Assistant Dean - Nursing Programs

As a federally designated Hispanic-serving Institution residing on the traditional homelands of the 14 Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Yakima Valley College cultivates equity and a culture of innovative and inclusive teaching and learning.

Yakima Valley College serves all students holistically, supports all students' learning goals, and fosters achievement within career and educational pathways.

We strengthen our communities by providing opportunities for personal enrichment, economic mobility, and sociocultural engagement.

Yakima Valley College is accepting applications for an innovative and collaborative Assistant Dean – Nursing Programs, who is committed to students and their success. This is a full-time (12 month) administrative position, which includes a full state benefits package. This position is in person, on campus M-F and occasional evenings and weekends as needed for program operations and support. This role supervises both faculty and staff positions and has an anticipated start date of September 2025.

The Assistant Dean reports to the Associate Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development and will serve as the Nurse Administrator for Nursing programs at YVC. These programs currently encompass certificates and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees. The incumbent will engage in collaboration to focus on strategic planning aimed at program growth and sustainability, ensuring alignment with industry needs, accreditation standards, college policies, and initiatives that enhance student success. In this capacity, the Assistant Dean – Nursing Programs will actively support designated academic departments through accountability measures, administrative guidance, and effective communication. Critical responsibilities will include making data-informed decisions, conducting labor market analyses, managing budgets, and identifying grant opportunities.

This position offers a competitive base salary range of $116,539-$130,521. In addition, it qualifies for a Nursing Program Stipend for academic years Fall September 2025 - Spring June 2027, which provides supplemental compensation in recognition of workforce needs. The stipend is negotiated with collective bargaining units and affected administrators and is subject to funding availability.  

This role is essential in assisting with various functions, including policy and procedure management, program planning, accreditation processes, faculty and staff development, curriculum delivery, facility and equipment planning, and departmental operations. Additional duties involve overseeing grant management, fostering community engagement, and addressing student concerns. The Assistant Dean will assist in the implementation of policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with federal, state, college, and accreditation requirements pertinent to assigned programs. The ideal candidate will exemplify a strong commitment to excellence in leadership, as well as to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.JOB DUTIES:

• Provide leadership to maintain accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and ensure compliance with all ACEN requirements for program approval. This includes following the Washington State Board on Nursing (WABON) guidelines and requirements.
• Comply with the following guidelines: (a) college policies and procedures, (b) state administrative code, (c) standards of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and (d) standards set forth by all accrediting and approval agencies for Nursing certification in Washington State.
• Develop and recommend overall objectives, plans, and procedures for Nursing Programs, along with oversight of the instructional and clinical facilities. This includes following records management procedures for the department.
• Ensure program assessments are conducted and utilize data and research to guide best practices in Nursing Programs.
• Maintain quality assurance, safety standards, and FERPA and HIPAA compliance requirements, and prepare for on-site ACEN accrediting site visits.
• Prepare quarterly and annual reports, including extensive self-study reports.
• Prepare a preliminary budget for the program, incorporating input from faculty and staff.
• Propose annual budget to YVC administration, manage and approve program expenditures through effective budget management, and utilize college processes to procure necessary supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Serve as part of the student appeal process for programs served.
• Lead the recruitment process for all faculty and staff in the Nursing Programs. Complete faculty and staff performance evaluations in a timely manner.
• Participate in tenure committees and manage all disciplinary matters following college policies and procedures and collective bargaining agreements.
• Plan and recommend annual teaching assignments within established guidelines and in accordance with faculty expertise and program needs.
• Manage and coordinate the Nursing Programs Advisory Committee, ensure minimum number of meetings are held each year, with additional meetings as needed. Follow through with applicable reporting and recruit new members as necessary.
• Collaborate with program faculty to form, develop, evaluate, and revise courses, as well as enhance the overall curriculum within Nursing programs. Attend and support faculty when presenting proposed curricular changes to curriculum committee.
• Coordinate, evaluate, and participate in establishing admission criteria and procedures, as well as criteria for student promotion and retention.
• Conduct program recruitment through information sessions and prepare admissions materials to facilitate the annual application process in compliance with the accrediting agency's requirements.
• Ensure the accuracy and currency of program web pages, faculty and student handbooks, applicable policies, and procedures, as well as any promotional or public relations materials, and reissue them as needed.
• Foster a broad organizational culture that supports collegiality, personal well-being and professional development of students, staff, and faculty.
• Work collaboratively with the YVC administrative team.
• Expand and maintain external relationships with community partners.
• Supervise, orient, and evaluate assigned faculty and staff in adherence to negotiated agreements, applicable state and federal laws, accrediting bodies, as well as college policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain memorandums of understanding and foster relationships with facilities, educational organizations, industry and healthcare organizations to assist faculty in recruiting and placing students in clinical sites.
• Actively participate with industry to ensure instructional programs are current with industry standards, practices, and trends.
• Collaborate with YVCs Clinical Relations Specialist to ensure appropriate onboarding and placement activities are met for YVCs clinical partners.
• Implement new and revised courses and classes in accordance with adopted budgets and plans.
• Ensure that all faculty are appropriately certified and/or licensed.
• Support faculty as needed to create and maintain a professional development plan as required by WAC 131-16-093 through095.
• Collaborate with YVC administration on any assigned grants.
• Other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Master's degree from a nursing education program accredited by a national nursing education accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.
• OR a Master's degree in any other field, plus a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a nursing education program accredited by a national nursing education accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.

