Director of Nursing Department

The Nursing Department at Carthage College is seeking individuals who have the experience and expertise in working with diverse populations to apply for the position of Director of the Nursing Department. If you are passionate about the nursing profession and in the continuing development of a high quality nursing education program for future generations of nurses, then this position may be ideal for you. The Carthage College nursing environment offers small class sizes where nursing professors get to know their students and are mentors to them as they develop their knowledge and skill levels. To learn more about the Carthage nursing program from the perspectives of our students and alumni click here https://www.carthage.edu/nursing/ and then click on “Meet our Students” and “Meet Our Alumni”.

The Director of Nursing (DoN) provides academic and administrative leadership of the nursing program in conjunction with the Dean of the Professional Studies Division. The DoN is responsible for managing the overall operation of the educational programs housed in the department and supervises the activities of the faculty and professional staff including, but not limited to: teaching, recruiting, orienting, training, directing, supervising, and evaluating department members; as well as contributing to curriculum development initiatives, program accreditation, and program development.

Essential functions, duties, and responsibilities include but are not limited to,

Curriculum and Program Leadership:

• Provide leadership and direction to faculty and professional staff in developing initiatives and activities that promote student success and help to meet expected program outcomes, as well as align these initiatives and activities with the Carthage College mission, vision, and values.
• Facilitate curriculum/program development and the delivery of engaging instruction that effectively prepares qualified students to be safe, thoughtful, and collaborative nurses.
• Provide input to the Provost and Dean regarding program development, budget, hiring, and promotion of full-time faculty and professional staff.
• Support and collaborate with faculty on the inclusion of evidence-based, high impact practices, and other experiential learning activities that enrich student learning.
• Identify new health care program development options and contribute to approved new program development initiatives.
• Oversee program planning, implementation, and evaluation of all aspects of nursing educational programs.
• Provide leadership for faculty in reviewing, evaluating, and revising student learning outcome assessment activities, as well as the use of enrollment and other data, to foster program improvement.

Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance:

• Manage accreditation and regulatory processes; submit reports and self-studies as required by these organizations; ensure compliance with state, federal, and accrediting agencies’ standards.
• Supervise updates of clinical partnership contracts with health care facilities and maintain positive working relationships with representatives of these agencies/organizations.
• Ensure compliance with state, federal, and accreditation standards.

Faculty and Staff Management:

• Hire, supervise, assign, develop, and lead all nursing staff, including full-time, adjunct, and clinical faculty, and full-time and part-time professional staff and clerical support. Conduct regular performance evaluations to ensure continuous improvement and identify potential opportunities for growth.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and diverse work environment that supports the professional growth of faculty and staff while fostering a commitment to excellence.
• Support nursing faculty and professional staff in meeting professional development expectations.
• Advise and support faculty seeking promotion and/or tenure.
• Develop and update course and clinical schedules to facilitate equitable faculty workload assignments.
• Resolve student and faculty issues as they occur.
• Promote a healthy shared governance model within the department.

Budgetary and Programmatic Functions:

• Determine priorities for budgetary expenditures based on departmental and program delivery needs; monitor budget and provide initial approval of program expenditures; provide suggestions for the use of donor funds to advance student access to quality nursing education and educational advancement.
• Collaborate with personnel of other college academic areas to ensure effective health care program recruiting and project implementation, with particular attention to work with Admissions, Advising, Marketing and Communications, and Philanthropy.
• Ensure course and clinical evaluations are completed. Review and intervene as needed to ensure quality educational experiences.
• Oversee simulation and skill labs; collaborate with coordinator of learning laboratories to ensure effective organization and implementation of the skills/simulation curriculum and maintain a list of equipment needs and budget requirements.
• Participate in on-campus and off-campus meetings associated with advancing career pathways for nurses, as well as the design/implementation of other activities associated with maintaining a strong Carthage nursing program.
• Supervise updates of the nursing website and other advertising venues.
• Assist the Dean in implementing activities and initiatives that are consistent with the mission, vision, and goals of the nursing department, Professional Studies Division, and Carthage College.
• Participate on college committees and in shared governance opportunities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in nursing or related field. If the doctoral degree is not in nursing, a master’s degree in nursing is required.
• Holds a valid, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license to practice professional nursing in the state of Wisconsin.
• A minimum of 5 years of teaching in a college/university environment.
• A record of progressive academic or related administrative experience.
• Demonstrable knowledge of teaching-learning principles, curriculum design, revision, implementation and evaluation; experience with program development.
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities.
• Maintains certification in an applicable area of nursing.
• Evidence of innovation in nursing education.
• Working knowledge of budgets and budgetary management.
• Demonstrated commitment to ensuring diversity and equity admission and hiring practices.

How to Apply:

Applications will be accepted until 3/01/2021. All applicants should submit a cover letter to include: curriculum vitae, three professional references, a teaching philosophy, and a description of how their experiences with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies will inform and influence their approach to the responsibilities of this position. Submit these documents to the “Resume Upload” section of the application. Women, people of color, differently-abled individuals, veterans and intersectional individuals are encouraged to apply. Additional questions can be directed to Julie Maher jmaher@carthage.edu

About Carthage College:

Founded in 1847, Carthage College combines an environment of reflection and self-discovery with a culture of high expectation, so that our students uncover and ignite their true potential. As a four-year private liberal arts college with roots in the Lutheran tradition, we place a strong emphasis on both moral and intellectual values. Our prime location in Kenosha, Wisconsin, midway between Chicago and Milwaukee, allows students the opportunity to learn in a professional context. Our beautiful campus, an 80-acre arboretum on the shore of Lake Michigan is home to 150 scholars, 2,600 full-time students, and 400 part-time students. Our rich academic experience equips students with foundational knowledge and skills, preparing graduates to be lifelong learners and to lead meaningful, productive lives.

Carthage College is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse community. We welcome applications from a broad spectrum of people, including members of ethnic minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.