Executive Director - School of Nursing

Executive Director - School of Nursing

Location: Nursing
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job ID: 606107
Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Workplace Culture

NAU is a community devoted to student success and sustained by an unshakable commitment to our shared mission, vision, and values. We—faculty, staff, and administrators—thrive by combining our efforts and working side by side to further NAU's culture of excellence.



Special Information

THE OPPORTUNITY

Northern Arizona University (NAU) and the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) invites applications and nominations for the position of Executive Director (ExD) of the School of Nursing (SoN). This is an exciting time for the SoN. The new ExD will have the opportunity to lead and grow NAU's nursing programs during a time of unprecedented financial investment in Arizona's healthcare workforce through the New Economy Initiative.

The next leader of the School of Nursing will direct the development of programs in multiple locations across the state of Arizona. The new Executive Director will provide the vision and strategic leadership to transition the School of Nursing from a unit within CHHS to an independent unit at NAU. With an unprecedented investment in the School, the Executive Director will lead the School to be one of the leading producers of undergraduate and graduate credentialed nurses in the state. The Executive Director will expand the impact of the School of Nursing through innovative program and pedagogical designs that blend personal engagement of faculty with students and creative use of learning technologies.

The base faculty position is a 9-month academic year position, and while serving as ExD, the position will include a12-month appointment. The administrative assignment may be renewed after three years upon successful annual performance reviews. The faculty position will be at the rank of associate or full professor, and the successful candidate may be tenured (tenure track) or non-tenure eligible (clinical track) based on credentials, education, experience, and prior faculty appointments. The ExD reports to the Dean of CHHS and is based on NAU's Flagstaff Mountain Campus, and travel to visit faculty at our sites across the state is expected. The position start date is flexible between the selection date and July 1, 2022.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF NURSING

The vision and mission of Northern Arizona University's School of Nursing is to provide outstanding education to students at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels, who can then provide high quality health care services to individuals and diverse communities in an environment of constant change and emerging healthcare trends. The School of Nursing was established over 60 years ago and has a distinguished history.

The School of Nursing faculty has developed an organizing framework that serves as a guide and provides direction for faculty to organize its programs of education with a focus on research, scholarship, clinical practice, and community service. The framework represents a systematic organization of concepts which are the essential components of baccalaureate and graduate education including:

• 
  Professionalism and professional values
  
• 
  Clinical practice and prevention
  
• 
  Critical reasoning
  
• 
  Communication
  
• 
  Global Health
  
• 
  Leadership
  

All students are evaluated using these concepts throughout the curriculum.

The School of Nursing has a wide array of academic programs, and all programs are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Undergraduate programs are offered in multiple formats to accommodate the wants and needs of students, including traditional, accelerated, and online education. Graduate programs that offer both Master of Science with a focus in Nursing (MS), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees with emphasis on enhancing leadership expertise in rural and underserved populations. The graduate program also offers certification and post-master certification as a family practitioner (FNP). Additionally, the School of Nursing is developing a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program and other new academic programs as part of the New Economy Initiative.

To learn more about the SoN's academic programs and review the organizational chart visit NAU School of Nursing.

Job Description

Currently this position reports to the Dean of the College of Health and Human Services. This position serves as the senior academic and administrative officer of the school and provides the vision and leadership necessary for setting and achieving strategic, regulatory, and financial outcomes that reflect NAU's commitment to excellence. The position is responsible for managing all school operations, including academic planning and program development for undergraduate and graduate education, national and state regulatory bodies/agencies, faculty and staff performance, budgeting and resource development, and implementation of academic and administrative policies. The preferred candidate is a positive visionary and compassionate leader with strong communication skills, a passion for inter-professional collaboration, and a strong commitment to shared governance. The candidate will have a strong record of academic program administration and accreditation, innovative scholarship, and teaching. Success in this position will rely on a keen awareness of new directions in nursing education, research and healthcare delivery, and data informed management. The new executive director will be expected to demonstrate the ability to manage a comprehensive budget and expand program resources through sponsored research, philanthropy, and community outreach. The candidate will have demonstrated accomplishments in cultivating, leading, and promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.

LEADERSHIP AGENDA

1. Directly support and facilitate Nursing program growth in Flagstaff and at multiple statewide sites to meet growing needs for high quality Nursing graduates in Arizona and beyond.
2. Lead development of new programs and support the growth of existing programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Multiple new funding initiatives are immediately available to support this growth and development.
3. Specifically work to recruit high performing students from rural and underserved areas that are prepared upon graduation to meet the unique healthcare needs of rural and underserved communities.
4. Support faculty success in all areas of responsibility (Teaching, Service, and Research). In the area of research support, foster a collaborative environment that supports extramural success and values scholarship of teaching and learning.
5. Collaborate with Dean to strengthen partnerships that support program expansions.
6. Ensure continued performance in licensure with transition to greater utilization of simulation.
7. Explore innovative strategies for recruitment and retention of high quality, innovative, diverse faculty and administrative staff.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: A doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution is required. MSN or MS with a concentration in nursing from a regionally accredited institution is required if doctorate is other than DNP or PhD in nursing.

Licensure: Must be eligible for licensure in the State of Arizona. License must be obtained in advance of start date.

Nursing Experience: Three years as a registered nurse in direct patient care.

Academic Experience: A minimum of one academic year fulltime experience teaching in or administering a nursing education program leading to licensure.

Diversity: Evidence of a commitment to promoting diversity, justice, equity, belonging, and inclusivity. The new ExD should value a community where people of all diverse backgrounds, cultures and identities are welcomed, celebrated, included, and treated with respect. In addition the new ExD should continually strive to increase diversity, justice, equity, belonging, and inclusivity in the SoN community and beyond by committing to remove systemic institutional barriers so all voices can be honored and heard.

Preferred Qualifications

• Record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service that merits appointment at the rank of clinical or tenured associate Professor or higher in the School of Nursing
• Leadership experience in a position with authority to accomplish the mission, goals, and expected program outcomes in nursing
• A proven record of fundraising and ability to garner external grant support
• Experience with program growth and development including multiple modalities to meet the needs of a changing student population
• A demonstrated record of successfully forging relationships with internal and external stakeholders and across disciplines
• The ability to recruit, motivate, inspire, and retain talented faculty and staff
• Administrative and/or faculty experience working and effectively coordinating programs, and faculty and staff efforts across multiple campus locations as well as online programs
• An exceptional reputation as a visionary academic leader with the proven ability to promote research and instructional excellence
• Imagination, honesty, and a progressive, compassionate management style built upon respect, transparency, collaboration, and fairness
• Experience writing CCNE and/or other nursing accrediting agencies self-studies and reports.

General Information

ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

The mission of the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) is to prepare students to become, and remain, excellent health professionals. The college aims to facilitate high quality learning and education, to advance knowledge and practice in the health professions, and to provide service to improve the health and well-being of the communities served, particularly Arizona residents, Native Americans and individuals considered disadvantaged.

With over 4,800 students and 150 faculty members, the CHHS is NAU's third largest college and serves as home to a diverse set of academic programs, highly engaged faculty, and motivated undergraduate and graduate students. CHHS has experienced the fastest rate of growth amongst the University's colleges and over the past several years the number of degree-seeking students has more than tripled in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Our programs are offered throughout the state of Arizona and the country, and we serve students using online and face-to-face modalities. Thirteen (13) of our programs are accredited by their national governing bodies, and our students provide over 539,132 hours per year to the underserved. The College offers programs at multiple locations including: NAU's main campus in Flagstaff, the state-of-the-art Phoenix Biomedical Campus in downtown Phoenix, Phoenix North Valley, Yuma, Tucson, and the Navajo Nation. In all, the College offers sixteen baccalaureate and five clinical graduate degree programs. In addition, the College offers online programs in nursing, dental hygiene degree completion, public health, speech-science and technology, and multiple allied health degree options. The CHHS is comprised of the following units:

• School of Nursing (Flagstaff, Yuma, Tucson, Phoenix North Valley, and Navajo Nation)
• Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (Flagstaff)
• Department of Dental Hygiene (Flagstaff)
• Department of Health Sciences (Flagstaff)
• Department of Occupational Therapy (Phoenix)
• Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training (Flagstaff, Phoenix)
• Department of Physician Assistant Studies (Phoenix)

Learn more about The College of Health & Human Services.

