"Dean of Healthcare Programs"

JOB TITLE

Dean of Healthcare Programs

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION

The Dean of Healthcare Programs provides strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and operational management for all healthcare-related academic and workforce programs at the College. This position is responsible for supervising faculty and staff, developing innovative healthcare pathways that meet regional workforce needs, and ensuring program compliance with state, federal, and accreditation standards. The Dean will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders - including healthcare providers, community partners, and regional employers - to expand educational opportunities, enhance student success, and strengthen the pipeline of healthcare professionals in the community. This employee is under the organizational supervision of the President and must comply with all policies of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees, the Alabama Community College System, and Northeast Alabama Community College.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Administration

• Provide vision, leadership, and strategic planning for healthcare programs, ensuring alignment with the College’s mission and the needs of the rural healthcare workforce
• Create, and propose new healthcare programs (degree and credit and noncredit certificates) that are needed in the college service area and region
• Supervise, evaluate, and support faculty and staff in healthcare programs, fostering professional growth, collaboration, and innovation in teaching
• Working with faculty members and program leaders, oversee program scheduling, course offerings, and faculty assignments to optimize student access and success
• Manage program budgets and resources efficiently, advocating for funding and equipment necessary for program growth and quality
• Supervise and evaluate faculty directors of healthcare programs
• Lead program accreditation, assessment, and compliance efforts with state and national regulatory bodies
• Provide administrative oversight and supervision for all non-credit healthcare program offerings

Academic & Workforce Development

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve healthcare curricula to ensure relevance, rigor, and responsiveness to industry demands
• Collaborate with faculty to integrate technology, simulation, and evidence-based teaching practices into healthcare education
• Monitor program outcomes, including student retention, licensure pass rates, job placement, and employer satisfaction
• Partner with Workforce Development to create stackable credentials, certificates, and degree pathways that support lifelong learning

Community & Industry Engagement

• Build and sustain strong partnerships with local healthcare providers, hospitals, clinics, and community organizations
• Serve as a primary liaison to advisory boards, employers, and industry groups to identify workforce needs and shape program development
• Represent the College in community health initiatives and workforce development collaborations at the local and state level

Student Success & Support

• Advocate for student-centered practices that promote access, equity, and achievement in healthcare education
• Support faculty in providing mentoring, academic advising, and career guidance to students
• Ensure students are prepared for success in clinical placements, licensing exams, and healthcare careers

Institutional Support

• Support college recruitment efforts
• Serve on institutional committees as assigned
• Represent the College and its philosophy to perspective students and to others in the community
• Comply with all policies of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees, the Alabama Community College System, and Northeast Alabama Community College
• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisor and/or the President

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Demonstrated knowledge of healthcare workforce trends, accreditation standards, and regulatory compliance required

Proficient use of spreadsheets, databases, and word processing using such software as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, etc. is required

Outstanding communication, presentational, and writing skills with proficiency in the English language is required

Experience working in rural healthcare or addressing healthcare workforce shortages. Proven success in building healthcare partnerships and securing external funding or grants

Knowledge of and capability to communicate effectively with healthcare industry professionals

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Ability to compose, prepare, and maintain accurate reports, records, and correspondence

Understand customer service and public relations etiquette

Ability to work well with students; faculty and staff; and the public

Ability to foster a cooperative work environment

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree in Nursing, Allied Health, Healthcare Administration, or Educational Administration (with documented experience supervising healthcare programs) or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution required

Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in healthcare education or administration required

Teaching experience at the community college or university level preferred

Experience working in rural healthcare or addressing healthcare workforce shortages preferred