Job Description

MERP

The Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP) is a medical school preparatory program operated by Covista, one of the world’s largest providers of educational services. Admission to MERP allows students to be conditionally accepted to either Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) or American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) and based on their performance in the program, gain admission to their respective medical school. MERP’s academic year is divided into 3 semesters with a new class of students admitted each semester. Since 2020, MERP is conducted 100% on-line.

Opportunity at a Glance

Reporting to the Senior Director, Academic Success (Med/Vet), the Director, MERP & MedOrigin provides operational leadership and drives continuous improvement of the Medical Educational Readiness Program (MERP)—the primary feeder program to Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) and American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC)—as well as the MedOrigin, a campus-based program that combines foundational science education and clinical reasoning while leveraging the resources, support services, and community experience available on campus.

This role is suited for a collaborative leader passionate about student success, program innovation, and building high-performing academic teams across modalities and locations.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Operations

• Lead day-to-day operations and delivery of MERP and MedOrigin across campuses and modalities
• Drive continuous improvement and ensure program effectiveness
• Implement and uphold academic policies aligned with institutional standards

Strategy & Growth

• Partner with the Senior Director to execute growth strategies supporting enrollment at RUSM and AUC
• Collaborate with marketing and enrollment teams to strengthen awareness, recruitment, and pipeline outcomes

Faculty & Team Leadership

• Oversee faculty workforce planning, hiring, onboarding, performance management, and development
• Foster a student-centered, engaging teaching environment
• Build and support a high-performing team focused on academic quality and outcomes

Performance & Student Success

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators
• Support reporting on student outcomes, progression, and overall program effectiveness
• Serve as an escalation point for complex student matters, ensuring timely resolution
• Enhance academic and wellness support structures to strengthen student readiness and success

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Ensure alignment across MERP, MedOrigin, and stakeholders at RUSM and AUC
• Partner effectively across academic, operational, and cross-functional teams
• Represent programs in internal forums and contribute to external initiatives

Organizational Alignment

• Support MedVet and Covista priorities, aligning with mission and student success goals
• Perform other duties as assigned and comply with all policies and standards

Qualifications

Education

• Medical or Doctoral degree required; MD or equivalent strongly preferred

• Master’s degree (e.g., MHSA, MEd) preferred

Experience

• 7+ years in higher education, including online, hybrid, or in-person delivery

• Experience within a medical school environment strongly preferred

• Experience leading and developing staff and/or faculty, including performance management

• Demonstrated leadership driving team effectiveness, change initiatives, and program improvement

Skills & Capabilities

• Ability to operate effectively in a matrixed, regulated environment

• Strong collaboration across academic, operational, and cross-functional teams

• Understanding of student success models and professional student development

• Commitment to an inclusive, student-centered environment

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills

• Additional Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel to Miami, Barbados, and Sint Maarten as needed

Why Join Us

Help shape programs that prepare future medical students for success while working with a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to advancing student outcomes.

Additional Information

In support of the pay transparency laws enacted across the country, the expected base salary range for this position is between $166,657.00 and $205,000.00. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; geographic location; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility. Our Talent Acquisition Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and we look forward to learning more about your salary requirements. The position qualifies for the below benefits.

Covista offers a robust suite of benefits including:

• Health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
• 401k Retirement Program + 6% employer match
• Participation in Covista’s Flexible Time Off (FTO) Policy
• 12 Paid Holidays
  
  For more information related to our benefits please visit:
  https://careers.covista.com/benefits
  
  You are also eligible to participate in an annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing the program, whereby an award, if any, depends on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance.

Equal Opportunity – Minority / Female / Disability / V / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation