"Associate/Assistant Dean of Nursing"

Wheaton College is seeking to hire an Assistant or Associate Dean of Nursing. The Assistant/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 Associate Dean fosters the integration of experiential learning, high-fidelity simulation, and diverse clinical practice into the curriculum.

The Assistant/Associate Dean supports and mentors nursing faculty, supports the liberal arts mission of the College, and plays a pivotal role in program evaluation and continuous improvement. The position 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 Associate Dean ensures that the Nursing Program is not only well managed daily but also 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 qualifications of the candidate.

Responsibilities of the Assistant/Associate Dean of Nursing will include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting the Dean of Nursing in the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of the nursing program.
• Leading strategic planning initiatives for new learning activities, new program enhancements, and degree expansion.
• Supporting the development of course curricula with appropriate expertise.
• Standardizing curriculum development and documentation.
• Strengthening and expanding relationships with clinical agencies, healthcare systems, and community partners.
• Preparing and reviewing state and national reports required by accrediting and governmental agencies, including but not limited to the Board of Registered Nursing, CCNE, SSH, and INACSL.
• Ensuring adherence to accreditation standards for the nursing program.
• Contributing to program planning, resource allocation, and budget management.
• Assisting the Dean in developing, documenting, and implementing action plans to address performance gaps in student outcomes and achievements according to accreditation standards.
• Collaborating 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.
• Providing onboarding and continuing education for staff, nursing faculty, and clinical affiliate faculty,
• Investigating and submitting proposals for potential grant opportunities to fund new initiatives.
• Maintaining professional knowledge.
• Supporting other strategic initiatives.
• Performing other related duties as assigned by the Dean of Nursing.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree (DNP, PhD, EdD) in Nursing
• 1 to 3 years of administrative leadership experience in nursing education
• Equivalent combination of experience and education may be substituted

Preferred Qualifications:

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