COMPASS Support Guide

Job Summary:

The mission of the COMPASS Program is to guide medical students through their transformation into physicians, deepen their understanding of how physicians engage with the world, and support their journey toward reaching their full potential. Within the Trek curriculum, students receive longitudinal faculty guidance throughout their four (or more) years of medical school.

COMPASS Support Guide play a critical role in ensuring that this longitudinal support remains consistent and uninterrupted. They provide both planned and as-needed coverage within the COMPASS Guide educator-on-call backup system, stepping in when a full-time COMPASS Guide is on leave or departs the program. During these periods, Support Guides assume responsibility for the affected students, ensuring continuity of coaching, academic guidance, and faculty support.

In addition to providing coverage, COMPASS Support Guide serve as educators within the Trek curriculum. Regular responsibilities include teaching 2–3 Wednesday afternoons per month and participating in one faculty development session per month on Wednesday mornings. Through these activities, Support Guides help students develop skills in self-reflection, professional identity formation, effective use of feedback, self-directed learning, and a growth mindset.

The position requires approximately 36 half-days of employment per year. Scheduled responsibilities will be communicated to the COMPASS Support Guide and their clinic at least 60 days in advance, and always on Wednesdays. When covering students for a Guide who is on leave, urgent academic concerns may occasionally require limited evening or weekend availability to ensure students receive timely support, and support community building events.

COMPASS Support Guides join a vibrant community of clinician-educators representing diverse specialties, backgrounds, and clinical sites. The role is particularly well suited for faculty who value medical education, coaching, mentorship, and supporting students throughout their professional development.

Key Responsibilities:

70%25 - Teaching

·         Facilitate Health and Society small groups in the first year of medical school on select Wednesday afternoons from 12- 5pm

·         Facilitate COMPASS Conversation small groups in the first year of medical school during select Wednesday afternoons

·         Facilitate select small group sessions during Basecamp weeks

·         Facilitate select small group sessions during the Advanced Science Courses

·         Facilitate select career-advising sessions designed to prepare students for residency applications.

30%25 - Required Faculty Development

·         Attend Faculty Development sessions and Guide check-ins 1x per month, and review notes from sessions not attended

·         Attend COMPASS faculty retreat for 1 day/year

·         Attend individual “just-in-time" faculty development sessions for all Health & Society and COMPASS Conversation sessions selected to facilitate

·         Faculty will be evaluated annually with input from the Office of Student Life, Office of Assessment, Evaluation, and Outcomes, and students. Each Guide will meet yearly with the COMPASS Program Director to review their performance

If covering an extended leave for a Guide, the faculty member’s teaching and required faculty development responsibilities described above will be adjusted so that they comprise 85%25 of the faculty member’s responsibilities. The remaining 15%25 will be allocated to Coaching (5%25), Trek Progress Committee participation (5%25), and Community Building (5%25), as outlined below.

5%25 - Coaching (only when covering for a Guide on leave)

·         Meet with each student in the COMPASS group(s) covered one-on-one approximately 3-5 times per year to review progress and create learning goals

·         Meet with students as needed for additional coaching or counseling

·         Address immediate student issues, including off-hours concerns in emergent situations in conjunction with the Office of Student Life (OSL)

·         Document all meetings with students

·         Maintain close communication with the Office of Student Life around students concerns; utilizing OSL and appropriate campus referral sources as needed

5%25 - Trek Progress Committee (only when covering for a Guide on leave):

·         Attend Trek Progress Committee meetings (approximately 1 per month, scheduled during faculty development sessions on Wednesday).  The Trek Progress Committee oversees student progress through the curriculum

·         For students they coach, the Guide would be responsible for summarizing the student’s progress but would not vote

5%25 - Community building (only when covering for a Guide on leave):

·         Attend 1st year student orientation, expected one full day commitment and one half-day commitment

·         Attend and arrange college social events 4-6 times per year for your students, when covering

·         Mentor 4th year Student Leaders (Navigators) around planning/executing individual events

Work Location:

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, Colorado.

