Associate Dean, Learners SFU School of Medicine

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University (SFU) is grateful to be located on the unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼən̓ (Kwantlen), Səmyámə (Semiahmoo) and sc̓əwaθən (Tsawwassen) Nations.

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose—the essence of SFU—is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

Help build B.C.’s new medical school from the ground up!

At Simon Fraser University's School of Medicine (SoM), we envision a medical education system where students and residents learn as part of a team in primary care and other community-level settings, in person-centred environments, and with a curriculum that considers social, environmental and prevention contexts. As we establish the school in Surrey, B.C., our growing relationships with the local community, Divisions of Family Practice, Fraser Health Authority, First Nations Health Authority, physicians and Indigenous partners will help us to meet the diverse health needs of the communities we serve and improve access to primary care throughout the province.  We seek to advance reconciliation by embedding and equalizing Indigenous knowledge systems in our learning, research and practices while resting on a solid foundation of high-quality, accredited education and world-class research efforts that keep us oriented towards measurable socially accountable outcomes. 

About the Role

The School of Medicine at Simon Fraser University invites applications for an Associate Dean, Learners. The Associate Dean appointment will be for a 3-year term, renewable, with an underlying faculty position.  The underlying faculty position will be made at the appropriate rank and category, commensurate with experience. To be eligible to hold the underlying faculty position, candidates are expected to be able to contribute to teaching, service, and scholarship related to medical education and/or medical research. Alternative appointment arrangements (such as half-time) may also be considered to facilitate other commitments candidates may have.

The salary for the successful applicant will depend on the rank, category of appointment, and experience of the candidate, however, a reasonable estimate of the salary range is $220,000 - $270,000 (inclusive of an administrative stipend for the Associate Dean role and prorated depending on other commitments outside of academic work).

The Associate Dean, Learners is key in providing strategic leadership and support in building a culture and community that enriches learners’ experience and engagement within the education programs of the SFU SoM.

Responsibilities:

The key objective for the Associate Dean, Learners is to support structures, collaborations and resources that promote student and resident services and wellbeing as well as initiatives that embrace student and resident equity, diversity and inclusion. The Associate Dean, Learners will report to the Dean in the SoM, and is a member of the SoM Executive.

The portfolio for the SFU SoM Associate Dean, Learners includes but is not limited to the following responsibilities:

• Provide leadership in advancing the SoM’s strategic plan and goals

• Lead strategic planning of learner affairs activities, initiatives and support services and ensure alignment with institutional and the SoM policies and procedures

• Work in close collaboration with related SFU Student Services to ensure the most efficient use of resources and avoid duplication of services

• Lead strategic planning of MD Program admissions processes and policies

• Provide oversight and support of the CaRMS matching process and admission to residency programs

• Manage learner affairs and resources equitably, transparently and effectively, overseeing a process for regular identification and resolution of key risks in relation to student affairs

• Collaborate with associate and assistant deans to ensure a cohesive, integrated approach that meets or exceeds accreditation standards related to learner affairs

• Develop, implement and ensure compliance with policies, procedures, referral and specific action related to accommodation requirements of learners, in collaboration with the senior leadership team and liaising with university-wide programs and external bodies.

• Participate on the Dean’s Executive Committee.

• Undertake duties as may from time to time be assigned to them by the Dean

• Work collegially and in partnership with faculty, other academic administrators, staff and the SFU SoM community/partners.

• Serve as Acting Dean on notification from the Dean of short-term absences

• Represent the SoM at external meetings and conferences

• Serve on pan-university meetings of Associate Deans.

Qualifications & Experience:

Required:

• M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) or graduate degree and 5 years’ experience in a student services leadership role 

• Minimum of 5 years of medical education experience working directly with learners

• Experience with medical education leadership

• Knowledge and understanding of and respect for Indigenous cultural identities and values

• Demonstrated experience in positively engaging with diverse students, faculty and staff

• Demonstrated commitment to administrative, organizational and collaborative leadership, and adept at building and maintaining constructive relationships with various university groups and external partners.

•  Familiarity with accreditation standards and guidelines for undergraduate and postgraduate medical education

Additional assets:

• Eligibility to hold a license to practice medicine in British Columbia 

• Holds CCFP/FCFP designation 

Please apply with the following documents through the online application system: http://apply.interfolio.com/160074

• Curriculum vitae

• Cover Letter – stating interest and accomplishments

Please note that final shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide contact references and credential verification will be conducted. 

SFU encourages applications from all qualified candidates; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Applications received by January 1, 2024 end of day will be given full consideration. Screening of applications will commence on January 2, 2024 but will remain open until the position is filled.

Simon Fraser University is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. Diversity is an underlying principle of our Strategic Vision, which pledges SFU to “foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, celebrating the diversity reflected among its students, faculty, staff and our community.” SFU is committed to ensuring no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. Consistent with this principle, SFU will advance the interests of underrepresented members of the work force, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons and women; embrace gender and sexual diversity; ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment at the University; and treat all employees equitably. Candidates that belong to underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact ms_academic_affairs@sfu.ca.

Personal information that forms part of an application is collected under the general authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, applicable University Policies, and the SFUFA/SFU Collective Agreement. For further details see the full Collection Notice.

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. Information on benefits can be found at the following link: https://www.sfu.ca/human-resources/faculty/benefits/long-term-faculty.html