Dean, College of Nursing

Rosalind Franklin University is pleased to invite applications for a strategic and visionary leader to serve as the next Dean of the College of Nursing. The Dean of the College of Nursing will serve as the academic leader of the college's departments and programs and work collaboratively with administration, faculty, staff, students and community to advance nursing education and research. This is an on-site position located at the university's campus in North Chicago, Illinois with a preferred start date in the Spring or Summer of 2025.

About Rosalind Franklin University: Named for a pioneer in scientific research and discovery, Rosalind Franklin University is committed to shaping the future of healthcare. Our beautiful 97 acre campus, located in North Chicago, Illinois offers over 30 graduate-level health sciences degrees and certificates organized around six specialized schools. Unified around our uniquely interprofessional mission, The Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Pharmacy, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, School of Graduate of Postdoctoral Studies, and our newest school, the College of Nursing are at the forefront of innovation and collaboration within health professions education and research.

For more information about Rosalind Franklin University, please see: https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/about/

About the College of Nursing: Rosalind Franklin University's College of Nursing was founded in 2021 with the understanding that as healthcare grows more specialized and complex, so does the profession of nursing. The college has developed a number of highly sought after fully accredited degrees including our Master's Entry into Nursing Practice program and our nationally-ranked Nurse Anesthesia program at the Doctoral level. We are looking for a visionary leader to continue this legacy of excellence as well as grow the college in new directions.

For more information about the college of nursing, please see: https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/college-of-nursing/

All application packets must include:

1. A letter of application/ personal statement that includes 1. Interest and qualifications for the position; 2. Leadership philosophy; and 3. Perspectives on nursing education and its role in the rapidly changing healthcare workforce.
2. A current curriculum vitae.
3. Three references with contact information including email (references will not be contacted without consent from the applicant).

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Dean of Rosalind Franklin University's College of Nursing will be the primary academic leader for the college, responsible for overseeing resources and capabilities to ensure excellence within the nursing programs at RFU. The dean will benefit from the momentum of the recent full accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and lead growth and expansion of its programs. The Dean will collaborate with established administrative and programmatic units at the University. Additionally, the Dean will optimize alliances with community, regional and national partners to build undergraduate and graduate training opportunities that promote quality academic programming and advance diversity in the healthcare workforce. In collaboration with college and university leaders, the Dean will foster existing, and develop new, clinical partnerships that provide clinical training opportunities for students. The Dean will work collaboratively with the provost and leaders of other RFU units, including Strategic Enrollment Management, Marketing and Institutional Advancement. The Dean will also work closely with university deans and other senior leaders to achieve the shared mission and vision of the university.

Candidates for Dean should bring extensive experience in an academic nursing college or within a health system environment and a sound understanding of community-based clinical care. Candidates should be viewed as outstanding educators and inspiring leaders with distinguished careers. This position will be based on-campus and in the Chicagoland area. Candidates who wish to work remotely will not be considered.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Provost

Direct Reports:

• Chair/Program Director Department of Nurse Anesthesia
• Chair/Program Director Department of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
• Chair, Master's Entry into Nursing Practice Program Director, Department of Graduate Entry to Nursing Practice
• Director, Dean's Office, College of Nursing
• Other senior leadership within the College of Nursing

Other key relationships

• Deans and senior administrative leaders throughout the university

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Related to Strategic Priorities:

• Lead nursing programs with an inspired and informed vision of national trends, RFU-specific opportunities, and potential implementation.
• Facilitate growth within the college through the development of new programs and expansion of existing programs.
• Lead accreditation efforts and ensure compliance with applicable standards and national/regional accreditation requirements as appropriate.
• Provide the vision for future trends in planning the educational, clinical and research offerings at the nursing college.
• Promote, support and advance basic science, clinical, translational and educational research.
• Promote the incorporation of innovative technologies and pedagogical approaches in all phases of the educational program.
• Promote and support student success throughout the student journey and in all phases of the educational program.
• Embrace and promote the culture of interprofessionalism that is at the core of RFU's mission.
• Embrace donor engagement and other fundraising efforts in support of the college and university.
• Promote high levels of stakeholder engagement, including community and clinical.
• Ensure the selection of a high-quality, diverse population of students.
• Support the recruitment and development of high-quality, diverse faculty and staff.

Related to Relationship Management:

• Provide a supportive and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff.
• Serve as a role model for students, faculty and staff, representing the highest standards of excellence and compassionate care.
• Provide effective leadership in overseeing the education and welfare of nursing students.
• Recruit, mentor and retain related administrative and educational program direct reports and play a supporting role in the recruitment of other health sciences faculty.
• In collaboration with other university deans, work to integrate the education programs whenever possible, to develop, support and enhance interprofessional opportunities for the benefit of RFU students.
• Work collaboratively with other university leaders in securing and advancing academic, clinical, community and other key partnerships that serve the needs of the college and university.
• Establish and maintain relationships with alumni and friends of the university, as well as with key foundations and, in partnership with university leaders and the institutional advancement division, solicit philanthropic support for the future of the college and university.

Related to Growth and Entrepreneurship:

• Seek new creative and innovative program growth opportunities that align with the mission and vision of the college and university.
• Develop and support new educational pathways and models that create opportunities for students.
• Contribute to the development of new and expanded non-tuition, revenue-generating opportunities for the college and university.

Related to Administration:

• Provide high-quality oversight and guidance for the day-to-day administration of nursing programs.
• Provide oversight of the quality and compliance of the college's academic and research programs.
• Provide oversight ensuring compliance and fiscal responsibility in the preparation and management of the college's budget.
• Recommend faculty appointments and promotions to the president and the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees.
• Serve as a member of the president's cabinet and provost's academic council.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Earned doctorate in nursing or a related field and master's degree in nursing required.
• Currently licensed as a registered nurse.
• Demonstrated minimum 7 years of experience and success in higher education administration with related experiences that demonstrate leadership, management and academic administration in progressively responsible positions.
• Demonstrated experience with program growth, including starting new and expanding existing programs, and in creating online programs and non-degree offerings.
• Professional accomplishments and scholarly productivity that support a faculty appointment with an academic rank at the full professor level.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated excellence in team building, change management and a record of successful program development and launch.
• Ability to interact collegially with faculty and staff within the College and across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with alumni and relevant external constituents.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

• Administrative Leadership: Involvement as a key contributor at a highly regarded academic nursing program that includes an array of complementary health sciences programs and a strong research enterprise.
• Entrepreneurial Success: Demonstrated ability and enthusiasm for creating new and innovative approaches both internally and externally that build and sustain impactful educational programs and contribute to the success of the institution.
• Academic Expertise: Leadership experience in graduate nursing programs, with demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and nursing practice and familiarity and success with accreditation processes.
• Educational, Scholastic and Professional Accomplishments: Candidates must possess an earned doctorate in nursing or a related field and a master's degree in nursing and a sustained record of educational, scholastic and professional accomplishments sufficient for appointment to a senior faculty position at RFU.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check
• Compliance with the current COVID19 vaccination policy

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

EOE, Including Disability / Vets