"Assistant Dean of Clinical and Experiential Learning (Assistant, Associate or Full Professor)"

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 incumbent will also have the opportunity to serve as a faculty member in the Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department. Specific responsibilities will align with the Spectrum of Care Clinic, currently under development.

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: (40%) 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. 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.
• Partnership Development (15%): 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 (15%): 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 (5%): 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.
• Spectrum of Care Curriculum Support and Clinical Instruction: (up to 25%) These responsibilities constitute the faculty appointment portion of the role and directly support the College’s strategic goals in Spectrum of Care (SOC) education: Leading SOC curriculum design across all stages of the DVM program aligning with CBVE competencies. Collaborating with faculty and the SOC Clinic Director to ensure instructional quality and appropriate assessment of SOC-aligned educational outcomes. Contributing to experiential learning by serving as a faculty coach in the Spectrum of Care (SOC) Clinic, supporting student-doctor roles and coaching students in real-time client interactions. Advising on curriculum scaffolding and the integration of SOC content across didactic, professional development, and clinical training domains. Engaging in scholarship related to clinical education, Spectrum of Care, or curricular innovation, including collaborative research, outcomes assessment, and dissemination of best practices in veterinary education.

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, spectrum of 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 problem solve and engage in conflict resolution when necessary 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.