Description

A unique opportunity to transform medical education in Northern Colorado as the Associate Dean of Clinical Education and GME for the College of Osteopathic Medicine, a new college at the University of Northern Colorado located near the Rocky Mountains (Greeley, CO)—the fastest-growing metropolitan area in Colorado and one of the fastest-growing in the nation!

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) was founded as a Normal School in 1889 to meet the need for educators in Greeley and Northern Colorado. 134 years later, UNC, a doctoral research university, finds itself well-positioned to meet another distinct set of needs in the community and region. The proposed UNC COM will become the third medical college in Colorado and will help the state alleviate its shortage of physicians, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

With only 43 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine in the United States—only seven of which are at public universities—UNC COM will be joining a select group of DO colleges that attract students from not just Colorado and the region, but across the country.

To help meet this critical need, the proposed UNC COM is pleased to launch a national search for an Associate Dean of Clinical Education and GME to assist the Founding Dean in leading this not-for-profit enterprise through development, accreditation, and on to the goal of becoming a world-class center of learning and medical education. As a key part of the UNC COM leadership team, the Associate Dean will position the UNC COM to meet the workforce needs of the state and region, positively contributing to the strength, health, and prosperity of Greeley, Weld County, and the state.

Over the past two years, UNC has made considerable progress to make their vision for a new medical college a reality. Key accomplishments include receiving Candidate Status with the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) and is currently pending COCA approval to proceed to Pre-Accreditation Status, receiving statutory authorization from the state to offer specialized degree programs in osteopathic medicine, hiring the founding dean for the proposed college, obtaining the necessary clinical rotation sites, securing the necessary capital funding from the state of Colorado, and securing over $31 million in philanthropic funding to help with start-up costs.

The Role of Associate Dean

The Associate Dean for Clinical Education and GME will report to The Founding Dean. If UNC achieves its goal of COCA Accreditation Status, the initial class of students will matriculate in fall 2026. The Associate Dean is expected to be hired in winter 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership oversight, direction, and guidance for planning, developing, and implementing the UNC COM clinical curriculum.
• Provide leadership to team in developing and maintaining positive relationships with community physicians and health care leaders in Northern Colorado and surrounding regions to increase and enhance clinical training opportunities for students.
• Provide leadership and support for graduate medical education (GME) development and enhancement with sponsoring institutions, hospitals, and other stakeholders.
• Provide team leadership with regular feedback, assessments, and performance evaluations.
• Assist in recruiting, developing, advancing, and retaining faculty and staff.
• Help build a culture that respects, values, and promotes personal growth and wellness for faculty, staff, and students.
• Work collaboratively to develop and execute strategies to ensure that budgets, policies, and procedures are followed.
• Work collaboratively with leaders of other internal and external departments, institutions, and other stakeholders to ensure the mission of UNC and UNC COM are met in accordance with our core values.
• Ensure relevant academic standards are met as per accreditation requirements of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).
• Serve as an active participant in committees or task forces and perform other duties as assigned by the Founding Dean.
• Assist administration, faculty, and staff in special projects as required.
• Act as liaison between UNC COM, the professional community, other educational institutions, and organizations as indicated and directed by the Founding Dean.
• Participate in relevant and appropriate community and professional outreach activities on behalf of the College and the University.
  
  

Qualifications for the Associate Dean Role

Required Professional Qualifications/Experience:

• The required position expertise, as well as documented educational and administrative abilities, to carry out the responsibilities of the role and to achieve the goals and objectives of the Department of Clinical Education.
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
• Current Board Certification by the AOA or ABMS.
• Valid and active medical license and ability to be fully licensed in Colorado.
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in teaching, educational design and evaluation, scholarly activity, and academic leadership in a medical education setting appropriate for the position.

Personal Characteristics and Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrate knowledge and experience in undergraduate medical education.
• Demonstrate knowledge of core competencies, Entrustable Professional Activities, and other medical educational milestones.
• Have an in-depth understanding of regulatory and accreditation systems involved in GME.
• Experience with Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) standards.
• Proven track record working with multiple stakeholders.
• Involvement with local, state, or national organizations.
• Experience in personnel and budget management.
• Experience in standardized testing and assessment.
• A personality and style that is grounded in partnering, collegiality and consensus building, coupled with the ability to make and stand by decisions.
• Strong leadership and team building skills; the capacity to communicate effectively with diverse internal and external constituencies.
• Sensitivity to local community health needs and should enjoy playing a visible role in the community in support of the UNC COM mission.
• Ability to attract, hire, develop, recruit, and retain excellent staff. Comfortable in mentoring staff, faculty, and learners.
  
  

Application Process

Confidential inquiries, nominations and applications (CV, Letter of Interest, and Contact Information for 3 Professional References) should be directed to University of Northern Colorado’s executive search partner Eric Dickerson at Kaye/Bassman International (KBIC) via email at ericd@kbic.com / academicmedicine@kbic.com or call directly at (972) 265-5245. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Application Link: https://www.kbic.com/job/associate-dean-of-clinical-education-and-gme

Salary and Benefits Information

This position may be filled by either a contract renewable or tenure track faculty member, to be determined at the point of offer after consideration of applicable experience and credentials. Individuals who currently hold tenure at a regionally accredited institution may be recommended for tenure/retreat rights at UNC after consultation with appropriate faculty groups and university administration and upon approval by the Board of Trustees.

Academic rank and salary are dependent upon the selected applicant’s current rank and experience. The salary range for this position is: $220,000 – $245,000. UNC offers competitive pay and a full benefits package that includes:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with an 11.5% employer salary match (higher than the average employer match offered in the U.S.)
• $10,000 toward moving expenses
• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick, and holidays
• And more!
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.