Dean of the School of Nursing

University of Wisconsin Madison; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 190,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Wisconsin–Madison invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the School of Nursing (SoN). The SoN is a leading nursing research institution with a history of impact in neonatal and pediatric nursing, aging research, patient-centered intervention research, and health systems innovation.

The Dean will advance scholarly excellence, lead educational innovation, oversee budgets and personnel, and promote interprofessional collaboration across campus and health

Qualifications

• Earned research doctorate in Nursing or related field (PhD preferred).
• US RN licensure required or eligible.
• Demonstrated record of excellence in research, teaching, and service.
• Experience leading nursing education at a higher education institution.

Responsibilities

• Leads development of new educational programs addressing healthcare needs.
• Serves as Chief Academic Officer ensuring accreditation compliance.
• Secures external funding to support the school’s mission.
• Oversees complex budgets and fiscal planning.
• Guides the school’s mission and strategic framework in alignment with UW–Madison goals.
• Represents the School of Nursing in various forums to elevate visibility.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Fiscal stewardship

Interprofessional collaboration

Fundraising & development

Communication skills

Team recruitment & development

Education

PhD in Nursing or related field

RN licensure (Wisconsin)

Job description

Overview

The University of Wisconsin–Madison invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the School of Nursing (SoN). The SoN is a leading nursing research institution with a history of impact in neonatal and pediatric nursing, aging research, patient-centered intervention research, and health systems innovation. The BSN program is nationally ranked, and SoN engages in interprofessional education and collaboration across the campus and health system partners.

Responsibilities

• Leads the development of new educational programs and initiatives that address emerging healthcare needs, community priorities, workforce trends, and technological advances; evaluates current programs for relevancy
• Serves as the SoN’s Chief Academic Officer, ensuring academic integrity and compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards for all nursing programs
• Leads efforts to secure external funding from government agencies, foundations, corporations, alumni, and philanthropic partners to support the school’s mission
• Oversees complex, multi-unit budgets and fiscal planning to support strategic priorities
• Guides the school’s mission, vision, and strategic framework in alignment with UW–Madison’s goals and the future of nursing education, research, and practice
• Collaborates with other deans and campus leaders to support interdisciplinary initiatives and shared governance
• Ensures regular program and unit reviews in accordance with university policies and accreditation standards
• Provides comprehensive oversight of the SoN’s academic, administrative, and operational functions
• Represents the School of Nursing in local, state, national, and international forums to elevate visibility and influence
• Partners to ensure robust data systems support continuous assessment, quality improvement, strategic planning, and evidence-informed decision making
• Advocates for the role of nursing education and scholarship across traditional and non-traditional care settings
• Leads recruitment, development, evaluation, and retention of faculty and staff while fostering a culture of excellence and shared governance

Qualifications

• Earned research doctorate (PhD or equivalent) in Nursing or a related field; if the degree is not in nursing, a graduate degree in nursing is required
• Demonstrated record of excellence in research, teaching, and service; eligibility for tenure at UW–Madison; eligibility for Wisconsin RN licensure is required
• Demonstrated transformative leadership that fosters connection in higher education and advances excellence in nursing education across diverse settings
• Deep understanding of evolving challenges in nursing education, research, and practice with a vision for addressing state, national, and global needs
• Strong skills in strategic planning, financial stewardship, personnel management, and resource development
• Ability to cultivate strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to advance health care access and interprofessional collaboration
• Strategic vision for growth and support for research and scholarship in SoN’s areas of focus
• Advocate for interprofessional education and practice
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal abilities
• Understanding of higher education and the healthcare landscape
• Proven ability to recruit, develop, and lead high-performing teams and support shared governance

Department and Compensation

Department: School of Nursing

Compensation: Negotiable

Application, Inquiries and Nominations

Applications should include a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this position description. The WittKieffer search firm is assisting. To ensure consideration, materials should be received by November 2, 2026. Questions can be directed to [e-mail].

Important information regarding confidentiality: If confidentiality is requested in writing, UW–Madison is required by Wis. Stat. 19.36(7) to release names upon request. For confidentiality requests, email [e-mail]. Finalists will be announced publicly prior to campus visits.

Please visit https://apps.diversity.wisc.edu/questionnaire.aspx and use job requisition code JR10013020.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation. UW–Madison values the contributions of all individuals and is committed to welcoming and inclusive excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity. The university is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster site. For accommodation requests, contact the Division Disability Representative (DDR). Employment may require a criminal background check and references may be asked to answer questions regarding misconduct. The UW System will not reveal the identities of confidential applicants except as required by law.