Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and Community Engagement, School of Podiatric Medicine

Summary

The Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and Community Engagement provides strategic leadership, oversight, and operational management of all clinical programs within the School of Podiatric Medicine. This role ensures excellence in clinical education, supervises clinical faculty, maintains accreditation compliance for clinical training, and develops robust community partnerships to enhance student learning, outreach, and service opportunities. The position also leads initiatives that expand the school’s regional presence, strengthen external affiliations, and advance community engagement as an integral part of the podiatric medical curriculum.

Reports directly to the Dean. Works collaboratively with the Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, clinical faculty, staff, and external community partners. Represents the school to hospitals, clinics, professional organizations, and community groups.

This position is In‑Person Essential Functions Clinical Functions – Clinical Education Oversight Plan, coordinate, facilitate, monitor, and assess the clinical education component of the curriculum in alignment with institutional and accreditation requirements. Develop and implement clinical curriculum components to ensure high‑quality, contemporary training across various clinical settings. Collaborate with clinical faculty to assess and enhance the effectiveness of clinical education programs, including clinical clerkships and rotations.

Maintain continuous communication with clinical education faculty, clinical sites, and preceptors to ensure consistency, quality, and support for student learning. Ensure compliance with all accreditation standards related to clinical training for students, faculty, and preceptors. Provide oversight of faculty and preceptors involved in clinical rotations and ensure operational coordination across all clinical education settings.

Build and maintain strong relationships with healthcare providers, clinics, hospitals, and community organizations to create robust educational and service‑learning opportunities. Coordinate outreach programs that address community health needs and promote wellness initiatives. Serve as a liaison between the school and community stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and promote the school’s mission.

Facilitate student involvement in community service activities, outreach efforts, and clinical rotations to ensure a well‑rounded and meaningful educational experience. Maintain ongoing communication with students regarding clinical training expectations, placement coordination, and performance feedback. Support, mentor, and guide students in their clinical development by offering resources, advice, and individualized support as needed.

Identify opportunities to establish new clinical programs and initiatives that advance the school’s mission and address emerging community health challenges. Collaborate with faculty and staff to secure funding and resources required for community engagement projects and clinical program expansion. Innovate and expand clinical and community‑based programs that enhance student learning, improve patient care, and strengthen institutional visibility.

Encourage and support research initiatives focused on community health issues, clinical practice improvement, and educational outcomes. Collect, analyze, and evaluate data to measure the impact of community engagement initiatives and clinical programs. Prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders summarizing program effectiveness, student outcomes, community impact, and recommendations for improvement.