Director of the School of Nursing

Georgia College & State University (GCSU) is the state's designated public liberal arts university, where students learn the essential skills to compete in a fast-paced and technology-driven global society. The university prepares students for successful careers, leadership in communities, problem solving and life-long learning through personalized attention in a residential setting with opportunities for a variety of transformational experiences through its award-winning, high-impact practices. One of only three selective universities within the University System of Georgia and a top 10 ranked public university in the Southeast, GCSU offers undergraduate degrees in more than 40 majors, more than 30 graduate programs, doctorates in education and nursing, professional certificates, and continuing education programs.

As a member of the prestigious Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC), GCSU is committed to fostering a liberal arts environment that values academic preeminence, interdisciplinary inquiry and an inclusive learning community. GCSU enjoys a strong reputation for academic excellence and nationally ranked programs according to US News & World Report, The Princeton Review and Colleges of Distinction - among other ranking sources.
Georgia College & State University takes great pride in combining the educational experience of a private liberal arts college with the affordability of a public university. Faculty and staff are dedicated to student engagement and experiential learning through high-impact practices such as internships, service- and community-based learning, leadership development, study abroad opportunities, mentored undergraduate research and a capstone project that fosters intellectual curiosity, reasoned inquiry and critical thinking.

The university's beautiful and historic campus is located downtown in Milledgeville, Georgia, a charming college town of approximately 19,000 residents in Central Georgia, and only 90 miles southeast of Atlanta. Milledgeville is also the home of noted American author and alumna, Flannery O'Connor, '45, and the college community enjoys many exciting literary arts programs at O'Connor's former home, Andalusia, a National Historic Landmark owned by the university. Milledgeville is located on the banks of beautiful Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee, allowing faculty, staff and students to take full advantage of the environmental and recreational benefits of being part of a lake community. For cultural, educational and leisure opportunities beyond Milledgeville - Macon and Atlanta are located within easy driving distances.

Georgia College & State University is dedicated to protecting academic freedom in addition to supporting freedom of expression as outlined in the University System of Georgia's Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom policy and its Ethics Code of Conduct. For more information, visit us online at gcsu.edu.

Seeking a Nurse Educator to provide strategic, visionary leadership as the Director for the School of Nursing. The Director of the School of Nursing provides comprehensive leadership for the academic, operational, and administrative functions of the school. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences, the Director ensures excellence in program delivery, faculty and staff performance, student success, and resource management, while advancing the mission and strategic priorities of the School, College, and University.

Serving as, or working collaboratively with, the Chief Nurse Administrator (CNA) based on experience and departmental needs, the Director ensures academic operations align with accreditation standards and regulatory expectations. The Director fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability, supporting continuous improvement and sustainable program growth.

This is a full-time, 12-month academic appointment. Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, some evenings and weekend commitments may be required to meet the responsibilities of the position.

The Director serves as the academic and administrative leader for the School of Nursing and The Director works collaboratively with the SON Administrative team, program coordinators, faculty and staff.

Administration - 20%
- Serve as a member of the College of Health Sciences (COHS) Leadership Team, representing the School on the COHS Administrative Council and University Council of Chairs
- Chair the Nursing Faculty Organization and Nursing Advisory Board; plan and oversee advisory board activities and annual meetings
- Represent the School on state and professional organizations, including the Georgia Association of Nursing Deans and Directors
- Serve on university, college, and school committees, task forces, and initiatives as assigned
- Provide oversight of school operations, ensuring effective coordination of academic and administrative functions
- Ensure efficient scheduling of courses, labs, clinical experiences, and faculty assignments in collaboration with program leadership

Personnel Management - 20%
- Serve as hiring manager for all School of Nursing faculty and staff, including position development, recruitment, selection, and onboarding
- Provide direct supervision and leadership for faculty and staff
- Conduct annual faculty evaluations; make recommendations regarding reappointment, tenure, promotion, and merit
- Review staff evaluations and collaborate with supervisors on recommendations
- Oversee and approve faculty and staff workload assignments to ensure equity and efficiency
- Support faculty and staff professional development, mentorship, and engagement

