Associate Dean/Director of Nursing

The Associate Dean/Director of Nursing will be the administrative liaison between the college dean and department, ensuring accreditation compliance and best practices of all nursing education programs at New Mexico Highlands University. This role involves providing vision, leadership, and strategic direction to support growth and innovation, with an emphasis on long-term academic development. The Associate Dean will also play a key role in developing and implementing new initiatives to strengthen nursing education and will lead ongoing program evaluation efforts. Additionally, they will help ensure all programs comply with state regulatory requirements and meet national accreditation standards. A strong understanding of the unique challenges and complexities of rural healthcare is essential.

Scope

Academic Leadership

Work in collaboration with the Dean advancing the mission and vision of the Department and College.

Collaborate with program coordinators and faculty in assessing student learning outcomes and promoting strategies to enhance retention, progression, and graduation rates

Support faculty in implementing evidence-based teaching practices and integrating technology into instruction

 

Curriculum Management & Professional Support

Offer guidance to the Department and Dean regarding the development, implementation, and assessment of the nursing curricula in collaboration with the program coordinators

Ensure the alignment of curricula with state and national accreditation standards, best practices, and state board of nursing requirements

Facilitate professional development opportunities, including scholarly activities, continuing education, and leadership training

 

Student Support

Develop strategies for student success such as retention, graduation rates, and licensure exam pass rates

Resolves and addresses student complaints and grievances on both an informal and/or formal basis in accordance with policies and procedures

Accreditation and Compliance

Assist with the work of the BSN and the graduate program coordinators and additional faculty to ensure the programs adhere to all accreditation and regulatory requirements, including the fulfillment of reporting requirements

Prepares and submits all appropriate forms, data (pass rates, etc), and documents required for approval of faculty and clinical facilities, curriculum changes, and licensure of graduates

 

Collaboration

Ensure program effectiveness and consistency by engaging various stakeholders (faculty, students, external partners) as needed; serve on committees as needed

Collaborates and establishes partnerships with other NMHU departments to provide enriched and diverse student learning opportunities

Has an active role in advisory boards that support local community initiatives

 

Financial Management

Helps to monitor and evaluate multiple budgets linked to Nursing Department support

Able to procure and manage multiple grants

Will provide departmental guidance regarding financial forecasting, resource allocation, and comprehensive development of yearly budget modifications

In conjunction with the Dean, will advise on specific and timely spending strategies in alignment with departmental implementation to ensure fiscally responsible use of allocated resources

 

Strategic Planning

Participate in the development and execution of strategic plans for nursing programs in alignment with the goals of the broader institution

Monitor trends in nursing, nursing education, and research to ensure NMHU nursing programs maintain relevance to meet regional and rural healthcare needs

 

Community Engagement

Build and maintain relationships with external partners, such as clinical sites and community organizations; establish strategic partnerships

Qualifications

Current unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in New Mexico

Primary residence in New Mexico and ability to travel to Las Vegas campus as needed

One year of practice in a rural environment or Health Care Shortage Area

Doctoral degree; preferably in education, nursing, or nursing administration

Educational experience in teaching, learning principles, curriculum development, accreditation, and administration

Minimum 5 years of related work experience, with 3 years as a nurse educator or program administrator

One year minimum serving as a Chair, Program director or similar position

Demonstrated experience in preparing and managing budgets within a nursing education program to include responsibility for budget planning, allocation of resources, and financial oversight

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Collaborative work style and effective time management

Command of theory and practice in the field

Meet regulatory requirements for educational degree level and field experience

Skills and Abilities

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Two years of experience with a Learning Management system

Strong organizational and time management skills

Empathetic and patient, with the ability to accommodate student challenges while maintaining educational standards

Ability to align budgets with programmatic needs

 

 

This is a majority administrative position. There will be approximately 25% teaching, meaning the candidate will be obligated to teach 6 credit hours in a 12- month calendar year.