Description

Mission or Goal of Unit:

We champion health and well-being through the power of nursing education, discovery and practice.

Chief Purpose of this position:

VCU School of Nursing invites candidates to apply to the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and Department Chair position. This position is charged with administrative leadership and oversight of the pre-licensure and undergraduate academic programs and the Department of Family and Child Health Nursing. The assignment is based on the candidate's academic leadership experiences. This position ensures academic excellence and curriculum consistent with the mission and goals of VCU SON and that programs are reflective of national trends, local and regional needs, and professional standards. Responsibilities include oversight of faculty orientation, faculty development and mentoring efforts, development of annual faculty work plans and teaching assignments, and evaluation of full-time and adjunct faculty for whom they supervise. This position provides input regarding the hiring priorities of full-time faculty and has the authorization to hire adjunct faculty. The position works closely with the Dean, the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (ADAA), the Associate Dean for Research, Scholarship and Innovation (ADRSI), the Associate Dean for Practice and Community Engagement (ADPCE) to support the academic, research, service and practice missions and to facilitate communication within the organization.

Position Responsibilities:

1. Supports a positive work environment, interpersonal relationships and communication, collaboration, and consensus-building within the department and across the organization.
2. Establishes program- and department-related goals and initiatives that support the overall mission of the school and university.
3. Provides guidance to program directors (PDs) to ensure academic integrity and teaching excellence within programs.
4. Collaborates with the ADAA in preparation of internal and external administrative reports.
5. Assists with the recruitment and retention of qualified faculty and staff.
6. Leads organizational-level orientation for new faculty and staff assigned to the department.
7. Develops annual faculty work plans (including teaching assignments) for faculty within the department.
8. Evaluates staff, full-time faculty, part-time faculty, and adjunct faculty within the department (with input from the ADRSI, ADPCE, and PDs as appropriate).
9. Mentors department faculty and ensures opportunities for faculty development.
10. Addresses faculty, staff, and student issues within programs and the department in alignment with university and school policies.
11. Manages program and department resources.
12. Interfaces with external constituents (university or community) as assigned.
13. Maintains personal academic faculty obligations in teaching, research, and service in accordance with an area of expertise and as negotiated by the Dean.

Required Qualifications:

- Full-time senior faculty rank (Associate Professor or Professor).
- Currently licensed or eligible for licensure to practice nursing in Virginia
- Earned doctorate in nursing or related discipline (at least one graduate degree must be in nursing)
- Teaching experience in nursing programs
- Demonstrated leadership and mentorship experience in academic programs
- Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Tenured or tenure-eligible
- Experience mentoring and evaluating faculty
- Academic administrative experience
- History of sustained external funding for research and/or academic projects

VCU is transitioning to a new application system beginning in October 2025. If you apply before that date, you may be asked to resubmit your application in the new system after the system is live. Clear instructions will be provided at that time. We appreciate your understanding during this transition and look forward to reviewing your application.