What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Dean of Assessment position at University of Northern Colorado?
The Assistant Dean of Assessment serves as a key leader in the University of Northern Colorado College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNC COM), providing strategic direction and oversight of all assessment and evaluation activities. This position is responsible for ensuring that the college’s academic and clinical programs meet the highest standards of excellence, particularly those established by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). The Assistant Dean of Assessment will lead efforts in curricular mapping, utilizing relevant assessment software, and conducting stoichiometric analyses of NBOME/NBME-style items post-examination to ensure high-quality evaluation practices. Identifying curriculum gaps and supporting continuous improvement are core aspects of this role. Experience with COCA/LCME accreditation will be considered an advantage.
Job Duties:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive assessment strategy that aligns with UNC COM’s educational objectives and COCA requirements.
- Oversee the design, delivery, and analysis of student assessments, including formative, summative, and clinical evaluations.
- Conduct stoichiometric analysis of NBOME-style items to ensure exam validity and reliability.
- Ensure that assessment practices support osteopathic core competencies and student success.
- Lead the development and maintenance of a comprehensive curricular map, aligning course content with institutional learning objectives and COCA standards.
- Use relevant software to track student progress and identify areas where curricular improvements are needed.
- Collaborate with faculty to identify and address curriculum gaps, ensuring alignment with national benchmarks and osteopathic competencies.
- Facilitate the development and analysis of key performance indicators to assess student outcomes, faculty performance, and program effectiveness.
- Lead the evaluation of academic programs, clinical rotations, and other learning experiences to ensure alignment with institutional goals.
- Prepare institutional reports, including self-study documents for accreditation.
- Provide training and support for faculty in the development of high-quality assessment tools and methods.
- Promote best practices in assessment and evaluation through workshops, seminars, and individual consultations.
- Serve as a primary liaison for assessment-related aspects of COCA accreditation, including preparing documentation and responding to site visit requests.
- Stay informed of changes in accreditation standards and ensure compliance with COCA requirements for assessment.
- Prepare and submit required assessment reports to COCA and other accrediting bodies.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
DO, MD, PhD, or EdD in a relevant field.
Experience:
- At least 3 years of experience in higher education assessment, preferably in a medical or health professions setting.
- Demonstrated experience with curricular mapping, program evaluation, and faculty development.
- Proficiency in relevant assessment software and data analysis tools.
- Experience with COCA accreditation standards is highly desirable.
Benefits:
Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.
About UNC
The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC’s commitment to education began in 1889 and continues to be a transformational force for our students. According to CollegeNet’s Social Mobility Index, UNC ranked #1 in social mobility (2022). UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub,to learn more about UNC’s strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
The University of Northern Colorado believes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is the pathway to achieving an inclusive community and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. UNC supports the growth of individuals who care about race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, lifestyle, age, educational background, national origin, religion, or physical ability – to honor the intersectionality of our campus. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub to learn more about UNC’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
AAEO Employer
The University of Northern Colorado is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer that is committed to a culturally diverse staff, faculty, and student body.
The University will not engage in unlawful discrimination in employment or educational services against any person because of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Veteran status and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. It is the University’s policy to prohibit discrimination in employment or educational services on the basis of sexual orientation or political affiliation. The University will likewise take affirmative action to ensure that student applicants and enrolled students are treated during the enrollment at the University without regard to race, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. Such affirmative action shall include, but not be limited to the following: employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff, retirement, or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship. Furthermore, the University will post in conspicuous places, notice setting forth the provisions of this University’s Equal Opportunity Policy.
Federal regulations require that the University of Northern Colorado retain all documents submitted by applicants. Materials will not be returned or copied for applicants.
Background Check
Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.
This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.
Clery Act
In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.
