Chief Strategy & Engagement Officer

The University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), Office of the Dean, is currently recruiting for a new Chief Strategy and Engagement Officer. This position will report directly to the Dean of the School of Medicine with secondary reporting to the Senior Vice President/Senior Associate Dean & Chief Philanthropy Officer. This position will collaborate regularly with the UMSOM Chief of Staff.

University of Maryland School of Medicine

Established in 1807, UMSOM is one of the oldest public medical schools in the country. UMSOM is known for synergy among the clinical and basic sciences departments and for pioneering new treatments in many areas of strength, which include transplant science, infectious disease, cancer care, and shock trauma. In addition to its rich history, it is a leading academic center in the United States.

UMSOM is currently among the top public medical schools in the country, with an impressive $501 million in extramural research funding in FY25 and over $450 million of clinical revenue through the affiliated University of Maryland Faculty Physicians. Building into its third century, UMSOM continues to train the next generation of physicians, scientists, and health professionals, providing compassionate clinical care and conducting advanced biomedical research to solve the generational health challenges of our time.

The Medical School is one of seven (7) Schools on the University of Maryland Baltimore campus (UMB).

Job Profile

The role of Chief Strategy and Engagement Officer offers an exciting opportunity to be part of the SOM team within the Dean's Office, serving as a highly visible and credible representative of the SOM, advancing relationships across philanthropic, civic, government, innovation, industry and institutional ecosystems while ensuring the Dean's external engagement is intentional, well prepared and aligned with institutional priorities. This role is designed to support the Dean's aspirations and goals to significantly expand engagement and drive sustained growth across both public and private sources.

It is crucial that this position operates with discretion, judgement and understanding within a complex academic medical environment. This position will participate directly in external-facing activities and will function as a strategic extension and point of connection for executives within the SOM Dean's Office.

Benefits:
Exempt Regular

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. This position participates in a retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance;

professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Front-Line External Engagement & Network Building

* Serve as a senior front-line representative and relationship builder on behalf of the Dean and the School of Medicine.

* Initiate, cultivate, and steward relationships with donors, partners, influencers, civic leaders, and institutional collaborators.

* Engage externally across Baltimore, the state, and targeted regional and national networks.

* Support a balanced pipeline that includes discovery conversations, relationship-building visits, and advanced-stage engagements, recognizing that early-stage connections are essential to long-term institutional growth.

2. Dean-Centered Engagement Strategy & Preparation

* Serve as one of the Dean's primary strategists and preparers for external engagements.

* Develop briefing materials, agendas, objectives, and follow-up plans for high-value meetings.

* Ensure engagements reflect the Dean's preferred style: focused, relational, efficient, and outcome-oriented.

* Elevate the effectiveness of meetings through preparation, context, and disciplined follow-through.

3. External Engagement Cadence & Time Optimization

* Design and manage a repeatable, sustainable external engagement cadence for the Dean and designees.

* Translate strategic priorities into realistic weekly and monthly engagement plans.

* Support a baseline model of regular external engagements, including morning, afternoon, evening and weekend work.

* Balance established relationships with exploratory conversations to expand the external pipeline over time.

4. Philanthropy & Leadership Integration

* Serve as a key connective partner…