Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and Department Chair – School of Nursing

Unit: School of Nursing

Department: Family and Community Health Nursing

Mission

We champion health and well-being through the power of nursing education, discovery and practice.

Role Purpose and Scope

VCU School of Nursing invites candidates to apply to the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and Department Chair position. This senior academic leader provides strategic, operational, and visionary oversight of all pre-licensure and undergraduate academic programs and the Department of Family and Child Health Nursing. This Associate Dean ensures academic excellence, program integrity, and curriculum alignment with the School’s mission and national and professional standards. The role oversees faculty orientation, development, mentoring, and workload planning; supports student success initiatives; manages clinical partnerships; and collaborates closely with School leadership to advance academic, research, practice, and community engagement priorities. The position works closely with the Dean, the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (ADAA), the Associate Dean for Research, Scholarship and Innovation (ADRSI), and the Associate Dean for Practice and Community Engagement (ADPCE) to support the School’s mission and facilitate communication across the organization.

Core Leadership Responsibilities

• Fosters a positive work environment grounded in strong communication, collaboration, and consensus-building within the department and across the organization.

• Establishes program and department-related goals and initiatives that support the overall mission of the school and university.

• Provides guidance to program directors (PDs) to ensure academic integrity and teaching excellence within programs.

• Collaborates with the ADAA in preparation of internal and external administrative reports.

• Assists with the recruitment and retention of qualified faculty and staff.

• Leads organizational‑level orientation for new faculty and staff.

• Develops annual faculty work plans, including teaching assignments, for all faculty within the department.

• Evaluates staff, full-time faculty, part-time faculty, and adjunct faculty within the department (with input from the ADRSI, ADPCE, and PDs as appropriate).

• Mentors department faculty and ensures opportunities for faculty development.

• Addresses faculty, staff, and student matters within programs and the department in alignment with university and school policies.

• Manages program and department resources effectively to support operational excellence.

• Represents the department in interactions with university and community stakeholders as needed.

• Maintains teaching, research/ scholarship, and service responsibilities aligned with area of expertise and as outlined in agreement with the Dean.

Required Background and Expertise

• Full-time senior faculty rank (Associate Professor or Professor)

• Currently licensed or eligible for licensure to practice nursing in Virginia, with a minimum of two years’ experience in direct clinical care

• Earned doctorate in nursing or related discipline (at least one graduate degree must be in nursing)

• Demonstrated teaching experience in nursing programs

• Demonstrated leadership and mentorship experience in academic programs

• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU

Preferred Experience and Expertise

• Tenured or tenure-eligible

• Academic administrative experience

• History of external funding for research, scholarly, or academic projects
  
  

Personal Characteristics

• Strong communicator with the ability to engage faculty, staff, students, and academic leaders

• Approachable and visible leader with an empowering, open‑door style

• Supportive of a broad range of experiences, ethical, and a trustworthy professional who models integrity and maturity

• Innovative and engaging leader who inspires respect, clarity, and enthusiasm

• Creative problem‑solver with initiative and adaptability in leading change

• Consensus builder and collaborative team player with strong follow‑through

• Organized and analytical with excellent time‑management and political acumen

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Rank: Open

Tenure: Open

Months: 12 months

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Demmie Pennix and Terry Jones
Contact Email: dpennix@vcu.edu and tjones69@vcu.edu