FA27-023: Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs and Department Chair

Position Title: FA27-023:
Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs and Department Chair

Location: Edwardsville, IL

Edwardsville, IL

Jul 25, 2026

$130,000 - $140,000 a year

The Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs and Department Chair serves as an academic and administrative leader within the School of Nursing. This dual role provides strategic and operational oversight of graduate nursing programs (master's, doctoral, and post-graduate certificates) while also serving as Chair for designated faculty.

The Assistant Dean/Chair is responsible for ensuring program quality, faculty performance, student success, and alignment with the mission and vision of the School of Nursing and the University. This position supports excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service, and fosters collaboration across academic and administrative units.

The Assistant Dean is a member of the School of Nursing Leadership Team and works collaboratively with the Dean, Associate Dean for Services, Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, Academic Affairs, Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Student Services, Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, Department Chairs, and program leadership to advance undergraduate education. This is a 12-month fiscal appointment with optional teaching responsibilities, as determined by the Dean.

Undergoes administrative review after the second year and every three years thereafter, incorporating faculty feedback. This position reports to the Dean of the School of Nursing.

Graduate Program Leadership

• Provides administrative oversight for all graduate nursing programs, including master's, doctoral (e.g., DNP), and post-graduate certificate programs.
• Met with graduate program coordinators and directors at least twice per semester to address program needs, coordination, and strategic priorities (e.g., orientation/immersion activities, DNP Project Day).
• In collaboration with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Graduate program Coordinators and Directors, oversees curriculum implementation, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement across graduate programs, including DNP project curriculum, orientation of new faculty leads to DNP projects, DNP poster/project day and other DNP processes.
• Monitors program outcomes, including certification pass rates and completion metrics, and collaborates with program directors to implement improvements.
• Prepares annual graduate program performance reports (master's and doctoral levels).
• Annually updates the graduate student handbook and university catalog content and ensures implementation of student policies.
• Oversees and evaluates requests for graduate student participation in research and external activities.
• Oversees administration of the Post-Masters DNP Program including admissions in collaboration with Student Affairs, curriculum oversight, clinical site placement, data collection, and program outcomes.
• Completes annual Council on Accreditation report for Post-Masters DNP Program and coordinates and synthesizes the COA reports for all graduate programs.
• Provides collaborative and visionary leadership that promotes collegiality and relationship building within the School of Nursing and across the university and clinical partner community. Effectively leads groups, facilitates teamwork and decision-making, and fosters a culture of respect, inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement. Demonstrates strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills, addressing challenges with professionalism, diplomacy, and a solutions-oriented approach while maintaining positive and productive working relationships.

Student Success and Program Operations

• Collaborates with the Director of Student Services, graduate advisors, and program coordinators and directors to support recruitment, admissions, retention, progression, and graduation of graduate students.
• Facilitates communication with graduate students to address concerns and promote engagement.
• Collaborates with program directors and coordinators to plan course schedules, project enrollment, and identify course needs; communicates planning to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Student Services.

Curriculum and Governance

• Serves as an ex-officio, voting member of the Graduate Curriculum Committee and Graduate Student Affairs Committee; participates in relevant ad hoc committees.
• Works with the University Graduate School and Graduate Committees to ensure alignment with institutional policies and requirements.
• Represents the School of Nursing on Graduate Council/Committee and coordinates updates to the Graduate School catalog.

Department Chair Responsibilities

Faculty Leadership and Development

• Provides leadership and oversight for all faculty within the department.
• Recruits, hires, orients, mentors, and supports faculty development.
• Conducts annual…