Divisional Dean, School of Nursing

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. seeks a Divisional Dean for the School of Nursing, who will lead strategic and operational efforts. This role involves overseeing academic programs, faculty development, and financial management at George Mason University.

The ideal candidate will have a terminal degree in nursing and significant leadership experience within academic environments, demonstrating a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in an academic or health care setting.
• Experience with accreditation and regulatory processes.
• Demonstrated success in research and scholarship.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership and vision for the School of Nursing.
• Oversees budget development and financial management.
• Ensures quality of academic programs and faculty development.

Skills

Strategic planning

Organizational leadership

Financial management

Effective communication

Mentoring and teaching

Knowledge of public health principles

Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Education

Terminal degree in nursing

Job description

Divisional Dean, School of Nursing

The Divisional Dean of the School of Nursing serves as the chief administrative and academic leader of the School and reports directly to the Dean of the College of Public Health. The Divisional Dean provides strategic, operational, and financial leadership for all School functions, including academic programs, faculty and staff affairs, research development, student success, clinical partnerships, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Vision
  • Provides strategic direction for the School of Nursing aligned with College and University priorities;
  • Leads long‑range planning, goal setting, and implementation of initiatives that enhance academic quality, visibility, and sustainability; and
  • Advances innovative models of nursing education integrating public health, clinical practice, and technology‑enabled learning.
• Operational and Financial Management
  • Oversees School operations, including budget development, financial management, resource allocation, and administrative processes;
  • Ensures efficient, transparent, and compliant management of human, financial, and physical resources; and
  • Implements systems and structures that support operational effectiveness and long‑term growth.
• Academic and Program Leadership
  • Provides oversight of academic programs at all levels, ensuring quality, relevance, and continuous improvement;
  • Leads accreditation and regulatory compliance processes; and
  • Ensures curricula align with workforce needs and emerging trends in nursing and healthcare.
• Faculty and Staff Affairs
  • Oversees recruitment, retention, evaluation, and professional development of faculty and staff;
  • Builds a diverse and high‑performing workforce aligned with the School’s mission; and
  • Promotes a culture of mentorship, collaboration, and accountability.
• Research and Scholarly Advancement
  • Supports the growth of the School’s research enterprise by strengthening infrastructure and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration;
  • Enables faculty success in securing extramural funding and advancing scholarship in nursing and public health.
• External Engagement and Partnerships
  • Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with health care systems, community organizations, government agencies, and industry;
  • Represents the School at regional and national levels and supports advancement and donor engagement efforts.

Required Qualifications

• Terminal degree in nursing required;
• Significant leadership experience in an academic or health care setting with responsibility for programs, personnel, and resources;
• Experience with accreditation and regulatory processes;
• Demonstrated success supporting research, scholarship, or evidence‑based practice;
• Experience in teaching, mentoring, or academic program oversight;
• Knowledge of nursing education, health care systems, and public health principles;
• Knowledge of academic administration, accreditation, curriculum oversight, and faculty and staff affairs;
• Skill in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and change management;
• Skill in financial management and resource allocation;
• Ability to lead complex operations and build high‑performing teams;
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders;
• Ability to promote innovation in education and support diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
• Current licensure as a registered nurse.

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership of complex academic or clinical organizations;
• Budget and administrative operations management;
• Development of academic–practice partnerships and workforce initiatives;
• Advancement of technology‑enabled education and innovation;
• Knowledge of technology‑enhanced education, including simulation, virtual reality, and digital health;
• Experience leading academic units in a research‑intensive university;
• Experience with interdisciplinary collaboration and external relations; and
• Skill in advancement, fundraising, and national positioning of academic programs.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal‑opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.