Faculty.Professor.Associate - Full-Time in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at University of Pittsburgh

UPSOM Department of Medicine seeks an innovative, committed, and collaborative leader to serve as its inaugural Associate Dean for Assessment and Educational Evaluation. This is a pivotal moment in medical education, one defined by competency-based assessment, data-informed decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. The Associate Dean will closely partner with the Assistant Dean for Accreditation and Continuous Quality Improvement (ACQI) in leading an office that spans assessment, evaluation (educational and non-educational), and ACQI. The Associate Dean will play a central role in shaping how UPSOM measures excellence, ensures accountability, and advances the quality and impact of its educational programs as it advances toward the goal of being recognized as one of the top 5 medical schools in the country. This position will be at the Associate Professor rank, appointment stream.

Reporting to Abbas Hyderi, MD, MPH, Vice Dean for Education, the Associate Dean will design, implement, and oversee a comprehensive and integrated system of student assessment and educational program evaluation aligned with UPSOM’s mission, vision, and values. This leader will ensure that both learner performance and curricular effectiveness are systematically measured, thoughtfully analyzed, and continuously improved - building a culture where assessment is not episodic, but embedded, transparent, and mission-driven. In addition, the Associate Dean will lead efforts in curriculum mapping and integration to promote alignment of educational program objectives, course/clerkship objectives, and assessments. The role requires employing evidence-based approaches and contributing to national discussions on competency-based medical education, student assessment, educational program evaluation, and continuous improvement of medical education.

The role will lead efforts in curriculum mapping and integration to enable the most effective alignment between instruction, learner assessment, and educational program evaluation.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and implementation of a systematic program evaluation framework to monitor the effectiveness and quality of the curriculum and learning environment.

• Analyze evaluation data and provide actionable recommendations for improvement to faculty, committees, and leadership.

• Monitor evaluation outcomes, lead or guide associated quality improvement efforts as appropriate, and participate in the continuous quality improvement efforts.

• Design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive program of student assessment across the entirety of the curriculum, including working towards a competency-based medical approach.

• Work with course and education program leaders to ensure a variety of robust student assessments (spanning medical knowledge, clinical skills, and workplace-based activities) that are aligned with UPSOM educational program objectives.

• Work with course and education program leaders to ensure student assessments are aligned with accreditation expectations. Serve as content expert for LCME standards related to assessment. Prepare for and participate in accreditation reviews and site visits. Monitor and address any assessment or educational evaluation issues related to accreditation and regulatory compliance.

• Monitor assessment outcomes, lead or guide associated continuous quality improvement efforts as appropriate and participate in the quality improvement efforts of the CQI Committee.

• Create and oversee formative and summative assessment strategies, including performance-based assessments.

• Employ evidence-based strategies and contribute to national discussions on competency-based medical education, student assessment, and continuous improvement of assessment initiatives.

• Collaborate with information technology to streamline assessment and educational evaluation data collection, review, and monitoring including contributing to a nascent educational data warehouse.

• Analyze and report data in a manner that effectively and clearly communicates student and program performance.

• Lead data collection, processes, analyses, and reporting of student performance and post-graduation outcomes.

• Prepare reports in support of accreditation and quality improvement processes.

• Provide input into the Medical Student Performance Evaluation as needed.

• Serve as a staff member on the Committee on Student Promotions to present select assessment information, answer questions, and provide context.

• Oversee curriculum mapping to ensure alignment between educational program objectives, course/clerkship objectives, instructional methods, and assessment methods.

• Collaborate with faculty and course leaders to identify gaps, redundancies, and opportunities for integration across the curriculum.

• Ensure that curriculum maps are updated and maintained to support accreditation, student learning, and faculty development.

• Work with the Curriculum Committee and related subcommittees to enhance horizontal and vertical integration of educational content and outcomes.

• Provide direction and feedback to staff – support the hiring and onboarding of new staff.

• Collaborate with school senior leadership to set and enforce overall assessment policies, procedures, and strategies.