ABOUT NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY

Northern Arizona University rests on a student-first foundation. This was true when we opened our doors more than 120 years ago, and it's true now. The traditions and values of our past inform the innovations helping us shape the future.

Founded in 1899, Northern Arizona University (NAU) began as a teachers college, and its commitment to building a better tomorrow through education remains a high priority. Students, mentored by faculty members renowned in their fields, are at the center of all the university's institutional efforts. In the classroom and online, through hands-on experiences in an unparalleled learning environment, and with the NAU community cheering them on, students discover and hone their ambitions. NAU's academic programs, research, public service, and creative endeavors enrich lives and create opportunities in Arizona and beyond. The institution's mission is focused on developing solutions to challenges and driving innovation in a supportive, inclusive, and diverse environment.

NAU has maintained boundless growth in its student population, research endeavors, and creative scholarship since its inception. Today, the institution serves almost 29,000 students through multiple offerings: the traditional college experience on a scenic campus, situated in Flagstaff's remarkable landscape at the base of the San Francisco Peaks; the convenience of attending classes at one of more than 20 locations across the state, providing flexibility and accessibility; or an award-winning online experience where students can choose from more than 125 virtual programs. NAU upholds the same high standards of education across all locations and delivery options.

Seven academic colleges, along with the Honors, Graduate, and online colleges, together offer numerous programs, including more than 180 undergraduate degrees, 125 graduate degrees, and 90+ undergraduate and graduate certificates in a wide variety of disciplines, including the social sciences, humanities, education, engineering, natural sciences, business, and more.

Additional NAU attributes include:

• 15 Division I sports teams
• #1 best school in Arizona and #7 in the nation for veterans
• #3 best online college in Arizona
• #6 most diverse college in Arizona
• #144 top public school in the US
• #191 in national research rankings with an FY19 performance of $58.91 million
• Top 3 for excellence in delivering virtual student services
• Best master's in communication for documentary studies nationwide
• Best online communication program in the Southwest
• #2 best online psychology degree program
• #7 best online social work degree program

The institution has a long history of increasing diversity and inclusion. University diversity commissions, individuals, and departments have dedicated countless hours to related education, programming, and initiatives. The formal long-term diversity strategic planning process, through which the current Diversity Strategic Plan (DSP) has evolved, began in early 2016. The current DSP provides for immediate action and lays a strong foundation for continuous improvement and implementation over the long term. NAU aims to become a True Diversity University, positioning attention and resources around diversity, inclusion, and a culturally competent environment for all, with particular attention to underrepresented, marginalized, and underserved groups in higher education. The DSP aligns with the University Strategic Plan (USP) that, in turn, aligns with the Arizona Board of Regents Strategic Plan, “Impact Arizona.” It is intended to be a living, evolving document.

In June 2021, Dr. Jose Luis Cruz Rivera took office as the17th president of the institution following a national search. Dr. Cruz Rivera is dedicated to expanding access to education and improving educational outcomes for all students—especially those who have historically been underserved. NAU has received external recognition for its diversity initiatives, and the composition of NAU's student body reflects the university's support for historically underserved students:

• 46% of NAU students are the first in their family to attend college
• 25% of NAU undergraduates identify as Hispanic
• NAU meets US Department of Education Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) criteria and has earned recognition from the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
• NAU is in the top 10 producers of bachelor's degrees for Native American students nationwide
• Members of 113 Native American tribes are among the NAU student body

Learn more about Northern Arizona University.

NOMINATIONS AND INQUIRIES

Academic Search is assisting Northern Arizona University in this search. Nominators and prospective candidates may arrange a confidential conversation about this exciting opportunity with senior consultant Maria Thompson at maria.thompson@academicsearch.org.

