Associate Dean for the Graduate Program

Villanova University

Lower Merion Township (Montgomery County)

On-site

USD 110,000 - 170,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Generous paid time off

Retirement plan

Flexible work options

Wellness programs (gym)

Job summary

Villanova University’s M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing invites applications for Associate Dean for the Graduate Program.

The role provides strategic, visionary leadership to faculty, staff, and students, shaping curriculum, accreditation, and long‑term program sustainability while reporting to the Vice Dean. The successful candidate will advance graduate education, supervise academic and administrative operations, foster partnerships, oversee enrollment growth, and promote inclusive

Qualifications

Doctorate in Nursing or related discipline; master's in nursing required.
Eligibility for RN licensure in Pennsylvania.
Eligibility for tenure at the rank of Associate or Full Professor.
Minimum of seven years of demonstrated academic administration experience or other significant academic/educational nursing leadership experience.
Teaching experience at the graduate level.

Responsibilities

Oversee development, design, and implementation of graduate program curriculum to meet accreditation standards.
Ensure compliance with regulatory, licensing, certification, and accreditation requirements for graduate nursing programs.
Conduct and address course, student, and faculty evaluations and feedback.
Mentor and develop faculty in teaching, research, and service.
Lead program evaluation annually and manage teaching assignments and workload.
Promote recruitment, retention, and advancement of a diverse graduate student body.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Communication

Collaboration

Mentoring

Education

Doctorate in Nursing

Master's in Nursing

Job description

Posting Details

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Position Title: Associate Dean for the Graduate Program

Position Type: Faculty

Location: Villanova, PA

Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants

Work Schedule: full-time/12-months

Department: 232-Nursing

Position Summary

The Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing ( FCN ) is pleased to invite applications for the position of Associate Dean for the Graduate Program. The Associate Dean serves as the senior academic leader for the graduate nursing program in the College of Nursing and provides strategic, visionary, and dynamic leadership to faculty, staff, and students. The Associate Dean works collaboratively with the Dean, Vice Dean, leadership team, and faculty, staff, and students, to define and implement the overall strategic and academic direction of the graduate program. This includes curriculum and program design, faculty development, student recruitment and retention, enrollment growth, program evaluation, academic quality, and long‑term program sustainability. The Associate Dean provides leadership and oversight for faculty and staff, fostering a culture of academic excellence, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This individual ensures the graduate program meets accreditation and regulatory standards and develops and sustains strategic partnerships to further the mission of the College. The Associate Dean for the Graduate Program reports to the FCN Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and serves as a member of the college’s leadership team.

At the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, we innovate and educate. We seek a visionary, creative, and dynamic leader who will maximize our academic potential for the greater good of the entire community. Join us—a strong community committed to inspiring each other to ignite change and create better health care for the world.

Located in suburban Philadelphia, Villanova University is a Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Augustinian order. The University is committed to excellence and distinction in the discovery, dissemination, and application of knowledge. At the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the University’s values of truth, unity, and love are infused in our approach to nursing as a profession, mission, and health ministry in a diverse society.

Learn more about the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing by visiting villanova.edu/nursing.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

Why work at Villanova?

Join a mission‑driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.

Duties And Responsibilities

Academic Oversight

Working with faculty and program directors, oversee the development, design, and implementation of graduate program curriculum ensuring FCN meets accreditation standards and remains at the forefront of innovative graduate nursing education.
Ensure compliance with all regulatory, licensing, certification, and accreditation requirements associated with graduate nursing programs.
Conduct and address course, student, and faculty evaluations through class observations, review of course and teacher surveys.
Cultivate and mentor faculty related to teaching, research, and service.
Complete program evaluation annually through the Program Evaluation Plan (PEP).
Collaborate with Program Directors to develop and manage teaching assignments and workload distribution for the graduate courses each semester.
Monitor and address student academic progression, registration, and retention.
Participate in orientation of new faculty and students.
Develop, review, and oversee implementation of academic policies for the College in collaboration with the Dean, faculty, and other constituents.
Promote and advance the recruitment, admission, enrollment, and retention of a diverse student body.
Provide strategic leadership for graduate program growth, enrollment management, market responsiveness, and long‑term program sustainability. Monitor enrollment trends, assess program viability and competitive positioning, and develop innovative strategies to achieve enrollment targets.
Collaborate with pre‑licensure programs for pathways to advanced practice degrees.
Foster a culture of collegiality, transparency, innovation, and academic excellence that supports faculty success and student achievement.

Administrative Responsibilities

Serve as a representative of FCN leadership team on various internal and external committees and boards.
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships to support student placements, program growth, and workforce development initiatives.
Chair Graduate Program meetings throughout the Academic Year.
Supervise, mentor, and develop academic and staff in support of strategic goals, academic excellence, student success, and accreditation.
Collaborate with program directors to recruit adjunct faculty for graduate courses.
Prepare and submit annual reports to the Dean and maintain data related to student outcomes, faculty productivity, accreditation metrics, certification pass rates, enrollment trends, and faculty workload.
Develop, manage, and monitor graduate program budgets (including scholarships) ensuring effective stewardship of resources and alignment with strategic priorities.
Provide leadership for faculty recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, development, promotion, retention, and succession planning.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate in Nursing or related discipline, master’s in nursing required.
Eligibility for RN licensure in Pennsylvania.
Eligibility for tenure at the rank of Associate or Full Professor.
Minimum of seven years’ of demonstrated academic administration experience or other significant academic/educational nursing leadership experience.
Teaching experience at the graduate level.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to lead development and implementation of mission‑centered, innovative, cost‑effective high‑quality curricula.
Experience retaining and mentoring diverse faculty and students.
Experience developing strong clinical partnerships locally and globally to support the academic programs.
Experience with innovative, evidence‑based, and technologically rich teaching strategies.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, collegiality, and the ability to collaborate.
Fiscal acumen.
The highest standards of personal and professional integrity.
A leadership style that is responsive to the needs of faculty, students, and staff.
Full professor.

Applications Must Include

cover letter
resume/curriculum vitae
statement articulating how the candidate’s contributions support the University’s mission (and enduring principles) and a statement on inclusive excellence are required at time of interview.
Contact information for 3 individual references are required for all finalists.

Required For Appointment