FA27-023: Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs and Department Chair

The Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs and Department Chair serves as an academic and administrative leader within the School of Nursing. This dual role provides strategic and operational oversight of graduate nursing programs (master’s, doctoral, and post-graduate certificates) while also serving as Chair for designated faculty.

The Assistant Dean/Chair is responsible for ensuring program quality, faculty performance, student success, and alignment with the mission and vision of the School of Nursing and the University. This position supports excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service, and fosters collaboration across academic and administrative units.

The Assistant Dean is a member of the School of Nursing Leadership Team and works collaboratively with the Dean, Associate Dean for Services, Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, Academic Affairs, Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Student Services, Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, Department Chairs, and program leadership to advance undergraduate education. This is a 12-month fiscal appointment with optional teaching responsibilities, as determined by the Dean. Undergoes administrative review after the second year and every three years thereafter, incorporating faculty feedback. This position reports to the Dean of the School of Nursing.

Graduate Program Leadership

• Provides administrative oversight for all graduate nursing programs, including master’s, doctoral (e.g., DNP), and post-graduate certificate programs.

• Meets with graduate program coordinators and directors at least twice per semester to address program needs, coordination, and strategic priorities (e.g., orientation/immersion activities, DNP Project Day).

• In collaboration with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Graduate program Coordinators and Directors, oversees curriculum implementation, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement across graduate programs, including DNP project curriculum, orientation of new faculty leads to DNP projects, DNP poster/project day and other DNP processes.

• Monitors program outcomes, including certification pass rates and completion metrics, and collaborates with program directors to implement improvements.

• Prepares annual graduate program performance reports (master’s and doctoral levels).

• Annually updates the graduate student handbook and university catalog content and ensures implementation of student policies.

• Oversees and evaluates requests for graduate student participation in research and external activities.

• Oversees administration of the Post-Masters DNP Program including admissions in collaboration with Student Affairs, curriculum oversight, clinical site placement, data collection, and program outcomes.

• Completes annual Council on Accreditation report for Post-Masters DNP Program and coordinates and synthesizes the COA reports for all graduate programs.

• Provides collaborative and visionary leadership that promotes collegiality and relationship building within the School of Nursing and across the university and clinical partner community. Effectively leads groups, facilitates teamwork and decision-making, and fosters a culture of respect, inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement. Demonstrates strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills, addressing challenges with professionalism, diplomacy, and a solutions-oriented approach while maintaining positive and productive working relationships.

Student Success and Program Operations

• Collaborates with the Director of Student Services, graduate advisors, and program coordinators and directors to support recruitment, admissions, retention, progression, and graduation of graduate students.

• Facilitates communication with graduate students to address concerns and promote engagement.

• Collaborates with program directors and coordinators to plan course schedules, project enrollment, and identify course needs; communicates planning to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Student Services.

Curriculum and Governance

• Serves as an ex-officio, voting member of the Graduate Curriculum Committee and Graduate Student Affairs Committee; participates in relevant ad hoc committees.

• Works with the University Graduate School and Graduate Committees to ensure alignment with institutional policies and requirements.

• Represents the School of Nursing on Graduate Council/Committee and coordinates updates to the Graduate School catalog.

Department Chair Responsibilities

Faculty Leadership and Development

• Provides leadership and oversight for all faculty within the department.

• Recruits, hires, orients, mentors, and supports faculty development.

• Conducts annual faculty evaluations and makes recommendations regarding salary, promotion, tenure, sabbaticals, and contract renewal.

• In collaboration with other chairs, assigns teaching responsibilities in alignment with faculty expertise, workload policies, and program needs. Supports faculty teaching across programs as teaching needs arise.

• Guides faculty in developing and achieving professional goals in teaching, scholarship, and service.

• Leads and mentors tenure track/tenured faculty in promotion and tenure trajectories.

Academic and Administrative Oversight

• Ensures implementation of School of Nursing policies within the department.

• Collaborates with the Dean, Associate Deans, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs and other Chairs to support academic mission and operations.

• Recommends faculty for committee assignments at School and University levels.

• Participates in hiring and evaluation of departmental staff.

• Prepares reports related to faculty productivity, departmental performance, and fiscal management in collaboration with leadership.

Shared and Collaborative Responsibilities

• Collaborates across leadership roles to ensure integration of undergraduate and graduate program goals when applicable.

• Works with simulation, clinical, and community partners to support graduate education.

• Participates in School of Nursing and University events (e.g., commencement, program events).

• Fosters collaboration across departments and disciplines.

• Supports grant development and funding initiatives related to graduate education.

• In collaboration with the Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Programs, supervises the Director of Student Services (DSS). Collaborates with the DSS, program coordinators and directors, and student advisors regarding recruitment, application, admission, retention, and progression of graduate nursing programs.

• Meets regularly and collaborates closely with other department chairs on faculty course assignments, faculty development, and other faculty needs.

Terms of Appointment

Source of Funds

• Earned PhD, DNP, or equivalent doctoral degree (preferrably in nursing).

• Eligible for faculty appointment at the tenured rank of Associate Professor or higher.

• Demonstrated excellence in graduate nursing education.

• Experience in academic leadership and administration.

• Established record of scholarship and service.

• Licensed or eligible for licensure as a registered nurse in Illinois and Missouri.

Submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae with current RN license number and state, statement on leadership philosophy, and contact information for three professional references.

Application Deadline

Closing date for application is August 31, 2026.

Applicants will be subject to a background check prior to an offer of employment.

Employment is contingent upon satisfying all legal requirements as set forth by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in regard to employability in the United States. SIUE makes no representation, warranty, or agreement that third parties, including government agencies, will approve submitted documents, applications, or petitions for an H-1B visa or Optional Practical Training.

SIUE is a state university - benefits under state sponsored plans may not be available to holders of F1 or J1 visas. The State of Illinois requires that immigrant employees achieve H-1 status before they become eligible for certain benefits.

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Acts (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, please call 618-650-2190 or email [email protected].

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