Associate Director, Office of Pathway Programs

The senior leader will lead the Office of Pathway Programs serving the Wake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSM) campuses along with connections to the entire academic enterprise within Advocate Health, promoting innovative pathway programs designed to enhance the educational experience and career trajectories of learners. This position will oversee strategic direction, implementation, along with budgeting and evaluation for the Office of Pathway Programs with primary responsibility for supporting activities related to pathway program reviews, helping the office to develop a culture of analysis for pathway programs, strategic vision, budget prioritization, clear guidance/communication, and careful execution.    

Overall, the Office of Pathway Programs works with internal and external entities to offer a cohesive approach and shared platform that coordinates efforts and provides seamless pathways for program participants. It supports the achievement of WFUSM strategic goals by promoting cornerstone programs, facilitating collaboration and partnerships, and enabling WFUSM to become a destination for those who seek to eliminate opportunity disparities in our communities through the provision of a “start to finish” continuum. The Office of Pathway Programs is a hub for building the next-generation workforce and accelerating learning and discovery.  

1. Alignment, Coordination and Collaboration 

• Facilitate alignment and enhance coordination of pathway programs.  

• Set strategic direction for WFUSM and HSS pathway programs to provide “One Stop” logistics and scheduling support.   

• Work with faculty, departments and centers to design and implement pathway programs tailored to meet the diverse needs and interests of learners and teammates ensuring alignment with accreditation standards.   

2. Pathway Programs Hub  

• Establish and maintain a database of WFUSM pathway programs for both internal and external access (central pathways portal) and maintain a mentor/mentee matching system 

3. Community Liaison  

• Establish and nurture partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including affiliated hospitals, research institutions, community organizations, and industry partners, to enhance pathway program offerings and opportunities for learners.  

4. Program Tracking and Evaluation  

• Develop metrics and tools to assess the effectiveness and impact of pathway programs on desired outcomes, career development, and institutional goals; coordinate annual assessment of program outcomes achievement  

• Establish shared systems and processes for program evaluation (data and defined objectives for tracking) and support implementation of enhancements. 

5. Funding  

• Identify and share funding opportunities and provide grant writing support to individual pathway programs and lead pathway program office grant proposal development.  

6. Advisory and Consultative Services  

• Offer advisory services to help pathway program leaders navigate institutional policies, funding opportunities, partnership development, and ensure aligned with broader educational and community engagement goals.  

7. Other duties as assigned. 

Education

Advanced degree with a minimum of ten (10) years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified above, with a proven track record of leadership and innovation; terminal degree preferred.   

Work Experience