ASPIRE DDS Program Director

Job Overview

The School of Dentistry at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) invites applications of current faculty members for the role of Co-Program Director of the DDS ASPIRE Program. The incumbent will provide overall leadership and vision for the DDS ASPIRE Program, oversee curriculum development and program implementation, lead evaluation activities, ensure alignment with the School and campus priorities, and contribute to assessment, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts.

This is a 1-year contract, 15% role onsite position.

Department Description

The School is committed to providing outstanding, integrated patient‑centered care and to preparing the next generation of clinicians and scientists for a rapidly evolving health care system. It leads in scientific discovery and its translation into improved patient care and public health, creating and maintaining a supportive work and learning environment that attracts the best faculty, staff, students, and trainees who can meet the changing needs of the School, society, and profession while optimizing resources to support strategic objectives and maximize stakeholder value.

Program Overview

The Doctor of Dental Surgery Advocacy, Science, Public Interest, and Research (DDS‑ASPIRE) is a cornerstone initiative within UCSF Dentistry designed to strengthen pathways to dental education, support student success, and advance our mission of equity, inclusion, and excellence in oral health education. The program integrates leadership and research training for ten students from the Class of 2030 as they progress through all four years of the existing academic and clinical curriculum. Its goal is to expand California's dental workforce while addressing persistent oral health disparities.

Required Qualifications

• Active DDS Licensed
• Expert knowledge of internal and external policies and regulatory requirements, as well as a health professions education program curriculum and requirements; deep expertise in health professions education theory and industry best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and skills to develop and implement processes and systems for highly complex and unprecedented situations in administration and operations.
• Excellent communicator with strong critical‑thinking and advising skills; persuasive ability to change the thinking of, or gain acceptance from, leadership.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, strong diplomacy, and ability to develop strong working relationships with department, management, industry leaders, and external agencies; proven ability to advise and influence all levels of leadership and staff.
• Highly developed organizational and project‑management skills; directs teams and leads projects from inception to completion on schedule; excellent personal organization skills.
• Expert knowledge of current and emerging educational technologies to enhance teaching and learning practices; ability to facilitate educational‑technology opportunities using technology‑based solutions.
• Advanced knowledge of data management and documentation methods used to investigate and present findings about the program.
• Prior clinical and academic experience to ensure effective oversight of program requirements.
• Demonstrated experience working with effective teams to identify and resolve problems.
• Experience working with diverse learners.
• Meaningful clinical experience serving underserved and/or marginalized communities with an understanding of the structural and social factors influencing access to oral health care.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in academic initiatives that support pathway, bridge, or workforce development programs.
• Experience with public health dentistry or working in settings that address access to care issues; experience in a public health, FQHC, or community clinic dentistry environment is ideal.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Salary and Benefits

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. Placement within the salary range depends on factors such as work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions represented by a labor union, placement will follow the collective bargaining agreement. The benefits package includes health, vision, and dental coverage, retirement plan options, and access to the UCSF comprehensive benefits and compensation portal.

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