Position Information
The UND Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean of the School of Medicine & Health Sciences Search Committee is being assisted by WittKieffer. Confidential discussions, nominations, expressions of interest and submitting candidate materials (including a letter of interest and CV) about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting consultants Dr. Clarence Braddock, Kerry Quealy, Jeff Schroetlin, or Claudia Teschky at UNDSMHS_VPHADean@wittkieffer.com or 630.575.6159.
The Position
The University of North Dakota seeks a vice president for Health Affairs/dean of the School of Medicine & Health Sciences (VPHA/dean) who will provide support and leadership for the implementation of UND LEADS strategic initiatives and serve and lead the SMHS in its distinctive areas of experience and excellence.
The next vice president/dean of the School of Medicine & Health Sciences will join the University during a dynamic period. Under the leadership of President Andrew Armacost (who joined UND in 2020) and Provost Eric Carl Link (who joined UND in 2021), the campus is experiencing enrollment growth and major campus improvements with several buildings currently under construction and/or renovation. Significant investments at the University in terms of research development in critical areas are propelling the University forward as the flagship research institution in the state of North Dakota. Meanwhile, the University’s ongoing commitments to student success at both the undergraduate and graduate level continue to elevate the tradition of educational excellence at the institution.
The Division of Health Affairs and the School of Medicine & Health Sciences is comprised of 480 benefited employees with a total budget of $237 million. As the chief fiduciary officer for the Division and SMHS, the VPHA/dean will develop immediate and long-range annual and biennial budget recommendations, ensuring efficient allocation of resources. Additionally, the VPHA/dean will create comprehensive fundraising plans that align with the SMHS’s strategic goals and overall University fundraising efforts.
UND looks to springboard off its place as a recognized leading center for instruction in rural medicine, Indigenous health, and interprofessional, collaborative care to enhance its national reputation and contribute in meaningful and positive ways to the future of health care in the state of North Dakota. As the chief academic officer for the SMHS, the VPHA/dean will provide operational leadership for the School’s academic and research programs, creating an environment and community that supports students, faculty, staff, the institution’s research agenda, and patient care across its clinical facilities and instructional sites.
UND seeks a dynamic and visionary leader who will build upon the School of Medicine
& Health Sciences’ strengths to provide exceptional professional educational experiences,
recruit, and develop outstanding faculty, and promote faculty-driven scholarly and
creative endeavors. The next VPHA/dean will be a team player devoted to excellence
and shared governance; foster multicultural education; promote diversity, equity,
and inclusion throughout the Division of Health Affairs; prioritize relationships
across all disciplines; increase interprofessional opportunities with faculties in
other colleges; and ensure connection with clinical partners and regional campuses.
It is also imperative they maintain a student focus in their actions and are visible
and approachable to all learners. Additional position information is available in
the University profile.
Applications received by July 19 are assured consideration.
The anticipated start date for the successful candidate is on or before January 1, 2025.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements for a Candidate to be Considered:
- M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. or equivalent degree;
- Board certification in the candidate’s specialty/discipline; and
- Progressive and broad administrative and financial leadership experience within an academic or similarly complex institution.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Nationally recognized achievement in clinical, educational, and/or research pursuits that would warrant appointment as a tenured, full professor;
- Broad understanding of national health policy and future challenges to academic health services;
- Broad understanding of community-based distributed medical education;
- Experience with and leadership of accreditation activities;
- Ability to effectively represent a public academic entity before the public and the North Dakota state legislative assembly;
- Broad understanding of the rural and Indigenous health care environments;
- Expertise in management techniques, clinical operations, and oversight of a large, distributed infrastructure;
- Balanced commitment to educational, clinical, and research missions;
- Commitment to employee, environmental, and patient safety and quality initiatives;
- Strong background in grant-funded research; and
- Philanthropy, alumni relations, and development experience.
Key Traits
- Ability to foster a collaborative, inclusive environment across health care disciplines in the SMHS.
- Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with diverse programs across the University.
- Ability to engage with community members and students across disciplines within the Division of Health Affairs.
Supplemental University Information
- University Profile - Learn more about the position, University strategic plan, points of pride, the budget model, the Greater Grand Forks community and state of North Dakota
- Benefits Package - From fully-paid family health plans to tuition waivers, UND employees are provided with benefits that make great careers even better.
- UND YouTube Channel - View a plethora of videos including campus tours, Leaders in Action feature stories, life as a UND student, research, athletics, and much more.