Dean of Health Sciences

At American International College (AIC), we believe in the power of education to transform lives. Located in the heart of Springfield, Massachusetts, our vibrant campus blends historic charm with modern innovation. With approximately 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students, AIC offers a close-knit, supportive culture where your work makes a meaningful impact.

Our mission is to provide access to a holistic education in an inclusive environment that propels a diverse community of learners to personal growth and professional success. Guided by this purpose, we cultivate a campus where students, faculty, and staff feel a true sense of belonging, benefit from innovative education, and participate in experiences that empower them to thrive in their careers and communities.

Whether you're teaching, advising, or supporting operations, you'll be part of a collaborative team that values purpose-driven education, personal growth, and professional achievement. We are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we actively seek candidates who bring unique perspectives and experiences to our campus.

Make a difference where it counts. At AIC, every position plays a part in empowering students and strengthening the AIC experience.

American International College is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environments for all. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law.

Position Summary

The Dean of the School of Health Sciences provides strategic leadership for the School's academic programs, faculty, and operations while advancing the mission and priorities of American International College. This position will work collaboratively with faculty, administrators, and external partners to ensure academic excellence, support accreditation standards, and advance program innovation that responds to evolving healthcare workforce needs. The role is responsible for fostering innovation in academic programming, strengthening partnerships that support experiential learning and workforce engagement, and advancing enrollment growth and student success across the School's programs. The Dean reports to the Provost and serves as a key member of the academic leadership team.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Program Development (25%)

• Provides leadership for the long-term direction and growth of the School of Health Sciences.
• Develops and articulates a vision for the School aligned with institutional priorities and emerging trends in healthcare education.
• Identifies opportunities for program development, innovation, and expansion that support the mission and long-term sustainability of the School.
• Works with the Provost and academic leadership to develop long-range plans related to faculty hiring, staffing, program development, and resource allocation.
• Participates in institutional strategic planning initiatives related to academic affairs and program growth.

Academic Leadership and Faculty Development (25%)

• Provides leadership to ensure the academic quality and integrity of programs within the School.
• Oversees curriculum development, revision, and implementation in collaboration with faculty and program directors.
• Ensures program quality through assessment, review, and accreditation processes.
• Conducts faculty evaluations for reappointment, promotion, and tenure in accordance with institutional policies.
• Facilitates the development and review of academic policies that support academic excellence.
• Promotes collaboration and interdisciplinary engagement within the School and across the College.

External Engagement and Partnerships (15%)

• Represents the School of Health Sciences and cultivates strategic partnerships that strengthen academic programs, expand experiential learning opportunities, and enhance the School's visibility and reputation across the region and profession.
• Develops and sustains partnerships with healthcare systems, clinical agencies, community organizations, and professional associations to support student learning, clinical placement opportunities, and workforce alignment.
• Cultivates relationships with regional employers and healthcare leaders to ensure academic programs remain responsive to emerging workforce needs and professional standards.
• Collaborates with institutional advancement, alumni relations, and external partners to support philanthropic initiatives, grant opportunities, and program development within the School.
• Represents the School in professional organizations, regional workforce initiatives, and community partnerships that advance the mission of the College and strengthen the School's professional presence.
• Serves as an advocate for the School's programs with external stakeholders, including healthcare organizations, policy groups, and professional communities.

Enrollment and Student Success (15%)

• Supports initiatives that strengthen student recruitment, persistence, and success.
• Collaborates with Admissions, Marketing, and student support offices (Advising) to advance strategic enrollment, recruitment, and retention initiatives for undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Monitors enrollment trends, retention data, and student outcomes within the School and works with program directors and faculty to develop strategies that support student persistence and timely degree completion.
• Supports the development of academic pathways, transfer partnerships, and pipeline initiatives that expand access to health sciences programs.
• Promotes student engagement and success through collaboration with advising, academic support, and experiential learning offices.
• Reviews and adjudicates student academic matters when appropriate, including progression concerns, academic standing issues, and student appeals in accordance with institutional policies.
• Addresses academic concerns involving students and faculty when appropriate and supports processes that uphold academic standards and student success.

Administration and Institutional Collaboration (20%)

• Provides effective administrative leadership for the School.
• Manages the School's fiscal resources and planning processes in coordination with Academic Affairs, Finance, and institutional leadership.
• Oversees faculty and staff recruitment, appointment, and onboarding in collaboration with Human Resources and relevant institutional offices.
• Ensures effective academic and administrative operations within the School in coordination with the Registrar, Academic Affairs, Admissions/Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, and other operational units.
• Serves as a member of the Academic Affairs and Student Life Leadership Team and participates in institutional leadership meetings that support coordinated planning and decision making.
• Collaborates with Faculty Senate, shared governance bodies, and academic leaders across the College to advance academic policies, initiatives, and institutional priorities.
• Works with institutional partners, including Advancement, Sponsored Programs, and external relations, to support fundraising, grant development, and strategic initiatives that strengthen the School.
• Contributes to institution-wide planning, policy development, and strategic initiatives that support the College's mission and long-term sustainability.

Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate from a regionally accredited institution in an appropriate discipline.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible academic leadership experience in higher education, including experience supervising faculty and overseeing academic programs.
• Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and professional engagement appropriate for appointment at the rank of associate professor or professor.
• Experience overseeing academic programs that prepare students for professional licensure or certification, including familiarity with regulatory requirements and professional standards governing health professions education.
• Understanding of clinical education models, including the development and management of experiential learning opportunities, field placements, and partnerships that support professional preparation in healthcare or related professional settings.
• Demonstrated experience managing academic budgets and allocating resources to support program quality, faculty development, and strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and program innovation in response to evolving healthcare workforce needs and higher education trends.
• Demonstrated experience leading or supporting accreditation processes with specialized accrediting agencies relevant to health sciences programs (e.g., CCNE, Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (MABORN), ACOTE, CAPTE, NSCA, or similar), including program review, reporting, and continuous quality improvement.
• Experience in academic program development, faculty leadership, and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated commitment to student success and the preparation of graduates for professional practice in diverse and evolving healthcare environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant discipline.
• Experience working with accredited professional programs in health sciences or related fields with responsibility for accreditation maintenance, program review, or compliance with professional standards.
• Licensed or eligible to be licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in one of the professional disciplines represented within the School.
• Experience building partnerships with healthcare organizations, professional associations, or community partners that support experiential learning or workforce development.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex academic environment.
• Demonstrated leadership, creativity, and initiative in advancing academic programs and strategic goals.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with students and support initiatives that promote student engagement, retention, progression, and success.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and staff in advancing academic programs, supporting shared governance, and achieving institutional priorities.
• Understanding of trends shaping healthcare education and workforce development.
• Commitment to student success, academic excellence, and the mission of American International College.
• Ability to lead within a shared governance environment and work collaboratively with faculty leadership and institutional stakeholders.