Salary: $175,000.00 - $190,000.00 Annually
Location : Whitworth University Campus
Job Type: Administrative (Faculty Status)
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Health Science
Opening Date: 10/09/2026
FLSA: Exempt
FTE: 1.0
Position SummaryWhitworth University seeks a visionary, collaborative, and mission-driven leader to serve as Dean of the School of Health Sciences. Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President, the dean provides strategic, academic, and operational leadership for a growing portfolio of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. This leader will guide the next phase of the school's growth, including launching new nursing and social work programs, advancing academic excellence, strengthening healthcare partnerships, and fostering student success while advancing Whitworth's Christian mission.
Learn More About This Leadership Opportunity
The School of Health Sciences is entering an exciting period of growth and innovation. Candidates are strongly encouraged to review the full Search Profile for detailed information about Whitworth University, the School of Health Sciences, strategic priorities, leadership opportunities, and desired qualifications.
Core Responsibilities - Provide strategic leadership for the School of Health Sciences and contribute to university-wide planning and initiatives.
- Lead the successful implementation of new nursing and social work programs while sustaining excellence across established health professions programs.
- Ensure academic quality, accreditation compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Recruit, develop, and support outstanding faculty, academic leaders, and staff.
- Foster enrollment growth, student success, and innovative academic pathways.
- Build partnerships with healthcare systems, community organizations, alumni, employers, and donors.
- Promote a culture grounded in Christian faith, academic excellence, collaboration, and service.
Qualifications and Core Competencies- An earned doctorate or other terminal degree in health sciences, a health profession, behavioral health, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
- Successful prior service as a dean or associate dean with substantial academic, personnel, budget, and strategic responsibilities.
- Senior leadership experience with accredited health professions programs, including specialized accreditation, state approval or authorization, assessment, and ongoing compliance; working knowledge of nursing, OTD, and DPT education and their distinct requirements.
- A record of developing or materially expanding academic programs, including planning, approval, launch, evaluation, and responsible resource allocation.
- Demonstrated commitment to students and evidence of effective leadership and development of faculty and staff.
- A personal commitment to Christian faith and the ability to articulate how faith informs vocation and leadership within Whitworth's ecumenical community.
- Experience building substantive healthcare and community partnerships; strong communication skills and sound financial and organizational judgment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct dean level oversight of nursing, OTD, and DPT, including experience with CCNE, ACOTE, CAPTE, and state nursing board processes.
- Experience securing initial accreditation or sustaining specialized accreditation through significant program growth.
- Demonstrated success in clinical partnership development, interprofessional education, graduate and doctoral education, fundraising, and external engagement.
- Academic and professional accomplishments supporting appointment at a senior faculty rank under Whitworth's policies.
Other DetailsWhitworth University is a Christian liberal arts university. Our shared mission is to provide our diverse students with an education of mind and heart, equipping them to honor God, follow Christ, and serve humanity. We seek candidates who are willing to engage with the university's mission and integrate their Christian faith into their work.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, faith statement, and contact information for at least three professional references.
Review of applications will begin on November 16, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain valid work authorization throughout the duration of employment, including those on OPT. Whitworth University does not offer visa sponsorship for this position.
You are on this webpage because a position at Whitworth sparked your curiosity. If you find yourself questioning hitting the apply button because you might not meet 100% of the qualifications, we think you should do it! When you click apply and submit an application, your application is reviewed by a committee of real, living, and breathing human beings who want to understand your background, experience and skills to find ways you relate to the key competencies needed for success in the position.
Looking for resources to help with writing a faith statement? Check out our for more information.
At Whitworth University, we are committed to supporting the well-being of our faculty, staff, and their families by offering an extensive benefits package. Eligible employees can enjoy a variety of benefits, including:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Employer-matched 403 (b) retirement plan
- programs available for employees, their spouses, and dependents
- Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
- based on full-time equivalency (FTE). All staff accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month and 10 to 20 days of vacation per year, depending on employee category.
- 2 days of Floating Holiday leave based on full-time equivalency (FTE)
- Access to an
- Resources for Christian vocation and calling
- No cost access to the University Recreation Center (UREC) and the Megan E. Thompson Aquatic Center
- 15 paid holidays throughout the year
To discover more about these offerings, please visit our
