Dean of the Schools of STEM, Nursing & Health Sciences
Non Bargaining Unit
Exempt
Grade 19
BASIC FUNCTION
The Dean of the Schools of STEM and Nursing & Health Sciences provides strategic vision, academic leadership, and operational oversight for programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, nursing, and health professions at Vermont State University. The Dean works collaboratively with the Provost, Academic Affairs leadership, faculty, and external partners to
advance academic excellence, student success, workforce alignment, and program innovation. The position ensures academic quality, accreditation compliance, and effective resource stewardship while supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and program growth aligned with university priorities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide strategic vision and leadership for programs within the Schools of STEM and Nursing & Health Sciences.
- Align school initiatives with Vermont State University’s strategic plan and Academic
Affairs priorities.
- Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation across Schools of STEM and Nursing & Health Sciences.
- Lead strategic program development aligned with regional workforce and prospective learner demands, emerging technologies, and healthcare needs in Vermont and the region.
- Oversee the Schools’ operating budgets and ensure responsible stewardship of university resources.
- Ensure academic quality through oversight of curriculum development, program review, assessment, and continuous improvement in collaboration with faculty and department leaders.
- Monitor academic program effectiveness and recommend programmatic changes to the Chief Academic Officer.
- Evaluate full or part-time faculty who are up for reappointment, tenure, or promotion
- Ensure accredited programs comply with accreditation standards and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Support faculty development, applied research, and grant activity across the Schools.
- Participate as an active member of the team in the planning and development of facilities, laboratories, equipment, and clinical learning environments to support academic programs.
- Establish and maintain partnerships with healthcare systems, industry, government agencies, community organizations, and educational institutions to support workforce alignment, program growth and articulation and transfer pathways.
- Represent the Schools at university events, professional meetings, and community engagements; and participate in shared governance, university committees, recruitment activities, and other institutional responsibilities as assigned by the Provost.
- Collaborate across schools and divisions to support student success. Work with academic deans and the Provost on program planning and coordinate cross-functional initiatives that enhance the student experience and support institutional priorities.
- Perform other administrative duties as assigned by the Provost.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
General supervision is received from the Provost.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Direct supervisory responsibility for administrative staff within the Schools of STEM and Nursing, & Health Sciences.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Earned Ph.D., DNP, Ed.D., or other terminal degree in a STEM, nursing, or health professions discipline plus 10 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, including significant teaching experience or a combination of education and experience in which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.
- Minimum 3 years of academic leadership experience (e.g., chair, associate dean, dean, or equivalent).
- Demonstrated experience with budget management, strategic planning, and program administration.
- Experience working within a shared governance and unionized academic environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with academic accreditation processes and regulatory compliance.
- Demonstrated success in grant development and external partnerships.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
- Knowledge of higher education administration, academic governance, and accreditation processes.
- Strong understanding of STEM disciplines and healthcare workforce education.
- Ability to lead complex academic organizations across multiple campuses or modalities.
- Strong financial acumen and experience managing large academic budgets.
- Ability to develop strategic partnerships with healthcare systems, industry, and community organizations.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and lead organizational change.
- Commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and student-centered academic environment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Duties performed causes light fatigue of eyes, fingers, or other faculties as a result of repetitive motion and/or long periods of standing or sitting. Duties require little physical effort in work with light (up to 15lbs) easy-to-handle materials.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Job is performed in general office or comparable working area with many and frequent distractions such as noise and interruptions. Work schedule may vary during high volume periods. This is an FLSA exempt, salaried position based on a typical
40 hour/week schedule.
LOCATION: Vermont State University campuses: Randolph, Williston, Lyndon, Johnson, Castleton with travel to all campuses.
COMPENSATION: The budgeted compensation for this position is $160,000 - $180,000
BENEFITS PACKAGE:
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Tuition Waiver to Vermont State Colleges
- Tuition Waiver to UVM* for dependent children
- Employee Assistance Program
- Long Term Disability
- 14 Paid Holidays
- Medical, Personal, and Vacation Leave
This general outline illustrates the type of work which characterizes the job classification. It is not all-encompassing statement of the specific duties, responsibilities and qualifications of the individual positions assigned to the classification. Other duties as assigned are anticipated and expected.
Vermont State University is a part of the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS). VSCS values individual differences that can be engaged in the service of learning. Diverse experiences from people of varied backgrounds inform and enrich our community. VSCS strongly encourages applications from historically marginalized and underrepresented populations. VSCS is an equal opportunity employer, in compliance with ADA requirements, and will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified applicant. Please contact our HR office for assistance with accommodations at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).
NOTE: This job is subject to a fingerprint-supported criminal background check. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the satisfactory results of this check.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