• Serve on internal and external committees related to role.

• Disseminate experiences/scholarship in regional and national presentations and other activities to highlight the work done at UPSOM.

• Build and maintain relationships with other medical schools, healthcare organizations, and community partners.

• Serve as a member of the Vice Dean for Education leadership team.

• Collaborate with and support the other assistant and associate deans with responsibilities in the medical education environment.

Location: University of Pittsburgh is located in Pittsburgh, PA. Relocation to the Pittsburgh area is required for this role.

Candidate Profile

In terms of the performance and personal competencies required for the position, we would highlight the following:

Education & Experience

• A demonstrated leader in medical education (MD, PhD, EdD, or equivalent degree in a medical field) with an outstanding track record of accomplishment in medical education.

• Five years of experience in undergraduate and/or graduate medical education with oversight of learner assessment and educational evaluation within a course, clerkship, or other curricular component.

• 3-5 years of direct teaching experience of medical students, preferred.

• Direct experience designing, implementing, and overseeing assessment systems and curricular program development.

• Fundamental understanding of accreditation standards, regulatory expectations, and continuous quality improvement processes.

• Experience contributing to accreditation preparation and review processes.

• Deep expertise in program evaluation, learner assessment, data analysis, and quality improvement methodologies.

• Evidence-informed approach to educational design and evaluation, with familiarity with the current literature and national landscape in competency-based medical education.

• Track record of academic contributions that reflect intellectual rigor, creativity, and innovation in medical education.

• Systems thinker with the ability to operate effectively across the medical school, university, and health system environments.

• Forward-thinking in the use of technology, digital tools, and innovation in curricular design, assessment, and implementation.

• Demonstrated ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity while translating strategy into effective execution.

• Excellent communication and listening skills, with the ability to unite, inspire, and build consensus among students, faculty, staff, and institutional partners.

• Mission-oriented and deeply committed to the future of medical education and to advancing student success and institutional excellence.

• Collaborative relationship-building skills, with an ability to successfully partner and build consensus with key internal and external stakeholders at all levels of the organization and with external partners.

Setting Strategy

• The ability to create and articulate an inspiring vision for assessment and educational evaluation for the organization.

• The inclination to seek and analyze data from a variety of sources to support assessment and educational evaluation decisions to align with the school’s strategic plan.

• An entrepreneurial and creative approach to developing new, innovative ideas that will stretch the organization and push the boundaries within the industry.

• The ability to effectively balance the desire/need for broad change with an understanding of how much change the organization is capable of handling, to create realistic goals and implementation plans that are achievable and successful.

Executing for Results

• The ability to set clear and challenging goals while committing the organization to improved performance; tenacious and accountable in driving results.

• Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty; the ability to adapt nimbly and lead others through complex situations.

• A risk-taker who seeks data and input from others to foresee possible threats or unintended circumstances from decisions; someone who takes smart risks.

• A leader who is viewed by others as having a high degree of integrity and forethought in their approach to making decisions; the ability to act in a transparent and consistent manner while always taking into account what is best for the organization.

Leading Teams

• A leader who is self-reflective and aware of their own limitations; leads by example and drives the organization's performance with an attitude of continuous improvement by being open to feedback and self-improvement.

• Naturally connects and builds strong and authentic relationships with others, demonstrating strong emotional intelligence and an ability to communicate clearly and persuasively.

• The ability to persevere in the face of challenges, and exhibit a steadfast resolve and relentless commitment to higher standards, which elicits respect from followers.

Nomination and Application Procedure

To receive full consideration, interested individuals should electronically submit a Curriculum Vitae and a letter of interest to requisition number 26005809 via: https://www.join.pitt.edu.

The letter of interest is a two to three-page cover letter detailing your experience and key achievements related to this position and your thoughts on how you see yourself contributing to the programs and responsibilities described in this position specification. Letters should be addressed to the University of Pittsburgh Associate Dean for Assessment and Educational Evaluation Search Committee and submitted electronically. Materials will be reviewed immediately and will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.