Assistant/Associate Dean of Nursing

About the Role

The Assistant or Associate Dean of Nursing is a full-time administrative and academic leader who works closely with the Dean of Nursing to guide the direction, growth, and daily operations of Wheaton College’s Nursing Program. This role provides both strategic vision and operational oversight, ensuring excellence in curriculum development, faculty mentorship, accreditation compliance, clinical partnerships, and resource management. A champion of innovation and student-centered learning, the Assistant/Associate Dean fosters the integration of experiential learning, high-fidelity simulation, and diverse clinical practice into the curriculum. The position supports and mentors nursing faculty, aligns with the liberal arts mission of the College, and plays a pivotal role in program evaluation and continuous improvement. The role focuses on program expansion through the development of new degree pathways while cultivating strong partnerships with healthcare systems, community organizations, and workforce development stakeholders. Through visionary leadership and effective administration, the Assistant/Associate Dean ensures the Nursing Program is well-managed daily and positioned for long-term innovation and national recognition, preparing graduates to thrive as compassionate, practice-ready nurses in an evolving healthcare environment. Final determination of title will be based on the candidate’s qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Dean of Nursing in the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of the nursing program.
• Lead strategic planning initiatives for new learning activities, program enhancements, and degree expansion.
• Support the development of course curricula with appropriate expertise.
• Standardize curriculum development and documentation.
• Strengthen and expand relationships with clinical agencies, healthcare systems, and community partners.
• Prepare and review state and national reports required by accrediting and governmental agencies, including but not limited to the Board of Registered Nursing, CCNE, SSH, and INACSL.
• Ensure adherence to accreditation standards for the nursing program.
• Contribute to program planning, resource allocation, and budget management.
• Assist the Dean in developing, documenting, and implementing action plans to address performance gaps in student outcomes and achievements according to accreditation standards.
• Collaborate with the Dean of Nursing, Simulation Director, nursing course coordinators, clinical affiliate faculty, and the Clinical Placement Manager in identifying, developing, and implementing experiential learning, including simulation-based education, to promote student learning, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making.
• Provide onboarding and continuing education for staff, nursing faculty, and clinical affiliate faculty.
• Investigate and submit proposals for potential grant opportunities to fund new initiatives.
• Maintain professional knowledge.
• Support other strategic initiatives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Dean of Nursing.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (DNP, PhD, EdD) in Nursing.
• 1 to 3 years of administrative leadership experience in nursing education (or equivalent combination of experience and education).

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of administrative leadership experience in nursing education.
• Previous teaching experience.