The USF Health College of Nursing is one of 14 colleges at the University of South Florida and one of four that make up USF Health. As a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, USF is designated by the Carnegie Foundation as both a Research 1 and a Community-Engaged institution, reflecting its commitment to excellence in education, research, and service. Nationally recognized as a leader in nursing education and research, the College of Nursing serves more than 2,000 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students each year. For the fourth consecutive year, our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program has been ranked No. 1 among Florida’s public universities by U.S. News & World Report—rising to No. 22 in the nation in 2026. As an integral part of USF Health, the College of Nursing is guided by a mission grounded in excellence, innovation, and respect. We are dedicated to educating future nurses, advancing nursing science, and applying evidence-based practice to improve health outcomes and community well-being.
The University of South Florida College of Nursing invites applications for the position of Assistant Dean or
Associate Dean for Simulation and Experiential Learning. The successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership for the College’s Simulation and Experiential Learning Center, advancing innovative, evidence-based learning experiences across undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.
This leader will oversee simulation operations, faculty and staff development, accreditation, budget management, and partnerships that support student success and clinical competency. The position offers an opportunity to shape the future of simulation and experiential learning within one of the region’s largest nursing programs.
Candidates from nursing are strongly encouraged to apply. Exceptional candidates from other health professions with significant simulation leadership are also encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities:
Lead the strategic vision and daily operations of the Simulation and Experiential Learning Center.
Integrate simulation and experiential learning across the undergraduate and graduate nursing curricula.
Collaborate with faculty to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based simulation experiences.
Ensure compliance with accreditation requirements, regulatory standards, and simulation best practices.
Support faculty development in simulation pedagogy, debriefing, and curriculum integration.
Develop partnerships with clinical, community, and interprofessional education partners.
Recruit, mentor, supervise, and evaluate simulation faculty and professional staff.
Manage budgets, facilities, simulation technologies, and educational resources.
Represent the College through professional organizations and simulation initiatives.
Promote a culture of excellence, innovation, accountability, inclusion, and professionalism.
Minimum Qualifications:
Doctoral degree from an accredited institution or the highest degree appropriate in the field of specialization with a demonstrated record of achievement in teaching, academic research, and service. Normally will have produced creative work, professional writing or research in referred and other professional journals. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Associate or Professor.
Additional Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience in simulation, experiential learning, nursing education, or healthcare education.
Experience supervising and developing faculty and/or staff.
Demonstrated expertise in simulation-based education, curriculum integration, assessment, and accreditation.
Ability to lead organizational change, build partnerships, and foster high-performing teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
Leadership experience within a college of nursing, academic health center, or health professions education program.
Experience directing a comprehensive simulation center.
Experience managing personnel, budgets, educational technologies, and accreditation activities.
Success implementing innovative simulation methodologies and evidence-based educational practices.
Record of scholarship and professional engagement in simulation, nursing education, or health professions
education.
CHSE (Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator) preferred certification.
Candidates from nursing are strongly encouraged to apply. Exceptional candidates from other health professions with significant simulation leadership are also encouraged to apply.
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
