Assistant/Associate Professor-Director of Professional Life Skills

Job Description Summary Organization's Summary Statement: Position Information 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.

Salary Information: Salary range: $135,000 – $170,000 annually, commensurate with academic rank and experience.

Benefits

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, as a University System of Maryland institution and a Maryland State agency, provides a comprehensive benefits package to all regular faculty and staff. The Office of Employee Benefits provides consultative services and assistance with benefits planning, enrollment, and changes.

Eligible employees may participate in a variety of benefit plans including:

• 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 Met. Life, USM sponsored Met. Life 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. Essential 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. Required Qualifications
• 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. Preferences: (Qualifications)
• 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. Physical Demands:
• May require extended periods of standing, bending, stooping, sitting at desk.
• May require lifting.
• Requires communication with a variety of constituents externally and internally.
• Requires operation of a variety of office equipment. Additional Job Details Required Application Materials: Review of applications will begin immediately. Qualified applicants should submit: Letter of interest outlining qualifications and leadership experience. Curriculum vitae. Contact information for three professional references. (current supervisor will not be contacted without the candidate's prior consent). All applicants must apply using the new online application system. Please visit https://umd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UMES to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship. Best Consideration Date: N/A Posting Close Date: N/A Open Until Filled: Yes Department UMES-VPAF-VP Academic Affairs Worker Sub-Type Faculty Regular Salary Range $135,000 - $170,000 EEO Statement UMES is an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship. Diversity Statement The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is an equal access, equal opportunity institution fully committed to diversity in education and employment. All students, employees, and the campus community at UMES are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to receive an equitable experience in an inclusive, welcoming environment of openness and appreciation. Title IX Statement It is the policy of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) based on sex in the University's educational programs and activities. Title IX also prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discriminations or harassment.