Des Moines University·West Des Moines, Iowa
This specialist will strengthen teaching effectiveness and foster faculty growth through innovative development programming, workshops, and instructional coaching, while also providing individualized academic support and coaching to health professions students.
At Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, we are committed to advancing excellence in health professions education—and that begins with supporting the educators who shape the next generation of clinicians. The Faculty Development and Educational Support Specialist plays a key role in strengthening teaching effectiveness and fostering faculty growth through innovative development programming, collaborative workshops, and individualized instructional coaching. Positioned within the Center for Educational Enhancement, this role also contributes directly to student success by providing academic support services that help health professions students thrive in a rigorous learning environment. If you are passionate about educational innovation, faculty engagement, and advancing learner success, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact across the university community.
Provide individualized academic support and coaching to health professions students, focusing on evidence-based learning strategies, exam preparation, time management, and academic skill development.
Design and deliver workshops, group sessions, and online programming that promote student academic success and professional development.
Coordinate and support faculty development initiatives, including workshops, communities of practice, and peer review of teaching programs.
Provide instructional design consultation to faculty on course development, learning outcomes alignment, assessment strategies, and evidence-based teaching practices.
Collaborate with campus partners to advance teaching excellence, support student success initiatives, and contribute to continuous improvement through data tracking, resource development, and program evaluation.
Master’s degree required in instructional design, educational technology, curriculum and instruction, adult education, health professions education, or a related field. Doctorate preferred.
Minimum of one (1) years experience in instructional design, faculty development, or a closely related role in higher education.
Experience in a health sciences or medical education setting preferred.
Experience facilitating professional development programming for faculty or adult learners.
Experience with learning management systems and educational technology tools.
None required. Certificates in instructional design, coaching, or educational technology preferred.
*To see the full job description go to Position Description at the bottom of this posting.
DMU offers competitive salaries. For this position, the anticipated starting salary is in the mid- to upper-$60,000 range, with the final offer determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience.
Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well! Our Total Rewards reflect this commitment. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution towards the medical plan, 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding, and access to wellness facilities with programs that promote a well-balanced lifestyle. Visit www.dmu.edu/employment to learn more about our benefits.
DMU is proud to offer employees generous benefits and perks, paid time off, free use of wellness facilities, and a host of employee engagement and recognition programs throughout the year.
Founded in 1898, Des Moines University is a premier medical and health sciences institution comprising three colleges– College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and College of Health Sciences – offering ten graduate degree programs.
Our mission [https://www.dmu.edu/about/mission-vision-and-values/] is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.
It is an exciting time to join DMU. In 2023, we relocated our primary academic and operational offices to a new 88-acre campus in West Des Moines, Iowa, while maintaining an active clinic on our former campus. This state-of-the-art campus includes technology-rich, flexible education spaces that support innovative teaching methods and connect faculty and students across all of our programs. Our new research facilities include a vibrant and spacious open laboratory, designed to foster collaboration and innovation.
DMU enhances our community’s quality of life by educating outstanding health professionals and leaders; providing expert, compassionate patient care; serving the community in diverse ways; and stimulating the central Iowa community.
At DMU you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of Medicine and Health Sciences by supporting a diverse community of faculty and staff with programs and services across the employee lifecycle.
Resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references required at time of online submission. Apply at www.dmu.edu/employment [http://www.dmu.edu/employment].
Department: Center for Educational Enhancement (CEE)
Status: Exempt
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as instructional design or health professions education is required, with a Doctorate preferred, alongside a minimum of one year of experience in instructional design or faculty development, preferably in a health sciences setting.
Market context
In Iowa, Faculty Development and Educational Support Specialist roles are typically tied to institutions improving teaching quality, curriculum support, and faculty onboarding, so demand often follows academic program growth and accreditation needs. These positions are competitive because employers usually want a relevant master’s degree, health sciences experience, and sometimes a doctorate, plus strong instructional design and faculty development skills. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show specific faculty training or course design work.
