Careers at Drexel

Job Summary

The Standardized Patient (SP) and Simulation Director oversee the coordination, administration, and execution of standardized patient and simulation-based education activities across designated campus locations. This role is responsible for the hiring, training, supervision, and administrative management of the SP and simulation programs, including the oversight and development of SP technicians to ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality in program delivery. The Director will collaborate closely with PA Program faculty, MD program faculty, PA and medical students, and simulation center leadership to support curricular objectives and educational outcomes. Key responsibilities include coordinating on-site simulation events, operating and maintaining sophisticated audiovisual and simulation equipment, managing data systems, resolving conflicts, and ensuring effective communication among faculty, learners, SP personnel, and technical staff to support a high-quality, immersive learning environment. 

Essential Functions

• Recruits, hires, onboards, trains, and provides ongoing performance feedback for standardized patients and SP technicians, ensuring quality control and consistency across all simulation activities.
• Oversees administrative operations for SP and SP technician personnel, including scheduling, assignment of simulation events, time tracking, and approval of hours.
• Collaborates with educational programs across the Elkins Park and Main Campuses to coordinate, schedule, and facilitate SP-based and simulation educational activities.
• Provides administrative and operational oversight of simulation center functions, including contract reconciliation, procurement, purchasing, and inventory management.
• Develops, reviews, and updates policies and procedures in collaboration with PA program faculty, MD program faculty, and leadership of both Simulation Centers
• Provides structured mentorship and professional development support to faculty, simulation staff, SPs, and SP technicians. 
• Anticipates, identifies, and resolves scheduling, logistical, technical, and supply-related challenges by maintaining accurate scheduling logs, inventories, and operational tracking systems.
• Leads planning, coordination, and delegation of responsibilities for formative and summative SP and simulation-based educational events.
• Serves as primary point of contact during simulation events, providing real-time troubleshooting, coordination, and problem-solving with faculty and staff.
• Demonstrates advanced operational proficiency with simulation and clinical laboratory equipment, task trainers, audiovisual systems, and related technologies, including troubleshooting hardware and software issues.
• Maintains effective working relationships with IT teams and external vendors to ensure timely maintenance, repair, and upgrades of simulation equipment and software systems.
• Models and reinforces best practice communication strategies.
• Supports hands-on simulation setup and breakdown, including physical handling of equipment requiring lifting up to 25 pounds independently and up to 75 pounds with assistance.
• Implements the Association of Standardized Patient Educators' best practices into simulation activities. 
• Serves as an embedded standardized patient or SP technician in simulation exercises as needed to support instructional and operational needs.
• Other duties as assigned 

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in relevant field or current Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS®) certification or the equivalent combination of education and work experience.
  • (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in clinical skills labs, simulation labs, or healthcare environments
• Ability to lift 25 pounds independently and over 75 pounds with assistance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and other relevant software.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to use appropriate communication tools and technologies effectively.
• Ability to interact professionally with a diverse range of individuals at various organizational levels.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, critical thinking, and team-building skills.
• Commitment to integrity, professionalism, and maintaining high standards.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines successfully.
• Experience in identifying, analyzing, and resolving both basic and advanced simulation-related issues.
• Comprehensive knowledge of simulation services and applications (advanced training will be provided as needed).
• Familiarity with business planning, budgeting, and operational modeling is a plus.
• Experience with simulation mannequins and simulation software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SimulationIQ is preferred.

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Typically standing, walking
• Lifting demands ≤ 25lbs

Location

• Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade M. Compensation for this grade ranges from $75,200 to $112,790 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.