Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and Department Chair – School of Nursing

Core Leadership Responsibilities

• Fosters a positive work environment grounded in strong communication, collaboration, and consensus-building within the department and across the organization.
• Establishes program and department-related goals and initiatives that support the overall mission of the school and university.
• Provides guidance to program directors (PDs) to ensure academic integrity and teaching excellence within programs.
• Collaborates with the ADAA in preparation of internal and external administrative reports.
• Affords assistance with the recruitment and retention of qualified faculty and staff.
• Leads organizational-level orientation for new faculty and staff.
• Develops annual faculty work plans, including teaching assignments, for all faculty within the department.
• Evaluates staff, full-time faculty, part-time faculty, and adjunct faculty within the department (with input from the ADRSI, ADPCE, and PDs as appropriate).
• Mentors department faculty and ensures opportunities for faculty development.
• Adds address to faculty, staff, and student matters within programs and the department in alignment with university and school policies.
• Manages program and department resources effectively to support operational excellence.
• Represents the department in interactions with university and community stakeholders as needed.
• Maintains teaching, research/scholarship, and service responsibilities aligned with area of expertise and as outlined in agreement with the Dean.

Required Background And Expertise

• Full-time senior faculty rank (Associate Professor or Professor)
• Currently licensed or eligible for licensure to practice nursing in Virginia, with a minimum of two years’ experience in direct clinical care
• Earned doctorate in nursing or related discipline (at least one graduate degree must be in nursing)
• Demonstrated 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 Experience And Expertise

• Tenured or tenure-eligible Academic administrative experience
• History of external funding for research, scholarly, or academic projects

Personal Characteristics

• Strong communicator with the ability to engage faculty, staff, students, and academic leaders
• Approachable and visible leader with an empowering, open-door style
• Supportive of a broad range of experiences, ethical, and a trustworthy professional who models integrity and maturity
• Innovative and engaging leader who inspires respect, clarity, and enthusiasm
• Creative problem-solver with initiative and adaptability in leading change
• Consensus builder and collaborative team player with strong follow-through
• Organized and analytical with excellent time-management and political acumen

Salary Range

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

FLSA Exemption Status

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Restricted Position

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

Contact Information

Contact Name: Demmie Pennix and Terry Jones
Contact Email: dpennix@vcu.edu and tjones69@vcu.edu