Assistant Dean for Community Engagement and Faculty Practice, CON

University of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

About The Position

The Assistant Dean for Community Engagement and Faculty Practice provides transformative leadership to foster and sustain strategic partnerships between the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences- College of Nursing (CON) and clinical practice settings. This individual serves as the operational leader of the faculty practice clinical enterprise, guiding growth, integration, and alignment with the CON’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. The role interfaces across hospital-based, ambulatory, community, and rural settings to advance the integration of evidence-based practice within nursing education and healthcare delivery. This position strengthens healthcare outcomes, prepares highly competent nursing professionals, and supports innovative academic–practice partnerships. The Assistant Dean acts as a liaison for community engagement, alumni engagement, academic-practice partnerships, and collaborative programs, seeking and evaluating internal and external partnerships with healthcare organizations, community agencies, alumni, and funding sponsors aligned with the CON’s strategic priorities. We invite qualified and passionate candidates to apply for this pivotal role in advancing community engagement and faculty practice within the College of Nursing at UAMS. If you are committed to fostering strategic partnerships and enhancing healthcare education, we encourage you to submit your application. Join us in shaping the future of nursing education and practice by contributing your expertise and leadership to our dynamic team.

Requirements

Minimum of five (5) years in a leadership role related to community engagement, clinical operations, healthcare partnerships, or administration.
Active Registered Nurse (RN) license.
Computer skills: Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Advanced); Student Information Systems experience preferred.
Public speaking experience required; demonstrated ability to deliver compelling presentations to diverse audiences.
Experience with healthcare contract negotiation and clinical operations preferred.
Strategic leadership: Ability to articulate a clear vision for community engagement and faculty practice and translate strategic goals into actionable plans.
Partnership development: Expertise in building, sustaining, and evaluating collaborations with healthcare organizations, community agencies, alumni, and sponsors.
Financial acumen: Proficiency in developing business plans, forecasting, budgeting, revenue generation, and financial stewardship of clinical enterprises.
Operational management: Experience overseeing the day-to-day operations of a faculty practice, including compliance, credentialing, and regulatory readiness.
Change management: Skill in guiding complex initiatives, stakeholder alignment, and organizational culture shifts.
Negotiation and contract management: Strong negotiation skills and experience with academic–practice agreements and vendor relationships.
Compliance and quality: Deep understanding of accreditation, licensure, regulatory standards, and quality assurance in clinical settings.
Communications: Excellent oral and written communication, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and convey complex information clearly.
Data-driven decision making: Ability to use metrics and analytics to drive performance, quality, and impact.
Leadership and talent development: Track record of building teams, mentoring staff, and fostering professional growth and a culture of safety and accountability.
Community and alumni engagement: Experience in leveraging alumni networks and community partnerships to advance academic and service missions.
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

Student Information Systems experience preferred.
Experience with healthcare contract negotiation and clinical operations preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead development, negotiation, and implementation of faculty practice opportunities and collaborative agreements to grow and sustain the College’s clinical enterprise.
Develop business plans and pro formas for faculty practice initiatives; monitor financial performance; identify revenue-generating opportunities; support long-term fiscal sustainability of faculty practice and community engagement programs.
Collaborate with academic leadership, faculty, healthcare organizations, and community partners to expand clinical learning environments and site placements for undergraduate and graduate nursing students.
Ensure compliance with clinical accreditation, regulatory, and credentialing standards; oversee grantsmanship and scholarly activities related to clinical practice and health services.
Foster collaboration among faculty, staff, students, alumni, CON advisory board members, and community partners to advance education, service, and clinical innovation.
Develop and manage partnerships with hospitals, clinics, community organizations, alumni networks, and funding sources to advance strategic priorities.
Provide leadership in strategic planning, implementation, and assessment of the faculty practice enterprise and community engagement initiatives.
Represent the CON in external partnerships, consortia, and stakeholder forums; advocate for resources and policy support to sustain and expand clinical practice programs.
Promote a culture of evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and interprofessional collaboration across clinical settings.