Description & Details: North Dakota State University (NDSU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Senior Associate Dean of the School of Nursing. Located in Fargo, North Dakota, this is a 12-month, on-site, tenure-eligible administrative faculty appointment with an academic rank of Associate Professor or Professor, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
As the largest nursing program in North Dakota and part of the College of Health and Human Sciences, the largest college at NDSU, the School of Nursing plays a vital role in educating the state's nursing workforce and advancing health outcomes through excellence in teaching, scholarship, service, and practice. The School seeks an innovative, collaborative, and visionary leader who will foster a culture of excellence while guiding continued growth and strategic advancement across its academic, research, and practice missions.
The Senior Associate Dean provides leadership for accredited certificate, undergraduate, and graduate nursing programs across multiple campuses. The School currently delivers programs in Fargo and Bismarck, with expansion planned in additional locations. The successful candidate will build upon strong partnerships with major health systems, community healthcare organizations, and rural healthcare providers throughout North Dakota to expand educational opportunities, strengthen workforce development, and enhance the School's impact across the state.
The Senior Associate Dean will provide strategic leadership for academic programming, faculty development, student success, accreditation, budgeting, and operational effectiveness. The individual will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, university leaders, and external stakeholders to advance innovative educational models, promote interprofessional collaboration, and strengthen the School's reputation as a leader in nursing education.
The successful candidate will also champion the School's research mission by supporting scholarly productivity, fostering collaborative research initiatives, and strategically advancing growth in tenure-track faculty positions and research capacity. The School seeks a leader who can effectively position nursing faculty and programs for increased research impact while maintaining a strong commitment to professional practice and community engagement.
Work Schedule: Full-time, 12-month, Tenure Track Faculty Position
Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.
Minimum Qualifications: - Earned doctoral degree in nursing or a closely related field; Candidates whose doctoral degree is in a related discipline must hold a master's degree in nursing.
- Eligibility for licensure as a registered nurse in the State of North Dakota.
- Minimum of three years of leadership or administrative experience in nursing higher education.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a timely, transparent, consistent, and professional manner with diverse internal and external stakeholders across multiple campuses and settings.
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering a positive, collegial, and collaborative organizational culture that supports student, faculty, and staff success.
- Evidence of ongoing professional development and a commitment to lifelong learning and continuous improvement.
Preferred Qualifications: - Research doctorate or demonstrated scholarly and professional achievement commensurate with this qualification.
- Demonstrated record of scholarship, academic program development, and success in securing external funding or grants.
- Experience developing, cultivating, and sustaining strategic partnerships with healthcare organizations, community stakeholders, professional organizations, and other external constituents.
- Experience leading nursing program accreditation efforts and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards and regulatory requirements.
- Evidence of transformational leadership that advances innovation, strategic priorities, organizational effectiveness, and inclusive excellence.
- Demonstrated experience with budget planning, resource allocation, and fiscal stewardship in an academic or healthcare environment.
Applicant Materials Required: Applicants should submit the following. Each required element should be uploaded separately.
- Cover letter addressing interest and detailing how the applicant meets minimum and preferred qualifications
- Curriculum vitae
- Statement of teaching philosophy
- Statement of leadership experience
- Names and contact information for three professional references
Review of applications will begin 11/27/26 and continue until the position is filled.
Our commitment to caring for our employees isn't just words-it's proven. In NDSU's most recent Gallup Engagement Survey, our strengths centered on care and development.
" My supervisor, or someone at work, cares about me as a person" and
" I have the opportunities to learn and grow", were noted as top drivers. This reflects the culture you'll experience here.
NDSU OFFERS OUTSTANDING BENEFITS! Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success. Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
Health & Wellness - 100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage
- Choice of PPO/Basic or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
- Coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date
- Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation
Exceptional Retirement Plan - Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26% , depending on position
(One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!) - Your future is a priority, and it shows.
Time Away & Support - Generous annual leave , sick leave , and 10 paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
- Supportive work-life balance
Education Benefits That Grow With You - Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year)
- 50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependents
Additional Optional Benefits - Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Care
- Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)
- Supplemental Retirement Plans
Explore Full Benefit Details: Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU 
