Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions
About The Position
Reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the College. As the inaugural Dean, the successful candidate will articulate and advance a compelling vision for the College, lead strategic growth and innovation, and elevate the College’s regional and national profile. The Dean will provide inspirational and innovative leadership during a transformative period, building a cohesive college structure while honoring the strengths, identities, and accreditation requirements of each program. The role includes a significant external-facing leadership component, with opportunities to influence health policy, workforce strategy, and academic–practice partnerships across Maine and within the University of Maine System.
Requirements
- Earned doctoral degree (PhD, DNP, or EdD) in Nursing; or earned doctoral degree (PhD or EdD) in a closely related health field with a Master's degree in Nursing (MS or MSN).
- Active Registered Nurse (RN), eligible for an unencumbered license in the State of Maine.
- Record of teaching excellence, scholarship, and service appropriate for appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor.
- Demonstrated administrative leadership experience in higher education, including consensus building and shared governance in a large, complex and diverse organizational structure.
- Experience with accreditation and quality improvement processes in nursing and/or allied health education.
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrated success leading research-active faculty and advancing a culture of inquiry and innovation.
- Experience developing interprofessional education and academic–practice partnership models.
- Proven ability to lead organizational change, manage complex budgets, and advance enrollment and workforce-aligned initiatives.
- Proven experience in successful fundraising (philanthropy, grant writing, etc.)
- Strong commitment to student-centered education, equity, and inclusive excellence.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic, academic, and administrative leadership for the College of Nursing and Health Professions, including Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Exercise, Health, and Sport Sciences.
- Serve as Chief Nurse Administrator for the University, ensuring excellence, compliance, and innovation across undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.
- Advance interdisciplinary and interprofessional education, including expanded use of simulation, telehealth, and collaborative practice models.
- Strengthen and expand academic–practice partnerships with healthcare systems, community organizations, government agencies, and professional organizations.
- Champion faculty success through recruitment, mentorship, promotion and tenure support, and the advancement of research and scholarly productivity.
- Lead accreditation and continuous quality improvement efforts across all programs (e.g., CCNE, ACOTE, CAATE, CAAHEP).
- Promote student success, access, and inclusion through innovative pathways, workforce-aligned curricula, and community partnerships.
- Oversee fiscal planning and resource stewardship, enrollment growth strategies, and infrastructure development.
- Collaborate with the USM Foundation and Alumni Relations to strengthen alumni engagement and advance fundraising and philanthropic support.
- Represent the College and University in statewide, regional, and national leadership, advocacy, and professional forums.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
