Mitchell College - Founding Director of Nursing

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Mitchell College in its search for Founding Director of Nursing. 

For full consideration, please apply by September 19, 2025. 

Mitchell College, a uniquely student-centered and forward-thinking institution, seeks an experienced, dynamic, and collaborative Founding Director of Nursing to guide its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program through its next phase of growth. Reporting directly to the Provost, the ideal candidate is a proven leader committed to academic excellence, student success, community partnerships, and advancing the nursing profession.

With significant groundwork already laid, the College has made notable progress toward establishing this new program, including:

• Securing approval for numerous curriculum changes through the Internal Curriculum Committee and the Board of Examiners for Nursing
• Mapping the curriculum and identifying necessary supports
• Adding three new clinical partners and two new clinical sites
• Submitting initial paperwork to ACEN and receiving approval to apply for candidacy

This highly visible leadership role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact within a supportive, close-knit campus community. The Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of the nursing program, including curriculum oversight, accreditation, faculty supervision, budget management, and community engagement, while working closely with clinical partners, advisory boards, and the College’s senior leadership. 

The College offers significant resources and support including:

• Beautiful, fully equipped simulation facilities with planned expansion
• A dedicated suite of Nursing offices
• Established letters of intent from eight clinical partners and a committed advisory board
• A welcoming and supportive regional environment invested in the program’s success

This 12-month position has no teaching requirement and offers the opportunity for the next Director to shape the future of nursing education in the region, while bringing their own vision to the program as it continues to grow and evolve.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
The Director of Nursing shall have the authority, accountability, and responsibility for all aspects of the program including but not limited to: 

• Lead strategic planning and assessment, in collaboration with academic administration and the nursing community advisory board, and other stakeholders 
  • Articulate program identity and goals, and their alignment with mission, learning goals, and strategic plan goals and objectives 
  • Lead strategic planning and develop and implement strategic action plan for the program, including new modes of program delivery   
  • Coordinate routine program assessment and follow-through 
  • Review, evaluate, revise nursing program curriculum 
• Increase the program’s visibility and reputation in the region. 
  • Develop community partnerships that will benefit the program, including cooperative ventures, and clinical placements  
  • Work with nursing community advisory board to develop and maintain a strong network of support and communication  
  • Pursue grant opportunities in collaboration with community agencies and projects 
• Participate in admission of new students into the program 
  • Communicate promptly with prospective students 
  • Communicate promptly with applicants 
  • Work with enrollment managers to review and make decisions on student applications 
• Coordinate advising for current nursing students 
  • Assist in choice of semester’s courses 
  • Monitor student progress through the program 
  • Review and act upon academic petitions 
  • Address student issues and complaints 
• Market the nursing program
  • Consult with designees to develop effective marketing strategies and effective marketing materials 
  • Maintain and update program website 
  • Coordinate and supervise all faculty teaching in the program. 
  • Review and make decisions about part-time faculty applications  
  • Monitor and provide feedback to part-time faculty 
  • Develop, review, revise job descriptions as needed 
• Coordinate and supervise nursing peer tutors 
• Work on College Advancement initiatives as assigned
• Communicate with the CT Department of Public Health to meet all requirements 
• Conduct faculty evaluations 
  • Hire, orient, and evaluate full-time nursing faculty 
  • Collaborate with Faculty reappointment and promotion committee 
  • Monitor, provide feedback, and provide ongoing professional development to nursing faculty 
  • Develop, review, revise job descriptions as needed 
• Participate in College activities, initiatives, and committees 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• An earned PhD, DNP, or EdD degree 
• Unencumbered and current Registered Nurse (RN) license to practice in Connecticut with nursing practice experience for at least five years
• Relevant higher education leadership experience, including the supervision of staff and faculty  
• Demonstrated satisfactory experience teaching in a nursing program for at least two years 
• Knowledge of issues and trends in nursing education, including assessment and accreditation 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to work with students and scholars from diverse cultural backgrounds 
• Experience in community relations/cultivating partnerships
• Demonstrated good judgment and commitment to program excellence 
• Interest in understanding and supporting the mission of the College 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Publications, journal reviews, and involvement in the profession   
• Working knowledge of student information systems  

About the Institution

Founded in 1938, Mitchell College is a nonprofit four-year coeducational, residential college offering bachelor degrees and associate degrees. Mitchell developed its distinct educational approach over 85 years, blending a tradition of mentoring with an expertise in teaching diverse learning styles to create the innovative Mitchell Ability Model. Through a journey of self-discovery, learning adaptability, four-year career development, and mastery of essential abilities, students are challenged, supported and equipped for lifelong success. Mitchell is committed to the broader community through building strong, creative and cooperative partnerships. Located on a beautiful waterfront campus in historic New London, it is also home to championship NCAA Division III athletics and highly sought-after Living & Learning support programs including Thames at Mitchell College, the SAILS Program, and the renowned Bentsen Learning Center.

Living in the Area

Located in the picturesque city of New London, CT, Mitchell College is a suburban, residential, coastal campus situated on the Thames River shoreline, one hour from Hartford and Providence and two hours from Boston and New York City. The 68-acre campus of Mitchell College includes two private beaches, athletic fields and the Mitchell Woods green space (woods, pond and walking trails). Campus buildings include multi-level classroom and administrative buildings, historic homes, an athletic building, performing arts spaces, dining areas, residence halls, The Red Barn, an event space for both the college and the community, and Michael’s Dairy, an old-fashioned ice cream shop serving New London residents and visitors. 

Boasting a charming downtown district on the National Historic Register, the city is a hub of energy with a rich seafaring heritage, centuries old architecture, one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants, and a vibrant arts scene. The surrounding metro area is also home to Pfizer’s Global Research and Development Center and numerous healthcare facilities including Yale New Haven Lawrence Memorial Hospital. 

To Apply 

For full consideration, please apply by September 19, 2025. 

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 MitchellNursing@acesrch.com 
Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com

Institution’s EEO Statement
Mitchell College is an Affirmative Action-Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability and genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization or other non-merit factors.