Northern Arizona University is a 29,569-student institution with its main campus in Flagstaff, a four-season community of about 70,000 at the base of the majestic San Francisco Peaks. NAU's emphasis on undergraduate education is enhanced by its graduate programs and research as well as distance learning. All faculty members are expected to promote student learning and help students achieve academic outcomes.

The university is committed to a diverse and civil working and learning environment.

For information about diversity, access, and equity at NAU, see the Center for University Access and Inclusion webpage.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

As of 12/10/21, the Safer Federal Workforce employee vaccination requirement is currently suspended pending the outcome of a federal court-issued injunction. This injunction has suspended the recent executive order issued by President Biden requiring all employees of federal contractors to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. For current status of the vaccine requirement and/or questions, please visit FAQs for Employee Vaccination Requirement.

Background Information

This position has been identified as a safety/security sensitive position. Therefore, per AZ Revised Statute, Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, employment history investigation, degree verification (in some cases) and fingerprinting. If you are applying for a job that requires a CDL, you will be required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse and adhere to the clearinghouse requirements. Additionally, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States. Finally, each year Northern Arizona University releases an Annual Security Report. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Salary

Commensurate with experience.

Benefits

This is an Administrative Faculty (ADF) position. NAU offers an excellent benefit package including generous health, dental and vision insurance; participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) or the Optional Retirement Program (ORP); 22 days of vacation, sick leave accruals, and 10 holidays per year; and tuition reduction for employees and qualified family members. More information on benefits at NAU is available at the NAU HR benefits page. Administrative Faculty are hired on a contract basis, renewable annually according to the terms of offer. Upon completion of the administrative assignment, employees will return to the faculty role, renewable according to the Conditions of Faculty Service. Academic year (9 month) faculty do not accrue vacation. Employees offered a position will be eligible for state health plans (including NAU's BCBS Plan). Employees will have 31 days from date of hire to enroll in benefits, and their benefits will then be effective the first day of the pay period following their completed enrollment. If a new employee chooses the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) retirement option, participation in the ASRS Plan (and the long-term disability coverage that accompanies it) will begin on the first of the pay period following 183 days of employment. New employees who choose to participate in the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP; an alternative to the ASRS plan) will begin to participate on the first day of employment. The long-term disability plan that accompanies the ORP will begin on the first day of the pay period following 90 days of employment. More information about NAU benefits is available at the NAU HR benefits page.
NAU is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.

Submission Deadline

This vacancy will be open until filled or closed. Parties who apply by April 1, 2022 will be given first consideration.

How to Apply

Academic Search is assisting Northern Arizona University in this search. Nominators and prospective candidates may arrange a confidential conversation about this exciting opportunity with senior consultant Maria Thompson at maria.thompson@academicsearch.org

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button at the end of the job description if viewing this position through the NAU HR website. Otherwise, to view the original post and to apply, proceed to nau.jobs, follow the 'Faculty and Administrator Openings' link, locate vacancy 606107, and then "Apply" at the bottom of the page.

Application must include: (1) a cover letter highlighting your particular qualifications for this position; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) a 1-page statement demonstrating your commitment to DEIJ initiatives; (4) a statement of research interests; and (5) names and contact information for three professional references, including email addresses and a brief note of the candidate's working relationsip with each. References will not be contacted without the prior knowledge and approval of the candidate and at a later stage in the search. Save all items as PDF and/or Word documents.

If you need assistance completing your application there are instructions available on the HR website or in person in the Human Resources Department located in Building 91 on the NAU Campus - on the corner of Beaver and DuPont Streets.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process please contact the Office of Equity and Access at: 928-523-3312/TDD - 928-523-1006 or PO Box 4083, Flagstaff AZ 86011.

FLSA Status

This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and therefore will not earn overtime or compensatory time for additional time worked.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Northern Arizona University is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. NAU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

EEO is the Law Poster and Supplements

NAU is an Employer of National Service. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service alumni are encouraged to apply.



To apply, visit https://hr.peoplesoft.nau.edu/psp/ph92prta/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=2&JobOpeningId=606107&PostingSeq=1


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