Associate Dean of Preclinical Curriculum

Description

Institution: Benedictine College School of Osteopathic Medicine

Location: Atchison, Kansas

Position Type: Full-Time, Executive Academic Leadership
Reports To: Dean, Osteopathic Medicine Program

Position Summary

The Associate Dean of Curriculum is a key academic leader primarily responsible for the strategic design, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the preclinical (Years 1–2) medical curriculum at Benedictine College School of Osteopathic Medicine. This individual will ensure that the curriculum integrates osteopathic principles, biomedical sciences, and clinical foundations in alignment with the school’s mission and COCA accreditation standards. 

The Associate Dean will also track academic performance data for years 3-4 as it pertains to COMLEX I and II in collaboration with other Associate Deans and the Assistant Dean of Assessments for the purposes of ongoing curriculum evaluation and continuous curriculum improvement. 

The Associate Dean will lead faculty across biomedical and clinical sciences, foster innovation in instructional delivery and assessment, and oversee academic policies that promote student success and faculty engagement. 

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum Development & Oversight

• Lead the design and integration of a learner-centered, systems-based preclinical curriculum incorporating bioethics and osteopathic principles and practice (OPP) in conjunction with the Dean, the Associate Dean of ONMM and the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and Formation.
• Ensure curriculum alignment with COCA standards, NBOME COMLEX-USA content, and institutional learning outcomes.
• Collaborate with department chairs, course directors, and faculty to create syllabi, learning objectives, assessments, and instructional schedules.
• Oversee the incorporation of innovative pedagogy, such as case-based learning, simulation, team-based learning, and technology-enhanced instruction.

Assessment & Evaluation

• Oversee formative and summative assessment strategies to ensure academic rigor and student competency.
• Monitor curriculum effectiveness using evaluation tools, student feedback, and academic outcomes data.
• Oversee curriculum mapping and data collection for accreditation reports (COCA, HLC, etc.) and continuous curriculum improvement.

Faculty Leadership & Development

• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty contributing to the preclinical curriculum.
• Facilitate faculty development programs in pedagogy, assessment, and osteopathic education.
• Create and oversee peer review process for faculty to promote excellence in curriculum delivery.
• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and diversity in academic leadership.

Accreditation & Compliance

• Support the preparation of COCA documentation, self-studies, and site visits.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with accreditation requirements related to curriculum, faculty qualifications, and student learning.

Collaboration & Institutional Service

• Serve as a key member of the Curriculum Committee and Academic Leadership Team.
• Liaise with clinical education leadership to ensure vertical integration of the curriculum across all four years.
• Promote interdepartmental collaboration and alignment with the mission and strategic goals of the institution.

Required Qualifications

• PhD, DO or MD degree from an accredited institution.
• Eligible for or currently holds an unrestricted medical license, if applicable.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in medical education, preferably in curriculum leadership or administration.
• Demonstrated expertise in curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Familiarity with COCA accreditation standards and COMLEX-USA exam content.
• Effective leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience at an osteopathic medical school or involvement with osteopathic medical education.
• Advanced degree (e.g., MEd, MPH, PhD) in education, health professions, or a related field.
• Knowledge of instructional technologies, simulation, and learning management systems.
• Prior experience with curriculum mapping and assessment data analytics.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan options
• Professional development support
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)

Application Instructions

Please submit the following:

• Cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Contact information for three professional references

Application Deadline: Open

Anticipated Start Date: January 1, 2026

Contact

For questions or to submit materials, please contact: Molly Larkin 

Email: mlarkin@benedictine.edu

Phone: 913-360-7701

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Abilities

Stand F

Walk O 

Sit F 

Handling / Fingering F 

Reach Outward O 

Reach Above Shoulder O

Climb N

Crawl N

Squat or Kneel N

Bend N

Push / Pull

12 lbs or less N

13-25 lbs N

26-40 lbs N

41-100 lbs N

Lift /Carry

10 lbs or less N

11-20 lbs N

21-50 lbs N

51-100 lbs N

Over 100 lbs N

N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this occupation. 

O (Occasionally) Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5 hrs/day)

F (Frequently) Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5 hrs/day)

C (Constantly) Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5 hrs/day)

EOE