Foundations Program Manager - Academic, Rural, and Regional Affairs, School of Medicine

Job Description

The School of Medicine has an outstanding opportunity for a Foundations Program Manager to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Curriculum, the Foundations Program Manager leads the delivery, coordination, and continuous improvement of core components of the Foundations Phase of the School of Medicine curriculum. In this highly collaborative role, you will help ensure a consistent, high-quality educational experience across the WWAMI region—Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho—serving more than 270 students annually. This is an opportunity to bring operational excellence, strategic thinking, and a service-minded approach to a complex, mission-driven academic program.

Key Responsibilities

This position manages employees.

Foundations Program Management (65%)

• Lead the planning, implementation, and day-to-day operations of five Foundations integrated blocks, the Foundations Integration course, and one longitudinal curricular thread across WWAMI partner sites.
• Coordinate complex curriculum delivery across six partner institutions with varying academic calendars, ensuring alignment, consistency, and quality in schedules, materials, communications, and execution.
• Allocate and manage resources strategically, including staffing, scheduling, and materials, to support efficient operations and high-quality program delivery.
• Advise and collaborate with block and thread directors, faculty, instructors, academic leaders, site leads, and regional administrators to implement curriculum changes, resolve operational needs, and keep priorities moving forward.
• Chair and facilitate meetings with course directors, site leads, instructors, and regional administrators to prioritize work, monitor progress on action items, and inform decision-making.
• Interpret and operationalize university, state, and federal educational policies to ensure compliance with accreditation and financial aid requirements.

Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement (20%)

• Analyze curriculum delivery, stakeholder feedback, program data, and performance metrics to identify gaps, streamline processes, and recommend evidence-based improvements.
• Drive strategic planning and continuous improvement efforts that strengthen the effectiveness, innovation, and alignment of the Foundations curriculum and related operational practices.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and resource, supporting informed decision-making and continuous program advancement.

Staff Supervision (15%)

• Supervise, direct, and develop staff by assigning and prioritizing work, setting expectations, evaluating performance, and supporting timely, accurate completion of responsibilities.
• Coach and mentor team members to build skills, promote professional growth, and foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish and refine work standards, team processes, and operational frameworks that support excellent service delivery and program goals.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• A minimum of 3 years’ administrative experience.

Additional Qualifications

• Excellent project management skills, including working knowledge of project management methodologies and technologies.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent oral and written communication, organizational skills, and experience working in a team-based, collaborative environment.
• Experience leading teams, facilitating meetings, and working in large, highly structured environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in higher education, preferably medical education.
• Experience with Canvas learning management software and curriculum management systems.
• Experience supervising employees.

Working Conditions

• This position occasionally requires work beyond a normal work week and may intermittently require evening and weekend time to meet project deadlines and attend meetings.
• This role follows a hybrid model, combining in-office and remote work. Please note that during scheduled curriculum sessions, extended periods of on-site attendance may be required.

About the Team

The Academic, Rural, and Regional Affairs Curriculum unit supports the 19-month Foundations Phase of medical education and works closely with Academic Affairs leadership, faculty, staff, and partner institutions across the WWAMI region. The team values thoughtful coordination, clear communication, creative problem-solving, and a shared commitment to delivering an excellent student experience across a complex, multi-site educational environment.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

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Temporary or Regular?

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About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.