College of Nursing - Assistant Dean for Student Success

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. 

Sacred Heart University is a contemporary Catholic university rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts that cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. We uphold a universal perspective, welcoming and valuing diverse faith traditions, including those from religious and nonreligious backgrounds. This catholicity, which is the basis of inclusivity, enriches dialogue, deepens understanding and strengthens our commitment to creating a more compassionate and just world.

The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 388 Colleges–2023 Edition, and Best Business Schools–2023 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu 
 
To apply

Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

Position Summary

The Assistant Dean will work closely with the Associate Dean, department chairs, and program directors in the DHCON to provide faculty and staff education, advising for at-risk students, program development for academic success support and remediation, and strategic planning. The incumbent will work with colleagues across the university to provide leadership, support, and service as assigned.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Dean’s Leadership Council and with input from faculty, professional advisors, and the Center for Teaching and Learning, refine current practices to advance a college-wide advising model, including strategies that provide meaningful opportunities for students to succeed; 
• Develop, organize, and implement individual and group trainings, and develop and disseminate resources to faculty and professional advisors to provide meaningful and consistent advising support to students;
• Develop, coordinate, facilitate, and/or present academic planning and career development modules and special workshops for students (e.g., resume development, identifying internship opportunities, etc.);
• Serve on university advising career development task forces;
• Provide support for advising and alumni events and initiatives in collaboration with faculty, professional advisors, and other DHCON leadership and staff;
• Counsel and advise students, individually or in groups, on issues related to being successful in an academic Nursing program.  Advise students with academic difficulties and, as needed, assist faculty in developing strategies related to academic standards counseling.
• In collaboration with the DHCON Dean and Department Chairs, provide direction and intervention for students in crisis and non-crisis situations. This includes intervening with the SHU Counseling Center, providing victim advocacy, and working with staff and students affected by the crisis.
• Provide referrals and follow-up to specific departments, schools, or colleges as appropriate (e.g., Student Counseling Center and Jandrisevits Learning Center).
• Serve as a liaison to Career Development services and counsel/advise students in making career-related decisions, using assessment instruments where appropriate; assist students in the use of existing resources for learning about careers of interest to them; critique student resumes and assist with programs and services related to placement activities;
• Serve as liaison and resource with academic and/or student services, departments/organizations, including those outside of the DHCON (e.g., Graduate Admissions, Registrar’s Office, Transfer Admissions, Undergraduate Admissions, Teaching and Learning Center, Alumni Office) as assigned;
• Assist Dean, Associate Deans, Department Chairs, and others in planning and participating in college events, open houses, and orientation events, including ancillary advising opportunities;
• Become conversant with the university’s student planning and advising system (SPA), PioConnect, and other mechanisms to identify and address barriers to student success;
• Contribute to the strategic growth of the DHCON in areas that broadly relate to and support the Mission of SHU.
• Use student and alumni tracking data to provide analysis of trends and opportunities for enhancing programs to address student and alumni success and satisfaction.
• Collaborate with the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Global Nursing, Chairs, and Program Directors in reviewing and analyzing results of standardized testing to support curricular enhancement efforts as needed;
• Prepare, organize, and maintain appropriate resources, reports, and statistical summaries;
• Understand and be able to articulate standards for licensure and certification requirements for all programs;
• Support DHCON CCNE review process;
• All other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes 

• Doctoral degree in Nursing or related student service area preferred; MSN in Nursing required.
• CT RN License required.
• Knowledge and experience in curriculum, teaching, and learning in Nursing;
• Experience in providing faculty support for pedagogy and advising;
• 3-5 years of experience in academic advising and teaching, preferably at both undergraduate and graduate Nursing levels;
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills;
• Strong organizational and data analysis skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations and a commitment to diversity and inclusion;
• Strategic planning skills;
• Ability to provide strategic, innovative perspective while working as a vital member of the Nursing Leadership team;
• Command of technological skills (MS Word, Excel, Google Docs, Zoom).
• Experience leading or working in a college/university advising office or related administrative unit is preferred;
• Professional Nursing certification, including CNE, is preferred 
• Evidence of scholarship and creative activity is preferred

Unusual Working Conditions

• Participation in evening and weekend events is occasionally required.

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.