Career Center

CORE EXPECTATIONS & OUTCOMES

The Assistant Dean will:

1. Operate as a bridge builder to the internal and external communities for the School of Nursing.  Identify and cultivate opportunities to partner and participate on the cutting edge of an evolving marketplace with advancements in healthcare.

2. Facilitate a climate of expansion through program ideation, innovation, and new program development. Oversee faculty recruitment, retention, and qualitative growth.

3. Foster curricula and programs that contribute to the university’s mission and comply with accreditation and Minnesota Board of Nursing regulations. Cultivate continuous programmatic improvement and growth, maintaining educational excellence, rigor, and best practices.

4. Be the key spokesperson and ambassador for the School of Nursing, effectively promoting the mission and unique program attributes, along with the broader university vision.

5. Foster a caring, relational, and transparent culture where students, staff, and faculty will thrive.

DISTINCTIVE ASPECTS OF THE ROLE

The Assistant Dean will:

• Cast a unifying and compelling vision that engages and motivates the Nursing staff and students, generating enthusiasm and support.
• Serve as a Christ-centered, grace-filled role model, holding him/herself and others accountable to important goals and standards.
• Establish and steward excellent relationships with hospitals, healthcare organizations, and other community members to help Northwestern realize its mission and achieve growth.
• Coordinate efforts with the Offices of Enrollment and Marketing in order to promote the school and programs, and achieve desired outcomes.
• Faithfully engage with program directors, the Office of Student Life, and faculty to sustain and increase retention and graduation rates.

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS & QUALIFICATIONS

Ideal Experience, Education, Missional and Theological Alignment:

• A sense of call and belief aligned with the mission and vision of Northwestern.
• Affirmation of and commitment to upholding the university’s theological and doctrinal alignment.
• Previous clinical nursing experience is required; higher education experience is also required.
• Knowledge of nursing accreditation and professional standards.
• A record of successful leadership including decision- making, problem solving, and fiscal management.
• A PhD in Nursing or DNP degree is preferred.

Personal Attributes and Character Qualities:

• Embodiment of a vibrant and committed relationship with Jesus Christ that informs daily living.
• An understanding and appreciation of the unique cultural dynamics of higher education and nursing.
• A skillful, intentional, and effective communication style, providing clarity and understanding.
• A natural motivation to work with and through people; to build relationships; and to collaborate with students, faculty, and members across the university and within the greater community.
• Ability to facilitate change and implementation of strategic initiatives.

TRANSFORMATIONAL PROGRAMS & OPPORTUNITIES

At Northwestern, Jesus Christ is at the center of education. With 24 biblical thinking, living, and leadership credits embedded in every program, UNW offers more than 75 majors, providing students at every level numerous options to suit their personal academic goals. Northwestern has innovative programs that prepare students to meet the real-world needs of real people.

Northwestern’s School of Nursing seeks to provide Christ-centered, service-focused nursing education, equipping individuals with the skills and abilities required of professional nurses to effectively serve Christ and to assume servant-leadership roles while providing ministry and service to humankind. The School of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Nursing major candidates who have completed all program, credit, and degree requirements will be recommended for the candidate’s licensure (NCLEX-RN®).

Northwestern is well-suited to help shape the future of nursing and healthcare by educating undergraduate and post baccalaureate students to influence others for Christ in the service of health and healing. The Assistant Dean reports directly to the Provost/SVPAA and is thereby positioned to influence and help shape the future of the institution. Led by a new president, Northwestern’s executive cabinet is entering into an important season as they seek to enhance and align the vision and direction of Health Sciences and Nursing programs to their most recent strategic planning initiatives.

Northwestern’s School of Nursing features several distinctives, including CCNE accreditation, an outstanding NCLEX-RN® pass rate among students, a state-of-the-art simulation and skills lab, and a unique curriculum that includes transcultural experiences and outreach.

PROCESS OF CANDIDACY

Please submit a current CV or resume to:

Tony Kroening, Managing Partner, SIMA Partners 

tkroening@simapartners.com

612-801-4136

In the subject line of the email, please identify as “University of Northwestern Assistant Dean/Nursing”.

About University of Northwestern - St Paul

University of Northwestern - St. Paul is an evangelical, non-denominational Christian institution offering both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Northwestern is an intentional community of faith, living, and learning located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Since 1902, Northwestern has been committed to providing Christ-centered, academically excellent education for men and women from around the world. Northwestern’s 100-acre campus is nestled along the shores of Lake Johanna. The downtown areas of both Saint Paul and Minneapolis can be reached within 15 minutes, providing easy access to hundreds of cultural and recreational activities in the Twin Cities.

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