Assistant​/Associate Professor-Director of Professional Life Skills

Position Overview

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

Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, prescription drug, dental, flexible spending, vision coverage, retirement plans (state pension system or optional retirement plans with Fidelity or TIAA, supplemental retirement accounts with state match), life insurance, tuition remission, paid leave (annual 22 days, sick 15, personal
3), paid holidays, and wellness resources.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• May require extended periods of standing, bending, stooping, sitting at a desk.
• May require lifting.
• Requires communication with a variety of constituents externally and internally.
• Requires operation of a variety of office equipment.

Qualified applicants should submit a letter of interest outlining qualifications and leadership experience, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references (current supervisor will not be contacted without prior consent). All application materials are reviewed immediately; the position is open until filled.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without employer sponsorship and must provide documentation establishing the right to work.

UMES is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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.

UMES is committed to diversity in education and employment and provides an inclusive and welcoming environment.

UMES complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, prohibiting discrimination and sexual harassment based on sex in its educational programs and activities. The university also prohibits retaliation for reporting such discrimination.