Fiscal and Resource Management - 20%
- Serve as fiscal manager for all School of Nursing budgets (operating, personnel, lab fees, foundation, auxiliary, and others)
- Collaborate in annual budget planning with the Dean's Office and program leadership
- Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible stewardship of institutional resources
- Make budget recommendations aligned with strategic priorities
- Identify and support external funding opportunities, including grants and community partnerships

Academic Programming - 20%
- Provide leadership for academic program implementation and curriculum oversight
- Supervise curriculum development, revision, and evaluation; support innovative teaching strategies including simulation and clinical learning
- Oversee course scheduling in collaboration with Assistant Directors and Coordinators
- Monitor student outcomes and support retention and student success initiatives
- Mentor faculty in teaching, assessment, and curriculum design
- Oversee instructional resources, including labs and equipment

Strategic Planning - 10%
- Lead development and implementation of short- and long-term strategic goals for the School
- Identify opportunities for program growth, innovation, and new program development
- Build and maintain partnerships with healthcare systems and community organizations
- Support interdisciplinary collaboration across the College and University
- Represent the School in external engagements and regional workforce initiatives

Teaching - 5%
- Maintain active engagement in teaching through a minimum of 3 credit hours of didactic instruction annually

Other - 5%
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Dean
- Participate in special projects, institutional initiatives, and emerging priorities
- Travel as required for conferences, accreditation activities, meetings, and professional engagement

Educational Requirements
Earned doctoral degree in nursing or a closely related field from an accredited institution (PhD preferred)

Other Required Qualifications
Licensure and Certification Requirements:

- Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license (or eligibility for licensure in the state of practice).

- National Certification in a nursing related specialty area

Required Experience
- Eligible for or current holder of academic tenure and appointment at the rank of Professor based on GCSU COHS Tenure and Promotion guidelines.

- 5+ years of experience in nursing education, including teaching for the undergraduate and graduate programs

- 2+ years of leadership experience in academic or clinical settings

- Experience with online teaching

- An established record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service

Additional Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability in faculty/staff supervision, evaluation, and development

- Experience with budget management and resource allocation

- 2+ years of progressive academic leadership experience

- Experience with strategic planning, program growth, and new program development

- Record of scholarship, grantsmanship, or funded projects

- Experience working with interdisciplinary programs and healthcare partnerships

- Experience with clinical partnerships, workforce development initiatives, and community engagement

Preferred Educational Qualifications
-PhD in Nursing

Preferred Experience
The Director is preferred to possess the following:
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in a leadership role
- Broad knowledge of program assessment, evaluation and accreditation processes
- Demonstrated effectiveness in management of fiscal resources, strategic planning and program development
- Evidence of leadership in the Nursing profession at the state, regional, national or international level
- National certification in specialty area
- Experience in building and sustaining external relationships with clinical and community partners
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience with curriculum development and assessment including online course delivery, engaged learning, simulation, and use of instructional technology

The minimum salary is $130,000. Starting salary is based on relevant years of experience.

• Transcripts
• List of References
• Teaching Philosophy
• CV/Resume
• Cover Letter

ABILITIES
- Lead organizational change and foster an environment of innovation and accountability

- Balance administrative duties with active teaching and scholarship

- Interpret and apply accreditation standards and university policy

- Manage competing priorities in a complex academic environment

- Serve effectively as both academic leader and administrative manager

- Work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and community partners

- Ability to support faculty scholarship, accreditation readiness, and student success outcomes

KNOWLEDGE
- Nursing education principles, curriculum design, and program evaluation at undergraduate and graduate levels

- Accreditation standards (ACEN/CCNE) and state regulatory requirements

- Academic governance, faculty evaluation, tenure and promotion processes

- Budget management, resource allocation, and sponsored funding

- Online/distance education and simulation-based learning

- Healthcare workforce trends and community partnership development

- Knowledge of curriculum development, program implementation, and program evaluation

- Knowledge of accreditation standards and regulatory requirements in nursing education

SKILLS
- Strategic leadership of a multidisciplinary academic unit

- Faculty and staff recruitment, supervision, and professional development

- Multi-source budget management and equitable resource allocation

- Curriculum development, outcomes assessment, and instructional innovation

- Clear written and verbal communication with broad audiences

- Relationship-building with internal and external stakeholders

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

This is a supervisory position.
This position has financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position does not require security clearance.

• Criminal Background Check
• Education Verification
• Credit check