Casual Nonexempt

Position Summary:
The Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Neurosciences at the University of Minnesota Medical School seeks a Certified Orthoptist to serve as the Program Director for the Orthoptic Training Program. In partnership with the physician faculty sponsor, the Program Director is responsible for the full administration, organization, implementation, and daily operation of the training program, ensuring compliance with the American Orthoptic Council (AOC) standards. The ideal candidate will balance clinical expertise with a commitment to education, mentorship, and academic administration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Administration & Operations: Oversee the full administration of the program; manage the annual AOC accreditation renewal process, paperwork, and invoicing; coordinate with departmental staff for student onboarding, clinical nexus training, badge access, and EPIC login setups.
• Recruitment & Admissions: Manage the full application and interview process via the AOC and UMN portals; coordinate applicant portfolios, schedule internal interview committees, and issue student acceptance/standing notifications.
• Curriculum & Didactic Management: Maintain the lecture calendar; post pre-lectures; coordinate special educational rotations (e.g., OR observation, ERG days, Neuro days); and
  directly deliver an established roster of program lectures.
• Trainee Supervision & Evaluation: Provide daily clinical supervision to two orthoptic fellows; manage trainee leave/sick calls; conduct bi-annual performance reviews; track milestone compliance via the patient logbook and AOC Standards Checklist; and manage the formal fellow exit and graduation protocols.
• Research & Professional Mentorship: Organize research opportunities for fellows, assist with IRB navigation and abstract creation, and coordinate national meeting attendance and reimbursement.

All required qualifications must be on application materials.

Qualifications & General Expectations:

• Bachelor's degree required
• Board certification as a Certified Orthoptist (CO) or international equivalent
• Must maintain active Board Certification
• Eligible for appointment as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Neurosciences
• Must model professional behavior and uphold the UMN Board of Regents Code of Conduct, ensuring no findings of academic or behavioral misconduct. Committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across all training missions

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences (OVNS) has experts in all six subspecialty areas of ophthalmology. OVNS ophthalmologists are among the best in the world, treating the full spectrum of health issues relating to the eye, including the most complicated and challenging cases of glaucoma, cataracts, conditions of the retina and cornea, and ocular cancer. Approximately 71,000 patients are seen annually in OVNS treatment centers, and team members, from faculty to technicians to administrators, are dedicated to providing excellent patient care, discovering new treatments, and educating the next generation of eye care professionals.

For more information please visit our website at: http://www.ophthalmology.umn.edu/

Pay Rate: $38.46 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.