Associate Dean of Student Affairs - School of Medicine

Overview

Tufts University School of Medicine is a nationally recognized academic institution committed to excellence in medical education, clinical care, research, and public service. The School of Medicine educates future physicians in a collaborative, student-centered environment and emphasizes professional development, equity, and lifelong learning.

The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) is a combined Student Affairs and Registrar organization that supports medical students across all four years of the curriculum. OSA partners with faculty, clinical affiliates, and academic and administrative offices to provide academic support, career advising, residency preparation, wellness resources, enrollment management, and oversight of key clinical and accreditation-related processes that shape the student learning environment.

The Office of Student Affairs plays a critical role in ensuring that graduates of Tufts University School of Medicine are academically prepared, professionally grounded, and equipped to meet the ethical and clinical responsibilities of the medical profession.

What You'll Do

The Associate Dean of Student Affairs is a senior leadership role within OSA and reports directly to the Dean of Student Affairs. The Associate Dean has primary responsibility for the student experience and advising during the clerkship years (third and fourth years), while also contributing to student support, academic advising, and administrative functions that span the entire MD program.

The Associate Dean of Student Affairs will provide strategic leadership, sound professional judgment, and hands-on oversight related to student affairs and clinical education.

This is a highly engaged, full-time leadership role that requires consistent on-site presence and active involvement throughout the academic year. The Associate Dean plays a central role during high-intensity, time-sensitive periods such as MSPE preparation, residency advising and application cycles, Match, and student promotions processes. While limited clinical activity may be possible, it must be secondary to the responsibilities of this position and compatible with the seasonal demands of the academic calendar.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as a primary advisor to third and fourth-year medical students, providing academic guidance, professional development support, and career advising while also upholding academic standards, institutional policies, and professionalism expectations, in partnership with the Dean of Student Affairs
• Play an integral role in the residency application process through the Pathway to Residency Program, including specialty advising, MSPE preparation, interview preparation, SOAP support, and Match Day activities
• Collaborate closely with coaches, clerkship directors, and the Office of Educational Affairs to support student success during the clinical years
• Oversee and participate in key student support programs and services, including academic support, career advising, wellness initiatives, learning communities, and student organizations
• Provide leadership and operational oversight for a wide range of Office of Student Affairs functions, including enrollment management, clerkship scheduling, student records, and licensing support
• Serve as a non-voting member of the Student Ethics & Promotions Committee, the TUSM Curriculum Committee, and other committees as needed
• Support continuous quality improvement efforts related to LCME accreditation and the clinical learning environment
• Supervise and mentor staff within the Office of Student Affairs, including direct oversight of the Assistant Director of Student Affairs
• Exercise sound professional judgment in navigating complex or sensitive student situations, including circumstances in which institutional requirements, clinical standards, or professionalism expectations must be enforced despite student disagreement
• Foster an equitable, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for students, faculty, and staff by applying policies and decisions fairly, consistently, and transparently

What We're Looking For

Application Materials:

In addition to a résumé, please submit a cover letter describing your interest in this role. We encourage you to address your medical education leadership experience; work with medical students and/or residents in complex or high-stakes situations; and how your background as a physician prepares you for the full-time leadership responsibilities of the role.

Basic Requirements:

• M.D. or D.O. degree from an accredited medical school
• Minimum of five years of experience in medical education, including teaching and supervision of medical students and residents
• Demonstrated leadership experience in medical education (e.g., clerkship director, course director, or administrative leadership role)
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively across teams and disciplines
• Demonstrated ability to make fair, thoughtful decisions in complex or ambiguous situations involving student performance, professionalism, or progression

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in both undergraduate and graduate medical education
• Service on educational or academic committees (e.g., UME curriculum committee, GME oversight committee)
• Significant experience advising medical students, particularly in clinical or clerkship settings
• Demonstrated commitment to student support, mentorship, and inclusive educational practices

Special Work Schedule Requirements:

• This position is based in Boston and requires regular on-site engagement to effectively support students, faculty, and staff
• While limited remote work flexibility may be available periodically, particularly during the summer months, this role is not designed as a primarily remote position and requires frequent in-person presence during much of the academic year
• The academic calendar includes predictable periods of increased activity (e.g., residency advising, MSPE preparation, and Match), during which additional on-site engagement and availability are expected

Pay Range

Minimum $170,700.00, Midpoint $213,500.00, Maximum $256,100.00

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.