Associate Dean of Academics at SONORAN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Tempe, Arizona, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

26 Mar, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

27 Dec, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Curriculum Development, Faculty Leadership, Student-Centered Education, Continuous Improvement, AI in Education, Accreditation Processes, Educational Assessment, Interpersonal Skills, Organizational Skills, Communication Skills, Collaboration, Innovation, Data-Informed Decision-Making, Teaching Strategies, Inclusive Pedagogical Practices, Student Engagement

Industry

Description

Sonoran University of Health Sciences shapes a healthier future by supporting students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, by enhancing the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and by discovering effective treatments for humanity grounded in the healing power of nature. Our vision is a world that embraces the healing power of nature. Located in Tempe, Arizona, the overall environment is vibrant and dynamic, with passionate students, staff, and faculty. As a private institution, Sonoran University is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive community for all. Sonoran community members embody and promote inclusive excellence (IE*). This includes a commitment to respecting diverse perspectives and continually advancing your understanding and practices around equity, belonging, and support for all students, employees, patients, and our greater community. You will contribute to a campus culture that embraces our core values. JOB DESCRIPTION/SUMMARY: The Associate Dean of Academics plays a pivotal leadership role in advancing the academic mission of the College of Naturopathic Medicine. This position is responsible for ensuring programmatic excellence, fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment, and guiding curriculum development to prepare graduates for professional success. A key focus over the next several years will be supporting faculty in the implementation of a newly designed curriculum, and strategic incorporation of AI to enhance teaching and learning to support students and faculty. This role is aligned with Sonoran University’s Strategic Plan and the Academic Affairs goals of: * Academic Excellence * Continuous Improvement * Mission-Focused Growth and Sustainability PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Curriculum Leadership & Educational Effectiveness * Support the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the new curriculum that integrates evidence-informed naturopathic medicine and philosophy. * Ensure curriculum alignment with accreditation standards and workforce competencies. * Oversee the didactic curriculum across all delivery formats (on-campus, hybrid, synchronous and asynchronous). * Collaborate with faculty and department chairs to review course scope, sequencing, and instructional methods. * Support continuous improvement through data-informed decision-making, including analysis of NPLEX performance, course evaluations, and student outcomes. * Teach courses as assigned * Collaborates with the Associate Dean of Clinical Education to ensure integration across courses. Faculty Support & Development * Provide administrative leadership for faculty in the Divisions of Human Sciences and Therapeutics. * Facilitate faculty development initiatives, recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing training. * Conduct direct observation of instruction and support faculty performance evaluations. * Promote evidence-based teaching strategies and inclusive pedagogical practices. Student Success & Workforce Readiness * Champion initiatives that enhance student engagement, support, and academic success. * Develop educational programs and co-curricular activities that prepare students for clinical practice and professional roles. * Monitor and improve student performance on licensing exams and other key benchmarks. Operational & Strategic Management * Manage division budgets effectively and align resources with strategic priorities. * Collaborate across departments to expand educational offerings and improve institutional effectiveness. * Ensure compliance with accreditation standards. * Participates in strategic planning for the program. Additional Responsibilities * Actively participate in university committees, meetings, and service opportunities. * Support student recruitment and participate in university ceremonies. * Engage in scholarly activities and promote research and innovation in naturopathic education. * Represent Sonoran University’s mission, vision, and core values to internal and external stakeholders. * Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean. EXPERIENCE PREFERRED * Minimum of 5 years of experience in naturopathic medical education, including curriculum development and faculty leadership. * Demonstrated commitment to student-centered education and continuous improvement. * Experience using AI in education. * Experience with accreditation processes and educational assessment. * Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills. * Ability to foster collaboration and innovation across diverse teams. EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS * Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine (ND) from an accredited institution. BACKGROUND/SCREENING All candidates offered a position at SONORAN UNIVERSITY undergo a background and drug screen prior to hire. All employees must show documentation of vaccinations or provide titer results for measles prior to first day of work (unless religious or medical exemption is on file). Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position. SONORAN UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. SONORAN UNIVERSITY is a smoke free campus. * Inclusive Excellence is the standard set by an organization to intentionally integrate diversity, inclusion, and equity into its organizational pursuit of excellence. About Sonoran University: Sonoran University of Health Sciences is a non-profit and internationally recognized higher education institution dedicated to shaping a healthier future. Guided by our mission to support students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, enhance the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and discover effective treatments grounded in the healing power of nature. We uphold our core values: We shape the future, we love, we achieve excellence, we are resilient, and we do the right thing. The University’s College of Naturopathic Medicine, College of Nutrition, and School of Mental Health offer evidence-based programs designed to shape a healthier tomorrow by preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. To serve the University’s mission, the Sage Foundation for Health supports several Community Clinics focused on providing free naturopathic medical care to local underserved communities within the Phoenix Metro area. The College of Nutrition’s Virtual Center for Personalized Nutrition aims to eliminate traditional barriers to nutritional care by providing personalized and evidence-based care delivered at no cost via telehealth. The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is a state-of-the-art molecular biology/phytochemistry laboratory seeks to improve therapies for global health concerns by exploring traditional medicine at the cellular, molecular, and cultural level to create novel botanical solutions that support people, plants, and planet. The University’s Clinical Care branch operates two open-to-the-public clinics at the Tempe Campus. The Medical Center provides naturopathic healthcare for a wide range of patients including but not limited to; family medicine, nutrition and digestive health, mental health and well-being, dermatologic conditions, endocrine and auto-immune concerns, and acute symptoms. The Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine focuses on non-opioid solutions to pain and pain management utilizing treatments ranging from cupping and acupuncture to regenerative injection therapies. The Medicinary is the largest natural pharmacy in Arizona, offering an expansive collection of the highest quality, professional-grade supplements, herbs, and natural health products. Every purchase made at the Medicinary helps support the Sage Foundation and its mission to provide free healthcare to those in need. Nurture your knowledge, visit sonoran.edu Benefits: At Sonoran University, we achieve excellence and shape the future by fostering a workplace where you can thrive and grow! Our benefits go above and beyond to support your health, happiness, and lifestyle. Qualifying employees enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, vacation time, 12 paid holidays, a 401(k) plan with a discretionary match, and employer-sponsored life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage. Every team member benefits from paid sick time, and exclusive perks like free office visits at our Medical Center and Neil Riordan Center, plus discounts at the largest medicinary in the Southwest — with shipping available! Enjoy a delicious meal our onsite café, or unwind in our fully equipped employee breakroom with a full kitchen, coffee, and new snacks every month. Prioritize your wellness with free personalized nutritional care, a yoga studio, a fitness center, and covered parking. Explore a wealth of knowledge in our library, rock your Sonoran pride on Casual Wednesdays, and be celebrated through our annual Employee Appreciation Day. Want more? Access exclusive deals on attractions, shows, shopping, and more through Tickets At Work and LifeMart. With a flexible hybrid work environment and an inspiring culture, Sonoran University is where passion and purpose meet to create a workplace like no other!

Responsibilities

The Associate Dean of Academics is responsible for advancing the academic mission of the College of Naturopathic Medicine, ensuring programmatic excellence, and guiding curriculum development. This role includes supporting faculty in implementing a new curriculum and enhancing teaching through AI.