Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Jefferson College of Nursing, Thomas Jefferson University, Lehigh Valley Campus

Thomas Jefferson University • Philadelphia, PA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (ADAA) serves as the Chief Academic Officer of the Jefferson College of Nursing (JCN) at Lehigh Valley, reporting directly to the Vice Dean of Academic Affairs. The ADAA is responsible for the strategic leadership, development, implementation, evaluation, and accreditation of JCN’s academic programs offered at the Lehigh Valley campus. The ADAA ensures that these programs are academically rigorous, compliant with both accreditation and regulatory standards, and aligned with the strategic mission of the College. This role provides leadership in curriculum innovation, ensures programs are adequately resourced, and supports the Systematic Evaluation Plan (SEP) to monitor and improve academic quality for programs delivered at the Lehigh Valley campus. The ADAA represents the JCN – Lehigh Valley within the university and with other internal and external stakeholders, advancing the College's reputation in nursing education in the region, nationally, and globally.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in nursing or a related field.
• Unencumbered, active Pennsylvania RN licensure (or eligibility.)
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in nursing education, with a strong background in curriculum innovation, program evaluation, and accreditation processes.
• Proven track record of leading in complex academic and clinical environments, with a demonstrated ability to build and sustain high-impact partnerships.
• Strong strategic planning skills, with the ability to translate long-term goals into actionable strategies that enhance program quality and outcomes.
• Excellent communication and collaborative skills, with a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment.
• Candidates should live within a 25 minute commute to the Lehigh Valley campus as regular onsite presence and leadership is a requirement of this position.
• Periodic travel to JCN’s other campuses, including JCN-Center City and JCN- Dixon, will be required.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Academic Excellence: Drive the vision and strategic direction for the Lehigh Valley campus, maintaining high standards of quality and ensuring compliance with accreditation and regulatory bodies. Champion innovative curriculum design and program delivery, integrating best practices in nursing education, including simulation, AI, and competency-based learning. Provide strategic oversight for faculty deployment relative to programmatic needs, accreditation standards, enrollment trends, and fiscal considerations for the Lehigh Valley Campus.
• Curriculum and Program Development: Guide faculty in the continuous development, implementation, and improvement of curricula, ensuring alignment with JCN’s Systematic Evaluation Plan (SEP) for quality improvement. Lead the assessment and refinement of academic programs, ensuring they remain competitive and responsive to the needs of the healthcare environment. Develop and implement interprofessional learning opportunities that enhance collaboration among nursing, medicine, and allied health disciplines, supporting Jefferson’s broader mission for integrated healthcare education. Drive global academic initiatives, creating opportunities for students and faculty to engage in international partnerships, global health projects, and exchange programs that enhance JCN’s global impact.
• Faculty and Student Success: Mentor and support Lehigh Valley Department Chairs, Program Directors, and faculty, fostering a culture of academic excellence, innovation, and professional growth. Oversee student support services at Lehigh Valley, including advisement, program scheduling, academic progression, and retention strategies, ensuring a student-centered environment. Collaborate on faculty development initiatives to ensure expertise in contemporary teaching methods, curriculum design, and program evaluation. Oversee currency and accuracy of all academic publications specific to Lehigh Valley.
• Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement: Collaborate with the Associate Dean for Academic Practice Integration to strengthen academic-practice partnerships with Jefferson Health and other key clinical stakeholders. Represent JCN Lehigh Valley at state, regional, national, and international meetings, enhancing the College’s visibility and leadership in nursing education. Engage with Institutional Advancement and other university departments to develop strategies for student recruitment, program expansion, and securing external funding.
• Resource Management and Compliance: Lead strategic budgeting and financial planning efforts, including faculty deployment and enrollment targets, with the Dean, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, and AVP Business Planning, ensuring effective allocation of resources to support program excellence and growth. With the support of the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, oversee all aspects of accreditation and regulatory compliance for programs offered at Lehigh Valley, maintaining accurate documentation, and preparing reports for accreditation site visits and evaluations. Ensure that JCN’s academic programs offered in Lehigh Valley meet all accreditation and regulatory requirements, including maintaining ongoing communication with accrediting agencies and state boards.
• Other Functions and Competencies: Develop, implement, and interpret goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards in support of the JCN. Prepare a variety of internal and external correspondence and reports. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts. Perform related duties as assigned. Provide exceptional service of the highest quality to all customers representing JCN’s internal and external communities of interest.

Benefits

• Jefferson offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time colleagues, including medical (including prescription), supplemental insurance, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, tuition assistance, as well as voluntary benefits, which provide colleagues with access to group rates on insurance and discounts.
• Colleagues have access to tuition discounts at Thomas Jefferson University after one year of full time service or two years of part time service.
• All colleagues, including those who work less than part-time (including per diem colleagues, adjunct faculty, and Jeff Temps ), have access to medical (including prescription) insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees