Assistant Dean of Clinical and Experiential Learning

Job Summary:
The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine is seeking a dynamic and dedicated professional to serve as the Assistant Dean of Clinical and Experiential Learning. This position is critical in ensuring that veterinary students receive top-tier clinical education and experiences beginning from day 1, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience in veterinary medicine in a growth mindset culture. The Assistant Dean will lead the development, implementation, and oversight of clinical training programs, including pre-clinical experiences, fostering partnerships with clinical practice sites, and supporting external partners, faculty, staff, and students in these settings.

The UMN CVM is dedicated to providing an integrated, competency-focused curriculum that provides students with goal-direct feedback and ensures students are learning in an environment that encourages curiosity, vulnerability, and resilience; emphasizes problem-solving over memorization and accepts failure as part of learning.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Experience Program Leadership:
Develop, oversee, and maintain a comprehensive experiential clinical program that aligns with the latest industry standards and accreditation requirements using the Competency-Based Veterinary Education model. This includes the clinical skills development courses and experiential opportunities in the pre-clinical curricula as well as overseeing the professional development program training goals in all years of the program.
Ensure integration of clinical experiences across the didactic veterinary curriculum, promoting a seamless and productive transition from classroom to clinical practice.
Supervise the Veterinary Teaching Technician Team Supervisor(s) whose direct reports provide instructional support to experiential learning in the DVM curriculum
Monitor student challenges and strengths to provide input to the Assistant Dean of Pre-clinical Sciences, Director of Student Affairs, and Director of Student Success and Wellbeing.

Partnership Development:
Establish and maintain partnerships with private and corporate veterinary practices, animal shelters, zoos, and other relevant organizations to expand clinical training sites.
Develop an onboarding program for externships and external partners to participate in clinical experiences
Liaise with clinical partners to ensure high-quality training environments as required by accreditation and address any concerns or improvements.

Student and Faculty Support:
Mentor and advise veterinary students on clinical career paths, externship placements, and professional development.
Work directly with the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs to support faculty in delivering clinical education, and providing resources and training for effective teaching and supervision in clinical settings.
Oversee the assessment and evaluation of student performance in clinical experiences, ensuring continuous feedback and improvement.

Quality Assurance and Compliance:
Ensure all clinical experience training programs meet accreditation standards. This includes traveling to the sites which may require driving long distances or flights.
Monitor the quality and consistency of clinical training across sites, implementing improvements as necessary.
Develop and maintain policies and procedures related to clinical education and student conduct in clinical settings.
Perform outcomes analysis of the clinical and professional development training programs and share with appropriate parties and individuals for decision-making and documentation

Administration and Leadership:
Collaborate with the Sr. Associate Dean, Veterinary Medical Center Leadership, and other senior leaders to align clinical programs with the college's strategic goals.
Manage the clinical education budget, including resource allocation and financial planning for clinical sites.
Participate in college committees and initiatives to advance the educational mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or equivalent from an accredited institution.
Minimum of 5 years of clinical veterinary practice experience, with a strong preference for those with teaching or supervisory roles in a primary care or community practice clinical setting in small, mixed, or large animal practice.
Experience in developing and managing clinical education programs in a higher education context is highly desirable.
Experience in veterinary accreditation is highly desirable.

Skills and Competencies:
Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of fostering collaboration and building relationships.
Demonstrated ability to support faculty and mentor and support students in a clinical educational environment.
In-depth knowledge of veterinary clinical practices, industry standards, and educational best practices.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in veterinary education and clinical practice.

Pay Range: $105,000 to $125,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).