Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs

Position Description

The Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (OUWB) is entrusted with guiding the strategic direction and enhancing the operational efficiency of academic programs. This role demands a visionary leader who champions innovation and encourages ongoing improvement in every aspect of medical education. By fostering collaboration among faculty, staff, and students, the Senior Associate Dean upholds the highest levels of academic excellence across the institution.

The Senior Associate Dean reports directly to the Dean of OUWB and assumes leadership over preclinical and clinical education, student affairs, admissions, continuous quality improvement (CQI), and accreditation. As a key partner in strategic planning, this leader identifies and implements initiatives that shape the future of medical education  Senior Associate Dean carries ultimate responsibility for designing and managing the entire educational program.

Provide mentorship, support, and supervision to all academic department chairs, as well as to the Associate Deans for Preclinical Education, Clinical Education, Student Affairs, and Admissions, Enrollment, & Financial Aid. Lead and coordinate accreditation preparation and CQI, ensuring compliance and proper documentation to meet Liaison Committee on Medical Education expectations. Serve as the primary leader in planning, developing, implementing, managing, and assessing the medical education curriculum and related initiatives.

Collaborate with assistant and associate deans to schedule and sequence curriculum components, analyzing content to maintain effective vertical and horizontal integration. Ensure seamless integration of basic and clinical sciences throughout the four-year curriculum, promoting coherence and coordination. Oversee the progress and promotion process for OUWB medical students, working in partnership with the Student Performance Review Committee. Develop, revise, and implement policies and procedures that support excellence in medical education.

Oversee activities of the Clinical Skills Center. Develop annual budgets for all units under direct supervision. Collaborate with the Dean to expand clinical training opportunities and strengthen relationships with community-based faculty and institutions.

Possession of MD, DO, or PhD degrees, with board certification in their respective field of practice as appropriate. At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in higher education in an executive leadership role, with comprehensive knowledge of undergraduate medical education, accreditation, CQI, student affairs, admissions, enrollment, and financial aid. Demonstrated strategic vision and the ability to conceptualize organizational challenges and develop strategic plans across all levels of OUWB.

Proven capacity to build consensus among diverse stakeholders. Openness to exploring various ideas, creating mutually beneficial solutions, and engaging colleagues across organizational boundaries. Ability to lead and manage significant institutional change initiatives, with a deep understanding of medical school culture. Demonstrated transparency, collaborative leadership style, and a capacity to foster trust throughout the organization. Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to effect change, empower others, influence outcomes, and successfully manage challenges and conflict.

• Medical Education
• Student Affairs
• Admissions, Enrollment, & Financial Aid
• Accreditation and CQI
• Clinical Skills Center