Department Chair, Medical Studies

Dominican University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Department Chair for Medical Studies to lead and develop a dynamic program. This role involves overseeing curriculum, advising students, and teaching courses across semesters. The ideal candidate will possess a PhD in a STEM discipline and have a strong background in student advising and program development. The position offers a unique opportunity to impact the educational journey of diverse students and contribute to a mission-driven institution. Join a supportive community dedicated to fostering academic excellence and inclusivity.

Benefits

Tuition Remission for Employees and Dependents

Comprehensive Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan with Employer Matching

Flexible Spending Accounts

Generous Paid Time Off

Qualifications

• PhD in a STEM discipline required.
• 5 years’ experience advising students in STEM disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the growth and development of the Medical Studies program.
• Oversee accreditation and curriculum development.
• Teach one course each semester.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Teaching

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Engagement with Non-Traditional Students

Education

PhD in STEM Discipline

Tools

Learning Management Systems (e.g., Canvas)

Job description

Position:Department Chair, Medical Studies

Location: River Forest, IL

Job Id:2106

# of Openings:1

Position Title: Department Chair, Medical Studies

Department: Borra College of Health and Sciences

Reports To: BCHS, Associate Dean

Position Summary:

The Department Chair will be responsible for providing administrative support to the Medical Studies program. The responsibilities include advising post-baccalaureate Medical Studies students, overseeing the admission of new students through the PostBacCAS admissions portal, and teaching at least one course during the fall, spring, and summer semesters of the academic year. The Department Chair will report to the Associate Dean of the Borra College of Health Sciences and work with faculty and staff to ensure the program meets its curriculum and assessment efforts for the college/university. The Department Chair will be sensitive to the needs of a diverse student body and committed to fostering students’ personal, cultural, educational, and intellectual development consistent with the mission of Dominican University.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead strategic growth and development of the BMS program and future initiatives.
• Oversee accreditation, curriculum development, and faculty mentorship.
• Fulfill a teaching load of 12 credits per year.
• Provide academic advising for students in the Bachelor of Medical Science program, supporting them in clarifying their goals within our health sciences discipline and tailoring their academic plans accordingly.
• Stay informed on current requirements, timelines, and best practices across the healthcare fields to guide students through casework and application preparation for their desired programs. Review applicants through PostBacCAS portal to determine admissibility into the program; evaluate and audit transcripts, and coordinate with the Registrar’s Office to ensure students are cleared for course registration.
• Support the application and admissions process by meeting with prospective, accepted, and deposited students to advise them on coursework aligned with their professional and career goals in the health sciences. Develop working knowledge of common health science admissions portals including: AMCAS, ACOMAAS, CASPA, AADSAS, NURSINGCAS and understanding protocols for admission into various health science graduate programs.
• Teach one course for the program each semester (fall, spring, and summer), which includes supervising Independent Studies or Research (BMS 495 or BMS 450) over the summer.
• Collaborate with program faculty and the Associate Dean to provide the BCHS Dean’s Office with course offering details for the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
• Coordinate with Dominican University’s centralized Admissions and Enrollment Management team as needed, and support marketing efforts such as website updates, brochure development, and outreach to external institutionsor organizations.
• In collaboration with the program faculty and the department chair, coordinate and implement policy changes related to program curriculum, assessment, and student impact.
• Support Medical Studies student organizations such as AMSA, MEDLIFE, and MAPS; write letters of recommendation for Medical Studies students upon request.
• Maintain professional membership in the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP), and act as program liaison to the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC).
• Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in STEM discipline or related area
• 5 years’ experience advising students in STEM disciplines

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong organization skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize work effectively
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, sound judgement, and the ability to maintain confidentiality
• Teamwork, creativity, professionalism, and a positive attitude
• Ability to solve problems independently
• Ability and willingness to take initiative on projects and tasks
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite-related programs: Excel, Access, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and experience with learning management systems (ex. Canvas)
• Ability to work and engage with non-traditional, adult students
• Ability to work with faculty/staff in the program college and the wider university community
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Healthcare and/or higher education experience.
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to spend long durations of the workday sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.

SALARY AND FLSA STATUS:

• FLSA Status: Exempt 37.5 hours

BENEFITS:

• Tuition remission for employees and their dependents.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan with employer matching contributions.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• Generous paid time off (PTO).

Employment at Dominican University is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation.

About Dominican University
Dominican University is a Catholic, comprehensive teaching university located in River Forest, a suburb of Chicago, with an additional campus in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Dominican University offers associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It is highly regarded for its academic rigor, thoughtful accompaniment of students, intentional affordability, and values-based, relationship-centered learning environment.

Dominican currently enrolls over 3,800 students, including 2,690 undergraduates and 1,114 graduate students. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of undergraduate students identify as Latinx, 5% as Black or African American, and 3% as Asian. Under-represented minority students comprise 77% of the undergraduate enrollment and 38% of the graduate enrollment. Over 90 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. Nearly half of all undergraduates are first-generation college students; over half are federal Pell Grant recipients, illustrating their families’ level of income; and 58% are eligible for low-income MAP grants from the State of Illinois.

Recognized since 2011 as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, Dominican is committed to expanding and enhancing educational opportunities for Latinx students and all students from historically underrepresented groups. For more information, visit www.dom.edu.

Expectations for all Dominican Employees
To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, give compassionate service, and participate in the creation of a more just and humane world, engage in university service work that promotes collaboration and community building. This includes participating in organizational initiatives, supporting campus events, contributing to community outreach, and fostering a supportive environment through involvement in various staff-driven activities and groups.

Institutional Statement
Dominican University is committed to fostering a supportive academic community that provides access and opportunity for all our students.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Dominican University is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal and state employment regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need accommodations due to a disability, you may contact us [e-mail] for assistance.