Why Join Us:

In the Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) Office within the University of Colorado School of Medicine, you will be part of a dynamic team committed to shaping the future of medical education. Our curriculum, known as “Trek,” launched in 2021 and represents a groundbreaking approach that emphasizes curiosity, life-long learning, and a deep commitment to serving both the medical profession and society. The Trek curriculum was developed through a collaborative effort of nearly 600 faculty, staff, and students and is designed to prepare future physicians to thrive in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Joining UME and more specifically the Office of Admissions means being at the forefront of medical education innovation, contributing to student success, and becoming part of a community dedicated to educating compassionate, skilled physicians. This is an exciting time to be a part of UME as we continue to evolve and enhance our programs to support the next generation of medical professionals.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

This is an open rank position and could be categorized as Instructor, Senior Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Professor based on experience and qualifications as indicated below:

Open Rank: Rank at the time of appointment will be based on the candidate’s demonstrated contributions and experience in teaching, clinical, research, and/or service to the field. We welcome applicants with a range of backgrounds and accomplishments and encourage individuals to highlight the breadth and depth of their professional impact. Learn more about faculty tracks at the Office for Faculty Affairs.

Instructor:

·         Candidates must be able to obtain a faculty appointment (open rank) at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

·         Applicants must be a board-certified physician with an MD or DO from an accredited University.

·         Applicants must have permission from their clinic or department to assume the role.

Senior Instructor:

·         Candidates must be able to obtain a faculty appointment (open rank) at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

·         Applicants must be a board-certified physician with an MD or DO from an accredited University.

·         Applicants must have permission from their clinic or department to assume the role.

Assistant Professor:

·         Candidates must be able to obtain a faculty appointment (open rank) at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

·         Applicants must be a board-certified physician with an MD or DO from an accredited University.

·         Applicants must have permission from their clinic or department to assume the role.

Associate Professor:

·         Candidates must be able to obtain a faculty appointment (open rank) at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

·         Applicants must be a board-certified physician with an MD or DO from an accredited University.

·         Applicants must have permission from their clinic or department to assume the role.

Professor:

·         Candidates must be able to obtain a faculty appointment (open rank) at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

·         Applicants must be a board-certified physician with an MD or DO from an accredited University.

·         Applicants must have permission from their clinic or department to assume the role.

Preferred Qualifications:

·         Preferred Start Date: November 1, 2026

·         Prior medical student teaching experience at any institution for two years or more.

·         Prior experience with coaching or mentoring.

·         Demonstrated interest in medical student education, including small group facilitation.

·         Demonstrated interest in health systems science.

·         Demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning, a growth mindset, and a reflective humanistic approach to working with learners and colleagues

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

·         Ability to communicate and collaborate with students, faculty, and leadership team members.

·         Organizational skills and attention to detail are important.

·         The individual in this position needs to be a person who can cultivate relationships with both university and community physicians, as well as students, and be available to answer questions and problem-solve as needed.

·         The individual must enjoy working with students, providing advice on how to troubleshoot/resolve issues, and assisting students to ensure their success.

Conditions of Employment:

·         Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1.    A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2.    Curriculum vitae / Resume

3.    Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: Chelsea Wolf at [email protected]

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by October 7^th, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

Instructor: Up to $18,750.00 as a 0.075 FTE equivalent in salary support plus benefits not to exceed the educational cap of $250,000.

Sr. Instructor: Up to $18,750.00 as a 0.075 FTE equivalent in salary support plus benefits not to exceed the educational cap of $250,000.

Assistant Professor: Up to $18,750.00 as a 0.075 FTE equivalent in salary support plus benefits not to exceed the educational cap of $250,000.

Associate Professor: $Up to $18,750.00 as a 0.075 FTE equivalent in salary support plus benefits not to exceed the educational cap of $250,000.

Professor: $Up to $18,750.00 as a 0.075 FTE equivalent in salary support plus benefits not to exceed the educational cap of $250,000.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected]​.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.