Assistant Chair MSN Programs​/Tracks

Assistant Chair, MSN Programs

It is the responsibility of the Assistant Chair, MSN Programs, to provide academic and operational leadership for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs under the direction of the Department Chair. The Assistant Chair supports the coordination and management of daily academic operations, ensures curricular integrity, supports faculty collaboration, promotes student success, progression, and retention, and maintains fiscal stewardship. The Assistant Chair collaborates with academic leadership, faculty, and administrative departments to support program quality, accreditation compliance, and continuous improvement that align with the university's mission and strategic priorities.

This position supports the Department Chair who has operational oversight of faculty, course coordinators, and clinical staff related to program implementation. The Assistant Chair participates in faculty mentoring, evaluation, and hiring processes in collaboration with the Department Chair.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for daily academic operations of the MSN programs/tracks, including course scheduling, academic coordination, and program implementation.
• Co-lead or support facilitation of program/track meetings and facilitate communication and coordination across specialty tracks to ensure program consistency and quality.
• Collaborate with Clinical Directors and faculty to ensure integration and alignment of didactic and clinical curriculum components.
• Supports the Nursing Department Chair by facilitating budgets, resource allocation, and strategic initiatives.
• Support the Department Chair in accreditation activities and maintain compliance with ACEN, ACME, and other regulatory standards.
• Support program evaluation, assessment, reporting, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of academic policies, procedures, and program improvements.
• Monitor student progression, academic performance, and retention, and facilitate early identification and intervention for students at risk.
• Collaborate with institutional leadership to develop, implement, and evaluate student engagement, progression, and retention initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison between faculty, Student Services, Clinical Operations, and other university departments to support student success and program effectiveness.
• Participate in faculty recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, and evaluation in collaboration with the Department Chair.
• Collaborate with academic leadership on intersecting initiatives.
• Provide service to the University through activities such as involvement in FNU shared governance (e.g. committees, work groups), FNU sponsored activities (e.g. charity drives, community-outreach activities), and/or service to the profession (e.g. presentations, professional organization committee work).
• Adhere to the elements of the Culture of Caring
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership and administrative skills in graduate nursing education.
• Strong organizational and operational management skills.
• Knowledge of academic program operations, curriculum, and accreditation standards.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and leadership.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to analyze academic and student performance data.
• Ability to support faculty development and student success initiatives.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to advancing nursing education and improving rural and underserved health outcomes.
• Ability to travel as required.
• May require occasional evening or weekend work.

Education and Experience

• Unencumbered active nursing license to practice as a registered nurse and advanced practice registered nurse in primary state of residence and Kentucky.
• Active APRN certification in area of specialty required.
• Doctoral degree (PhD, DNP, or related field) required.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in graduate nursing education.
• Minimum three (3) years of instructional leadership at the graduate level.
• Assistant Professor or Associate Professor preferred.
• Consideration will be given to candidates with an expectation to achieve rank as Assistant Professor within three years.
• Experience in academic leadership, course coordination, or program administration preferred.
• Experience with accreditation processes and standards preferred.
• Experience supporting student success and faculty collaboration preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use computer and standard office equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to travel as required.

Reporting Relationship

• Reports directly to the Department Chair, MSN Programs

Work Location

• Hybrid
• Travel to campus and other sites as needed.
• This position may require work on evenings and…