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Samuel Merritt University, in partnership with the national search firm, Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Nursing. The Dean is the chief leader, administrator, and representative of the College of Nursing and is responsible for strategic planning, student success, academic excellence, external accreditation, and management of budget, personnel, and facilities. The Dean is expected to be active in community engagement, alumni relations, and fundraising and represents the College on University-wide, regional, state, national, and international organizations, committees, and meetings. This individual serves on all relevant University and College of Nursing committees and task forces and is an active member of the leadership team in Academic Affairs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide aspirational and inspirational leadership and be responsible and accountable for the overall academic excellence of the nursing curriculum and nursing programs with continuous program improvement;
- Ensure the success of students with diverse backgrounds in all nursing programs;
- Responsible and accountable for successful external accreditations;
- Lead community engagement and fundraising for the College;
- Work closely with the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs on all matters relating to institutional, strategic planning, development, and substantive revision of academic policies, procedures, and programs;
- Responsible for recruitment, development, and success of outstanding faculty and staff with diverse backgrounds;
- Provide leadership to foster and establish a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectual environment for the College of Nursing that is closely engaged with the university and external communities;
- Design and implement pertinent policies and procedures that ensure academic excellence and success of students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds;
- Prudently develop and manage the College of Nursing budget;
- Carefully review applications for retention and promotion and submit to Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs recommendations regarding the promotion and retention of all full-time nursing faculty to ensure inclusive success;
- Evaluate faculty annually in collaboration with members of the College;
- Appoint part-time faculty and staff in the College of Nursing upon the recommendation of the chair and program directors;
- Supervise the Associate Dean, Chairs, and Program Directors to ensure academic excellence, management effectiveness, and operational efficiency;
- Convene regular faculty meetings and coordinate strategic planning and implementation with faculty, staff, and students;
- Serve as a member of relevant committees and groups at the University;
- Represent the nursing programs, College, and University at relevant external meetings, conferences, and communities; and
- Collaborate with other deans and administrative officers on ideas for program development, external grants, and interprofessional program opportunities.
Qualifications:
- Earned doctorate in nursing or a related field from an accredited institution of higher education;
- A distinguished record of teaching, active research and scholarship, and significant experience in nursing and nursing education commensurate with the rank of full professor;
- At least three years of experience in teaching in baccalaureate and higher degree programs;
- At least three years of successful leadership, administrative, or management experience in higher education; and
- Registered Nurse or eligible for licensure in California.
Required Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to lead the College of Nursing successfully and effectively to carry out its mission with excellence and inclusion for its curriculum, academic programs, students, faculty, and staff;
- Commitment to the highest moral, ethical, and academic standards;
- Knowledge of the special health sciences mission of Samuel Merritt University;
- Ability to carry out prudent budget planning and effective budget and data management;
- Effective leadership and advocacy in academic administration, with evidence of sensitivity to faculty needs, strong organizational skills, strategic planning skills, solid fiscal management, and effective personnel management;
- Ability to lead in a collaborative manner, yet make prudent, timely, and sometimes difficult decisions;
- Able and committed to operating in an open, honest, and transparent procedural manner as a skilled listener and articulate communicator, who is sensitive to different viewpoints and skilled at conflict resolution;
- Institution-oriented with an appreciation of the key interrelationships between nursing and all aspects of the University and its relationships; and
- Strong communication skills to promote the College of Nursing and carry out fundraising for the College.
About Samuel Merritt University:
Samuel Merritt University (SMU) is a healthcare-focused institution located in Oakland, California. The University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in nursing, health sciences, and podiatric medicine. Founded in 1909, SMU has a long-standing history of providing high-quality healthcare education to its students. The University is renowned for its advanced clinical simulation facilities, which provide students with hands-on training in a safe and controlled environment.
SMU is committed to preparing its students to become healthcare professionals who are competent, compassionate, and socially responsible. The University’s faculty members are highly experienced healthcare professionals who bring a wealth of expertise to the classroom. The University is also deeply engaged with the local community, providing clinical services to underserved populations and partnering with local healthcare providers to improve healthcare delivery in the region. With its emphasis on hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and social responsibility, SMU is an excellent choice for students looking to pursue a career in healthcare.
About the College of Nursing:
SMU’s College of Nursing is proud to be a top provider of registered nurses in Northern California and the Central Valley. We prepare students for careers in all levels of the field, from entry-level clinical positions to advanced careers in primary care and nursing leadership.
In line with SMU’s mission, our programs prepare nurses to promote health and well-being across diverse populations and communities, recognize the importance of social determinants of health, and practice with compassion, kindness, and respect. Our curriculum blends theory, research, and practice and prepares you to prepare those entering the field to make evidence-based decisions and work independently or together with other caregivers.
The mission of The College of Nursing is to prepare highly skilled nurse clinicians and nurse leaders who promote health and well-being across diverse populations and communities, recognize the importance of social determinants of health, and practice with compassion, kindness, and respect.
About Oakland, California:
Oakland, California is a vibrant and diverse city in west-central California. It is the largest city in “The East Bay” side of the San Francisco Bay Area, with a population of about 450,00. From its energetic sports scene, big festivals, and stunning redwood park to its melting-pot culinary scene, thriving art community, and the beautiful Lake Merritt, Oakland has something for everyone. Located just half an hour from San Francisco and an hour from the Napa and Sonoma wine regions, Oakland also serves as a gateway to Northern California.
Oakland is well known for its fusion food culture, with food truck rallies, farmers markets, and Michelin-starred restaurants. The Oakland Urban Wine Trail and unique wineries in converted warehouses add a distinctive twist to wine tasting. The city also boasts an array of cultural experiences, from the Oakland Museum of California to performances by the Oakland Ballet. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the rolling landscapes, whether it’s walking or biking around Lake Merritt, exploring the majestic Redwood Regional Park, or enjoying family-friendly attractions like Children’s Fairyland and the Oakland Zoo. To top it off, Jack London Square and the waterfront offer a blend of dining, shopping, and outdoor activities, making Oakland a city that truly has it all. Learn more about all that Oakland has to offer here: https://www.visitoakland.com/
Application and Nomination Process:
Nominations and inquires are welcome. All correspondence and applications relating to the position of Dean of the College of Nursing at Samuel Merritt University should be directed in confidence to the University’s executive search consultant:
Dr. Lea Johnson, Assistant Vice President
Scott Healy & Associates
For the expanded position profile, contact Lea Johnson: [email protected]
A complete application should include the following:
1. Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
2. Updated CV;
3. Three (3) professional references with contact information, title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)
Applications received by October 31, 2023 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.
Salary Range: $220,000 – $270,000 annually.
The University has an institution-wide commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to build a welcoming and supportive campus environment and acknowledge that diversity is an educational imperative to achieve excellence.