Job description
Position Description
Seattle University invites applications to fill a new Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs & Excellence position (tenure track eligible) with an anticipated start date of September 1, 2026. The position will be a 9-month tenure track appointment at the rank commensurate with experience and qualifications. We seek an enthusiastic, dynamic, thoughtful senior-level teacher-scholar whose primary responsibilities are to lead and oversee activities related to faculty development and mentoring, faculty advancement and professionalism, and compliance with faculty-related personnel policies and procedures. The Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs & Excellence must be committed to an executive leadership role that develops strategic ideas, makes organizational-level decisions, implements policies and procedures; and executes and evaluates initiatives that all contribute to faculty success. They must be innovative, creative, collaborative, communicative, and transparent; valuing and encouraging the pursuits and contributions of a wide variety of faculty colleagues across multiple disciplines.
To facilitate fulfilling their responsibilities, the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs & Excellence may be appointed to the N. Jean Bushman Endowed Chair. The holder of this endowed chair is expected to lead the advancement of scholarship and academic quality within the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, by creating an environment to advance scholarship productivity, academic quality, and provide strategic oversight in the areas of teaching, research, practice, and service. They are further expected to provide dedicated, dynamic leadership, and intellectual vision in the field of care for vulnerable populations and health disparity; provide mentorship for enhancing faculty and student scholarly endeavors; develop and support high-profile interdisciplinary research/scholarly initiatives, increase external sponsored research project; develop and maintain key areas of faculty research interests and areas of expertise; and perform other related duties as assigned.
General faculty responsibilities involve active pursuit and participation in activities related to teaching, scholarly activity and professional development, and service and institution-building. Faculty have opportunities for involvement in both undergraduate and graduate academic programs and to instruct in both in-person and virtual classrooms as well as in clinical practice settings. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences currently houses academic programs that lead to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Ultrasound, a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, and a Master of Science in Kinesiology; and is positioned for growth to offer academic training programs in other health-related disciplines and professions in line with goals of Seattle University’s Reigniting Strategic Directions.
Seattle University College of Nursing and Health Sciences is seeking teacher-scholars motivated to be part of a community-engaged, creative and dynamic learning organization committed to social justice, teaching innovation, impactful research, and the formation of health professionals endeavoring to create a more humane world by meeting the health and healthcare needs of all people, especially those marginalized and underserved. We are looking to build a team that is inspired and committed to make a difference for the greater good of society, as Seattle University has a vision to be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels.
Seattle University, as a whole, continues to be strengthened by an increasingly diverse campus community spanning faculty, staff, and students. Seattle University’s LIFT SU, Inclusive Excellence Action Plan for Racial Equity and Antiracism led by Seattle University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, has fostered meaningful change to assure that people from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups feel a true sense of belonging and value. Aside from racial identity, people with lived experience across all intersectional identities and faiths or non-faiths add to the vibrancy of our campus environment and welcoming institutional climate.
The Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs & Excellence will have the following primary responsibilities:
1. Strategic leadership for faculty development and advancement processes and initiatives, in alignment with College and University directions and priorities, to foster scholarly productivity, effective instruction, impactful service; all contributing to elevating institutional reputation.
2. Lead, in collaboration with other College and University administrators, in handling faculty-related human resource matters; including, but not limited to, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures; facilitating faculty performance review processes; coordinating faculty personnel planning, recruitment, hiring, appointment, promotion, tenure, and emeritus status processes; and providing information and guidance regarding workload, leaves, retention, and retirement.
3. Oversee initiatives and processes that promote faculty excellence and productivity, such as for distinguished faculty appointments (i.e., endowed professorships), submission of intramural and extramural funding proposals, sabbatical applications, and nominating faculty for internal and external awards and recognitions.
4. Collaborate with relevant faculty committees and other campus units to assist with education and understanding of the faculty role to meet faculty performance expectations, implement faculty welfare efforts, and promote institutional mission, values, and tradition.
5. Assist with the completion of tasks to assure compliance with accreditation standards and regulatory requirements in relation to faculty affairs.
Qualifications
Applicants
Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to Seattle University’s and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences’ mission, vision, and values. The College emphasizes care of communities and populations that are underserved and marginalized. In concert with our Jesuit tradition, we are dedicated to social justice and leadership formation. Our faculty employ best practices and innovative approaches to graduating the highest quality health professionals at both the undergraduate and doctoral levels. Nationally-respected health and research institutions in the Western Washington and Pacific Northwest region offer opportunities for collaboration, and, Seattle University faculty, staff, and students are eager to engage in interdisciplinary endeavors.
Qualifications
Minimum qualifications:
- Earned research or professional doctorate in health-related field from an accredited institution. If the applicant is a licensed healthcare professional, their license and/or certification must be current and unrestricted, and, they must be eligible for licensure and/or certification in Washington state.
- Demonstrated successful leadership experience in academic administration in health professions higher education and training.
- Experience in personnel management and development as well as professional mentorship.
- Evidence of scholarly productivity in health professions/sciences or related areas.
- Experience with grant writing and securing external funding for educational, training, and research initiatives.
- Experience with evaluation process for personnel review and project execution.
- Proven track record of program/project development, assessment, and continuous quality improvement.
- Commitment to promoting excellence, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, in health professions/sciences education, research, practice, and service.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
- Strong understanding of current trends, issues, and best practices in health professions/sciences education and healthcare practice and services.
- Excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Track record that meets College and University criteria for appointment at the rank of Full Professor and meeting or leading to tenure.
Founded in 1891, Seattle University is a Jesuit Catholic university located on a beautiful campus of more than 50 acres in the dynamic heart of Seattle. Our diverse and driven population is made up of more than 7,200 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs within six schools and colleges. Seattle University is an equal opportunity employer.
In support of its pursuit of academic and scholarly excellence, Seattle University is committed to creating a diverse community of students, faculty and staff that is dedicated to the fundamental principles of equal opportunity and treatment in education and employment regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, national origin, political ideology, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The university encourages applications from, and nominations of, individuals who will further enrich the diversity of our educational community.
Compensation at a Glance
Salary Range: $140,000-145,000
Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate’s gender or any other protected status.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.
Benefits at a Glance
Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, and paid sick leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through the Careers at SU website at https://www.seattleu.edu/careers/ Application review will begin May 15, 2026, Positions are open until filled. A complete submission includes: -Cover letter of interest speaking to: -Explanation for why interested in the role, and description of relatable prior roles and previous accomplishments, including why you would be an ideal candidate for the position -Vision for contributing to the Seattle University mission as well as to its commitment to faculty success and inclusive excellence -Leadership style and approach in context of vision for the role -Teaching philosophy -Research/scholarship record and plans -Explanation of how you understand, embody, and would contribute to the following Seattle University commitments (at least one paragraph for each prompt): Our 5-year Strategic Plan, Reigniting Our Strategic Directions; Our Mission as a Jesuit and Catholic University; Our commitment to DEI and Inclusive Academic Excellence; Our focus on pedagogy, scholarship, service, and institution building; and Our faculty members’ role as Teacher-Scholars Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume -Names and contact information of three references (letters may be solicited upon submission of application)
