Job DescriptionThe Associate Dean, Strategic Initiatives and Business Partnerships, leads high-impact strategic initiatives that support the growth and long-term advancement of the Katie Marmion School of Public Health and the Center for Rural Health in South Texas (CRHeST). The Associate Dean partners with School leadership, faculty, institutional leaders, UT System partners, regional stakeholders, and external affiliates to develop new centers, strengthen strategic partnerships, support CRHeST growth, and advance regional public health initiatives. The Associate Dean translates organizational strategic priorities into structured work plans, supports planning and resource alignment, builds infrastructure for new initiatives, monitors progress against goals, and recommends adjustments based on data, outcomes, and stakeholder feedback. The Associate Dean supports School-wide strategic execution, regional expansion, and operational readiness for new centers, institutes, partnerships, and externally focused initiatives.
Responsibilities- Leads School-wide strategic initiatives that support the advancement, regional presence, and long-term priorities of the Katie Marmion School of Public Health and the Center for Rural Health in South Texas.
- Partners with the Dean, School leadership, faculty, institutional leaders, and external stakeholders to translate strategic priorities into structured work plans, timelines, deliverables, and measurable outcomes.
- Identifies opportunities to strengthen partnerships, expand regional engagement, improve operational readiness, and support sustainable growth of School-wide initiatives.
- Supports the development and implementation of strategic plans for CRHeST, new centers, institutes, partnerships, and regional public health initiatives.
- Develops, strengthens, and coordinates strategic partnerships with UT System, UT San Antonio, the Health System, community partners, regional stakeholders, governmental entities, academic partners, and external affiliates.
- Advances regional public health initiatives across South Texas, including coordination of activities and partnerships in Uvalde, Frio, Winter Garden, Laredo, Bexar, and other priority regions.
- Supports the development of physical, digital, administrative, and operational infrastructure needed to launch and sustain new centers, institutes, programs, and externally focused initiatives.
- Works collaboratively with School leadership, Academic Affairs, Finance, Enrollment Management, and other institutional divisions to align resources, address barriers, and support execution of strategic priorities.
- Facilitates planning, coordination, and communication among internal and external partners to support alignment across School, University, System, regional, and affiliate priorities.
- Monitors progress of strategic initiatives, evaluates performance against goals, analyzes outcomes, and recommends adjustments based on data, feedback, and emerging needs.
- Supports resource planning, proposal development, and partnership strategies that advance School priorities and strengthen long-term program sustainability.
- Develops and implements processes, tools, and best practices that improve coordination, accountability, and execution of strategic initiatives.
- Prepares reports, presentations, recommendations, and updates for School leadership, institutional leaders, external partners, and other key stakeholders.
- Leads or coordinates cross-functional project teams, workgroups, and planning efforts related to new initiatives, centers, institutes, regional activities, and external partnerships.
- Travel through South Texas is expected
Qualifications- Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic initiatives, public health administration, healthcare administration, higher education administration, academic program development, partnership development, community health, rural health, or a related field is required.
- Experience leading complex strategic initiatives, cross-functional projects, external partnerships, or regional programs in higher education, public health, healthcare, academic health, governmental, or similarly complex settings is preferred.
- Experience in a school of public health, academic health center, health-related institution, or public university is preferred.
- Advanced knowledge of strategic planning, partnership development, program development, and organizational growth within higher education, public health, healthcare, academic health, or similarly complex settings.
- Strong ability to translate broad strategic priorities into actionable work plans, timelines, milestones, and measurable outcomes.
- Ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives involving senior leaders, faculty, administrative teams, and external partners.
- Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively with institutional leaders, governmental entities, community partners, academic stakeholders, and regional affiliates.
- Knowledge of budget planning, resource alignment, grant-funded programs, or sponsored initiatives.
- Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess data, evaluate progress, identify barriers, and recommend practical solutions.
- Ability to lead through influence in a matrixed environment and gain commitment from stakeholders with varying priorities.
- Knowledge of public health priorities, rural health needs, academic programs, research initiatives, and community-based partnerships.
- Ability to support planning and infrastructure development for new centers, institutes, programs, and regional initiatives.
- Strong project leadership skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines, deliverables, and stakeholder expectations.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when working with senior leaders and external partners.
