outcomes. Collaborate with stakeholders to define program objectives and outcomes.
• Set up operational processes and systems to ensure efficient program delivery.
• Build and manage a team to support program execution.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the ACGC and SACSCOC, ensuring effective communication regarding program changes in staffing, administrative, financial, and/or fieldwork training changes.
• Ensure compliance with ACGC standards of Accreditation and SACSCOC principles, including initial accreditation and maintaining documentation, conducting reviews, and submitting required reports.
• Develop, implement, and continuously review the program’s strategic plan, encompassing the mission, vision, goals, and values. 
• Plan for the program’s long-term fiscal stability, including budget preparation, resource allocation, and funding initiatives.

Curriculum and Academic Oversight 

Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of the program’s curriculum ensuring alignment with the ACGC Standards, and SACSCOC academic principles. 

• Ensure all curricular requirements are met, including teaching core competencies in genetics, counseling, and clinical practice.

• Coordinate program admissions, including recruitment strategies, admissions criteria, and evaluation processes. 

Faculty and Staff Management

• Coordinate, monitor, and evaluate all faculty and staff contributing to the program, ensuring they are supported in meeting the program’s goals and accreditation standards.
• Provide guidance to faculty and staff on accessing required continuing education and professional development opportunities.
• Facilitate annual performance reviews and encourage mentorship and collaboration among program personnel.

Teaching and Clinical Supervision

• Provide academic advising to students and monitor their performance, implementing remediation plans as needed to support their success. 
• Contribute to teaching within the program by delivering lectures, leading discussions, or supervising clinical fieldwork as appropriate.
• Foster partnerships with clinical sites and preceptors to ensure high-quality fieldwork training for students.

Provide counseling services to patients when required for research and clinical studies.

                                                                                                               

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Must be a Certified Genetic Counselor and maintain certification in good standing.
• Successful candidates should have prior experience in directing research and educational programs and should have demonstrated leadership qualities commensurate with directing an academic unit.
• Commitment to Meharry values.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Familiarity with ACGC Standards and SACSCOC accreditation requirements is highly preferred.
• Ability to organize and prioritize to accomplish goals; time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, strong team player

Education and Experience Required:

• Must hold a PhD or Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from an ACGC-accredited program.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• One year of experience in teaching and academic leadership experience in a medical education setting. 
• Experience training graduate students.

Licensure, Certification or Registration Required:

• Certified Genetic Counselor with certification in good standing

Licensure, Certification or Registration Preferred:

N/A