Associate Dean, Strategic Initiatives & Development - School of Nursing Dean's Office

Summary:

The Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives and Development provides visionary leadership in advancing the school's mission through strategic planning, external partnerships, fundraising, and innovative program development. Reporting directly to the Dean, the Associate Dean works closely with school leadership, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external stakeholders to strengthen the school's impact, visibility, and long-term sustainability.

Scope: School of Nursing

Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Innovation

• Lead the development and implementation of multi-year strategic initiatives aligned with the School’s mission and university priorities.
• Identify and facilitate the establishment of new academic, research, and community engagement programs that position the School as a national leader in its respective disciplines.
• Monitor emerging trends in higher education, research, and funding landscapes to guide innovation and growth.

Development & Advancement

• Partner with the Dean, University Office of Development and Alumni Relations, and other stakeholders to build and steward relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Develop fundraising strategies to support scholarships, faculty recruitment/retention, research and practice initiatives, and infrastructure.
• Serve as a primary representative of the School to external audiences, articulating its vision and impact.

Partnerships & External Engagement

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with community organizations, healthcare systems, government agencies, educational institutions, and international collaborators as appropriate to the School’s mission.
• Advance opportunities for cross-disciplinary initiatives with other schools, institutes, and centers across the university.
• Promote the School’s role in addressing pressing critical challenges within its disciplines at local, regional, national, and global levels.

Leadership & Administration

• Serve on the Dean’s leadership team, contributing to overall governance and decision-making.
• Supervise staff or units related to strategic initiatives, development, or external relations as assigned.
• Provide regular updates, metrics, and reports on strategic progress to the Dean and relevant stakeholders.  
• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.
• Performs related duties as required. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of student needs across academic and professional programs.
• Knowledge of School’s academic disciplines and workforce needs. 
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills; must be able to interact with a wide range of students, faculty, and staff. 
• Ability to plan, organize, set and accomplish goals. 
• Ability to analyze/evaluate data and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to organize and present data in a concise manner. 
• Effective problem-solving skills. 
• A passion for students and commitment to professionalism. 
• Ability to identify and balance a range of student needs and priorities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD, MD, EdD or equivalent terminal degree plus five (5) years of experience in undergraduate or graduate student education.
• Qualify for faculty appointment in the applicable school.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Additional education or degree(s) preferred for job (e.g., DrPH, MPH).
• Additional years of experience and/or type/area of work experience preferred for job (e.g., Program Director or other jobs related directly to student services).