Assistant/Associate Professor-Director of Professional Life Skills

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

19d • $135,000 - $170,000

About The Position

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) School of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track, 12-month faculty position as Assistant/Associate Professor- Director of Professional Life Skills. The successful candidate will provide leadership and oversight in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a longitudinal professional curriculum that prepares Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students for ethical, effective, and sustainable careers in veterinary medicine. The curriculum integrates communication, professionalism, ethics, leadership, wellbeing, financial literacy, practice management, and career readiness across the DVM program. The Director plays a key role in ensuring graduates are practice-ready and that the program aligns with AVMA COE accreditation standards and institutional learning outcomes.

Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree from an AVMA- accredited (or equivalent) institution.
• Clinical veterinary practice experience.
• Demonstrated teaching or professional training experience.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in communication, ethics, leadership, or practice management education.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree (e.g., MEd, MPH, MBA, MS, PhD) in education, communication, leadership, business, or related field.
• Experience developing or leading a professional skills curriculum in a health profession program.
• Training or certification in communication skills or simulation-based education.
• Experience with competency-based assessment and OSCE development.
• Record of scholarly activity in veterinary education or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic oversight of the Professional Life Skills curriculum across all pre-clinical years of the DVM program.
• Develop and assess measurable learning objectives aligned with AVMA COE standards and institutional competencies.
• Lead continuous quality improvement initiatives and support accreditation reporting.
• Supervise faculty, staff, and adjunct instructors contributing to the professional curriculum.
• Develop and deliver instruction in professional identity, ethics, communication, leadership, practice management, career development, and wellbeing.
• Utilize evidence-based teaching strategies including simulation, case-based learning, and team-based learning.
• Develop and coordinate communication-based OSCEs and performance assessments.
• Provide mentoring and professional development support to students.
• Engage in scholarly activity related to veterinary education or professional competencies.
• Participate in School, University, and professional service activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance, including multiple medical plan options for employees and dependents offered through the State of Maryland Employee Benefits Division.
• Prescription drug, dental, and flexible spending accounts, and vision coverage.
• Retirement plans: mandatory enrollment in a state pension system or an Optional Retirement Plan with Fidelity or TIAA, Supplemental Retirement Accounts (TIAA, Fidelity, or MSRP-Nationwide) with $600 annual state match, Life Insurance (state sponsored MetLife, USM sponsored MetLife Plan, life insurance and long-term disability insurance).
• Tuition remission benefits for eligible employees and, subject to USM policies, spouses and dependents at University System of Maryland institutions.
• Leave benefits, including paid annual (22 days per year) and sick leave (15 days), personal leave (3 days per year) and paid holidays.
• Employee wellness and support resources and access to the State of Maryland wellness programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees