Job description
Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist University of South Florida’s College of Nursing in its search for Senior Associate Dean of Graduate Nursing Education.
For full consideration, please apply by November 20, 2025.
The University of South Florida (USF) College of Nursing, Florida’s largest producer of graduate nurses and home to the state’s top-ranked Master of Science in Nursing program, seeks a visionary Senior Associate Dean of Graduate Nursing Education (Senior Associate Dean). This entrepreneurial role offers the opportunity to lead and expand master’s and DNP programs, develop innovative offerings beyond the traditional nurse practitioner focus, and mentor faculty in a well-resourced, high-growth environment. With strong clinical partnerships, robust simulation resources, and a supportive leadership team, the College provides a platform to shape the future of graduate nursing education in the Tampa Bay region and beyond.
Reporting directly to the Dean, the Senior Associate Dean will serve as the operational head of graduate programs, providing vision, strategic direction, and driving programmatic excellence. The ideal candidate will be an experienced faculty mentor and program developer who brings strong business acumen to connect enrollment, revenue, and sustainability. This is a chance to take an already strong graduate enterprise to the next level and help define the future of nursing education in one of the nation’s most vibrant healthcare markets.
Serving more than 2,400 students annually, the USF Health College of Nursing leads in graduate nursing education and is one of the most prominent nursing schools in Florida. Its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program has been ranked No. 1 among public Florida universities for four consecutive years and is now No. 23 nationally (U.S. News & World Report, 2025). The College maintains a 97% NCLEX-RN pass rate, reflecting excellence in student preparation and curriculum design. With extensive clinical partnerships, a respected community presence, and robust simulation and staffing support, the College offers an ideal platform for the next phase of growth.
USF itself is on a rapid ascent. As a recently admitted member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), USF is one of the most dynamic public research universities in Florida, combining a bold vision for growth with a strong commitment to community engagement and globally relevant scholarship. A $33 million expansion, including a new state-of-the-art simulation and learning facility scheduled to open in Fall 2026, will further expand capacity and strengthen training infrastructure. Amid this exciting time, the Senior Associate Dean will play a central role expanding programs beyond the nurse practitioner focus, launching innovative offerings aligned with market needs, and ensuring sustainable growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as the operational leader providing oversight of graduate nursing education and provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction to all graduate-level nursing programs (master’s and DNP), with a focus on long-term academic growth, innovation, and programmatic excellence as well as developing meaningful joint programming between the PhD and DNP curricula.
- Align graduate nursing education with the institution’s strategic goals, market trends, national standards, and local to global healthcare needs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Doctoral degree from an accredited institution with a demonstrated record of achievement in teaching, academic research, and service.
- DNP or PhD in Nursing from an accredited institution; or PhD in another health-related field with a master’s in nursing from an accredited institution.
- Eligible for Florida nursing licensure with specialty certification as an advanced practice nurse.
- A sustained program of scholarly activity commensurate with rank.
- Eligible for appointment as associate or full professor rank upon hire, based on research/scholarship, teaching, and service record.
- Evidence of progressive leadership positions in academic nursing.
- Demonstrated commitment to student success and excellence in graduate education.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Expertise in mentoring teaching faculty and building teams.
- Expertise in grant writing to support graduate education.
- Experience establishing clinical partnerships.
- Financial management skills.
- Evidence of leadership in the profession of nursing.
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best, large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. 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.
About USF College of Nursing
The University of South Florida College of Nursing is a nationally recognized leader in nursing education, research, and clinical practice. Serving more than 2,400 students annually across bachelor’s, master’s, DNP, and PhD programs, the College is consistently ranked among the nation’s best—its Master of Science in Nursing program holds the No. 1 ranking among public Florida institutions and is ranked No. 23 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. With more than 1,000 clinical partners and over 110,000 clinical hours completed each year, students gain extensive real-world experience that drives strong outcomes, including NCLEX pass rates above state and national averages. Guided by its mission of excellence, innovation, inclusion, and respect, the College is advancing health care locally and globally, supported by a $33 million facility expansion—including a new simulation and learning center set to open in 2026—to prepare the next generation of nursing leaders.
Living in the Area
Tampa offers a compelling blend of urban energy and coastal charm. With warm, sunny weather for much of the year, it’s ideal for spending time outdoors. Tampa offers the perfect blend of professional opportunity and lifestyle advantages. The city is known for its sunshine and outdoor recreation — from kayaking on the Hillsborough River and biking along Bayshore Boulevard to quick getaways at nearby Gulf beaches. Tampa also boasts rich cultural attractions, including the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, the Tampa Museum of Art, and the lively historic district of Ybor City, alongside family favorites like Busch Gardens and the Tampa Riverwalk.
Getting in and out of the region is simple, with Tampa International Airport offering over 100 nonstop routes just minutes from downtown, plus easy access to St. Petersburg–Clearwater International Airport. The area provides diverse living options, from urban neighborhoods to family-friendly suburbs, with housing costs that remain more affordable than many other major U.S. metro areas.
For USF employees, there are added benefits: access to on-campus recreation and wellness programs, proximity to top hospitals and healthcare systems for collaboration, and the chance to be part of a university that continues to climb in national rankings. Tampa’s mix of career opportunities, cultural life, and coastal living makes it an exceptional place to call home.
How to apply
For full consideration, please apply by November 20, 2025.
To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjyv0lpr
Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.
Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.
Inquiries and questions: Please send to [email protected].
Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to [email protected].
Institutional Information
Compliance and Federal NoticesThis position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.Applicants have rights under Federal Employment 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.
