Special Assistant to Dean

Job Description

The University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) is seeking a Special Assistant to the Dean for the Dean's Administration. The Special Assistant to the Dean is an executive-level administrative position that reports directly to the Dean. This role provides high-level strategic, analytical, and project management support to advance the School's mission and priorities. The Special Assistant is responsible for planning, initiating, and implementing special projects;

coordinating strategic initiatives; supporting decision-making; and facilitating communication between the Dean and a wide range of internal and external constituents. The position will also serve as a liaison for the Dean's Office with campus leadership, other UMB schools, central administrative offices, and external partners and organizations.

The successful candidate will develop a comprehensive understanding of the School's academic, research, clinical, and administrative operations and will provide informed guidance on issues spanning the curriculum, research enterprise, pharmacy practice activities, faculty affairs, student services, and community engagement.

This position requires a skilled and proactive project manager who is highly effective at establishing positive, collaborative working relationships at all levels of the institution. The Special Assistant must be able to synthesize complex information, anticipate needs, manage competing priorities, and exercise discretion and sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.

The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy is one of seven professional schools at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). Our mission is to make life better by preparing future-ready graduates, driving innovation, advancing discovery science, delivering world‑class clinical training, and enriching communities through pharmapreneurship.

UBM offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. This position participates in a retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance;

professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

Respect & Integrity, Well-Being & Sustainability, Equity & Justice, and Innovation & Discovery

• Provide direct, high-level support to the Dean on a wide range of administrative, strategic, and operational issues to advance School priorities and accomplish defined objectives.
• Conduct research and prepare briefings on healthcare trends, pharmaceutical and outcomes research, pharmacy education, academic affairs, and other emerging topics.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the School's academic programs, research enterprise, specialty clinics, and practice initiatives to inform executive decision-making.
• Problem-solve and manage issues proactively to support the Dean's focus on strategic priorities; recommend actions and implement solutions with minimal oversight.
• Lead and coordinate legislative planning, including tracking policy issues, supporting advocacy efforts, and preparing materials for internal and external stakeholders.

• Develop project timelines and manage complex initiatives, ensuring deliverables remain on track through coordination with faculty, department chairs, administrators, and School leadership.
• Coordinate due diligence for new initiatives— including…