The School of Nursing is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to serve as Divisional Dean and Chief Nurse Administrator. This full-time, 12-month administrative role will guide one of Idaho’s top nursing programs, overseeing academic, operational, and strategic functions. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences, this position is based on the Boise State University campus, with a start date of January 2026.

The Divisional Dean’s rank (associate, or professor) and position (clinical or tenure-track) will be determined based on university policy and the individual's academic experience, professional achievements, scholarly achievements, and alignment with departmental goals. 

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Operations
  Lead the School of Nursing’s mission, strategic planning, and academic operations. Oversee program development, faculty hiring and promotion, budgeting, accreditation, and performance improvement.

• Faculty & Academic Oversight
  Supervise the Academic Leadership Team and ensure effective curriculum design, faculty development, workload management, and academic excellence.

• Resource Management
  Manage the school’s financial, physical, and personnel resources. Lead strategic investment in infrastructure, staffing, and innovation to ensure long-term success.

• Community & University Relations
  Represent the School of Nursing at state, regional, and national levels. Build partnerships with healthcare organizations and community stakeholders. Serve as liaison with university leadership and external boards.

• Accreditation & Compliance
  Maintain compliance with nursing accreditation standards and university policies. Lead the preparation of institutional reports and ensure adherence to licensure and educational standards.

• Student Success & Belonging
  Champion initiatives that improve student success, increase graduation rates, and support a welcoming learning environment.

• Teaching, Research & Service (as applicable)
  Engage in teaching, research, and service activities aligned with professional expertise and availability.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and visionary academic leader who brings a strong foundation in nursing education, administrative leadership, and strategic planning. This person is a champion for student and faculty success, committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive academic environment, capable of managing complex operations, building trusted relationships, and inspiring innovation in healthcare education. We value leaders who:

• Lead with integrity and transparency

• Build partnerships inside and outside the university

• Communicate clearly and effectively

• Adapt to change and lead others through it

• Champion student success and belonging across varied life experiences

• Balance strategy with hands-on support for faculty and staff

Minimum Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse license (Idaho or compact state eligible)

• Doctoral degree

• At least 3 years of leadership/managerial experience

• Demonstrated record of teaching, research, and/or service meriting faculty appointment

• Leadership experience in higher education

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven record of university or community service

• Certification or advanced degree in nurse leadership, nursing education, or administration OR national recognition as an emerging or established leader by a professional nursing organization (e.g., NLN, AACN, AONL)

• Experience with nursing accreditation standards (CCNE/ACEN), including the National Task Force guidelines for Nurse Practitioner education

Application Materials

• Cover letter

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume

• Contact information for three professional references

Salary & Benefits

Starting salary: $165,000+, commensurate with experience

Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)

• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages

• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents

• Dual Career Assistance Support for spouses and partners.

• See our full benefits page for more information

School of Nursing overview:

The Boise State University School of Nursing is a top-ranked nursing program in Idaho, known for its commitment to preparing graduates to be leaders in transforming healthcare. The school offers a variety of programs, including:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS): A challenging program emphasizing leadership skills, professional values, and core nursing competencies. The program includes clinical rotations at schools, hospitals, healthcare clinics, and district health departments. The program is five semesters long, with summers off. 

RN-BS Completion Track: An online program that offers a holistic learning experience with support from faculty and advisors. The program is designed to help registered nurses continue their education while balancing personal and employment commitments. 

Doctor of Nursing Practice: This program with three tracks focuses on quality improvement and translating theory into practice. 

1. Post-Masters to DNP: An online program for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, and nurse midwives). . 

2. BS-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): A program offered through the BS-DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice. 

3. BS-DNP Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP): A program offered through the BS-DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice. 

Key Features of the School of Nursing:

• State-of-the-art simulation education: Students learn in a simulated healthcare environment, providing hands-on experience before entering real-world clinical settings.

• Focused clinical placement: The school partners with top healthcare facilities in Idaho to provide students with meaningful clinical experiences.

• Faculty dedicated to advancing the field:  Experienced educators passionate about helping students bridge nursing theory into practice and engaging in research and scholarship.

• A focus on leadership and innovation: The school prepares students to become healthcare leaders and contribute innovative solutions to healthcare challenges.

The School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The school's Simulation Center is accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare's Council for Accreditation of Healthcare Simulation Programs. 

About Boise State:

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about faculty careers at Boise State and the City of Boise.