Associate Dean of Education

Application deadline: March 16 2026 for priority consideration

Overview

The University of Minnesota School of Public Health (UMN-SPH) invites internal applications and nominations for the Associate Dean of Education. Reporting to the Dean and serving on the Executive Leadership Team this visionary leader provides strategic oversight for all academic programs (MPH MHA MS and doctoral) while balancing institutional effectiveness with a rigorous student-centered focus. The Associate Dean will modernize and scale innovative programming and restructure academic systems through collaborative relationships partnering closely with the Chair of the Educational Policy Committee (EPC) on curricular excellence and a to-be-named Senior Director who will oversee the student life ecosystem (e.g. recruitment enrollment student affairs and career services).

Key Responsibilities (Up to 50% Appointment)

Strategic Academic Leadership

• Vision & Innovation: In collaboration with the Dean Division Heads and EPC co-create and articulate a compelling vision for the Schools educational mission.

• Portfolio Optimization and Growth: Lead a data-driven evaluation of the Schools educational offerings to ensure academic excellence and sustainability. This includes identifying opportunities for new program growth alongside a systematic review of current independent degree programs to determine where optimization or consolidation may be necessary to ensure academic excellence improve administrative efficiency reduce silos and enhance student academic outcomes and holistic development.

• AI Strategy: Provide leadership and guidance on the integration of generative AI within the educational ecosystem. This includes developing frameworks for academic integrity establishing guidelines for ethical AI use in the classroom and ensuring the curriculum prepares students to use AI responsibly effectively and ethically in the public health workforce.

• Teaching Excellence & Culture: Lead initiatives to elevate the quality of instruction across the School. This includes providing faculty with the resources and metrics to track assess and improve teaching effectiveness in alignment with modern pedagogical standards.

• Recognition & Advancement: Advocate for and implement systems that reward outstanding teaching. Partner with School leadership to ensure that excellence in instruction and pedagogical innovation are meaningfully recognized and weighted within promotion and tenure criteria and annual reviews.

• Accreditation & Compliance: Oversee CEPH and other program-specific accreditations; ensure all programs adhere to University State and Federal higher education regulations.

• Strategic Enrollment Management: Partner with the Dean to-be-named Senior Director CFO and Division Heads to define enrollment and scholarship strategies that align with academic and financial goals.

Educational Governance & Operations

• Curricular Excellence: Partner with the EPC Chair to foster a systematic data-driven and collaborative approach to developing approving and reviewing new and revised program offerings.

• Committee Leadership: Serve as an ex-officio member of the EPC partnering with the EPC Chair to set priorities and establish metrics.

• Online Learning & Technology Oversight: Provide strategic direction and oversight for online learning across the school. This role sets the overarching vision for how online learning is integrated across the curriculum and provides oversight for the Online Learning and Academic Technology team. The Associate Dean ensures that digital tools and pedagogical innovations are leveraged to enhance the educational experience and expand the schools reach and impact.

• Operational Collaboration: Work in close partnership with the to-be-named Senior Director to streamline the student experience and advance a whole-student development approach considering community and public health needs. This collaboration will bridge recruitment admissions student services and career engagement to ensure a cohesive journey from prospective student to alum.

• Academic Integrity: Oversee policies regarding academic integrity and conflict resolution within educational programming.

Relationship Management & Advocacy

• Climate & Culture: Foster a collegial inclusive learning environment for students faculty and staff.

• Faculty Development: Support the continuous development of faculty and instructional staff as effective innovative educators.

• University Liaison: Maintain collaborative relationships with the Provosts Office the Graduate School and Health Sciences; actively engaging with Associate Deans and other peers across the University of Minnesota system to harmonize educational standards share best practices and contribute to cross-collegiate initiatives; represent SPH on University-wide and national committees (e.g. ASPPH).

• External Engagement: Strengthen ties with alumni and community partners to enhance mentorship and applied practice experiences.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Current tenured or contract faculty status at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor within UMN-SPH.

• Proven record of success in a shared governance environment.

• Demonstrated organizational and managerial skills to lead diverse teams and supervise professional staff.

• The ability to envision and implement innovative approaches to public health workforce preparation.

• Comprehensive knowledge of (or willingness to master) University policies CEPH accreditation standards and higher education law.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience as a Program Director Director of Graduate Studies or other leadership positions.

• A documented commitment to student recruitment learning and success specifically regarding the support of underrepresented populations.

• Experience engaging with community partners from diverse backgrounds.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: Pay Range: $25000 annual salary augmentation
Time Appointment: 50% time appointment
Position Type:Academic P&A

Please visit theOffice of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages paid holidays and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by theRegents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical dental and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How to Apply

The School of Public Health is committed to equity in our mission and pursuit of this goal we consider an individuals record working with students and colleagues from diverse and historically marginalized backgrounds and experience identifying and eliminating systemic barriers to academic success.

This internal search will remain open until the position is filled with the search committee beginning its initial review of applications during the week ofMarch 15 2026. Please apply by March 16 2026 for priority consideration.

To apply please click the Apply Now button and follow the instructions. Please include:

• An Academic Curriculum Vitae: Your CV should highlight relevant administrative experience institutional service research publications and funding history as well as your record in teaching advising and mentoring.
• A Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages): This should provide an overview of your qualifications and a broad vision for the future of public health education. Additionally please outline your strategic approach to evaluating the current academic program array specifically addressing how you would identify opportunities for growth or data-driven consolidation.
• Professional References: A list of at least three references who can speak to your leadership and academic contributions.

Questions about the position can be directed to the Search Committee Chair Nancy Sherwood PhD Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Epidemiology and Community Health (). Questions about the employment website or the application process can be directed to Stacey Ripka ().

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs facilities and employment without regard to race color creed religion national origin gender age marital status disability public assistance status veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.