In addition to degree requirements applicants must have the following:

• Active, unencumbered Washington state registered nurse license.
• Preparation in education that includes teaching adults, adult learning theory, teaching methods, curriculum development, and curriculum evaluation, or two years of teaching experience in nursing education that demonstrates this type of preparation.
• Two (2) years professional supervision and administrative experience.
• Five (5) years of experience as a registered nurse including two years of experience in nursing education.
• Current knowledge of nursing practice at the associate degree program level.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, Word and PowerPoint, Adobe, software such as Smartsheet, video conferencing, Canvas.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two (2) years full-time or equivalent higher education teaching experience.
• Demonstrated experience as a working (hands-on) administrator at a community college.
• Demonstrated experience with national accrediting organizations or nursing education programs, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the NLN.
• Demonstrated experience with budgets and fiscal management at a state agency.
• Demonstrated experience supervising and evaluating instructors and staff. 
• Demonstrated experience with educational learning management systems.
• Demonstrated experience with program development.

• Demonstrate professional and effective communication in both oral and written forms, engaging with individuals across diverse backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.
• Value, develop, and empower faculty and staff by fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment that encourages growth and success.
• Establish and implement standardized program policies and procedures, ensuring clarity, efficiency, and alignment with institutional goals.
• Maintain organization and attention to detail, following oral and written instructions while exercising independent judgment and critical thinking.
• Quickly learn and adapt to evolving technologies and software, including Microsoft Office tools and learning management systems such as Canvas.
• Work collaboratively with institutional leadership, faculty, and external partners, promoting strategic initiatives and securing institutional support.
• Apply strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, contributing effectively as a team member in a dynamic college environment.
• Conduct labor market analysis to inform program development, workforce planning, and sustainability strategies.
• Support faculty in enhancing student success in Nursing, coaching instructors in effective teaching methodologies and promoting equitable learning outcomes.
• Uphold confidentiality and professionalism, consistently working toward operational efficiencies while maintaining high ethical standards.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Understand and apply Nursing Commission notification rules, including WAC246-840-513 and WAC 246-840-554, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrate expertise in ACEN accreditation standards, particularly those relevant to associate degree nursing programs, and effectively navigate accreditation processes.
• Utilize best practices in management and supervision, applying effective leadership techniques to support faculty and staff in achieving program goals.
• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements, ensuring adherence to labor policies while fostering collaborative workplace relationships.
• Develop and oversee budgeting and fiscal procedures, including grant development and management, to maintain the financial sustainability of nursing programs.
• Leverage teaching and learning technologies, incorporating diverse instructional modalities to enhance educational effectiveness.
• Use various communication technologies, including presentation and virtual meeting software, to facilitate engagement with faculty, students, and institutional stakeholders.
• Implement effective supervision techniques, providing guidance and support to faculty and staff while ensuring operational efficiency.

Application Instructions

To apply for this position, you MUST submit a complete YVC Online Employment Application, and include the following 

REQUIRED attachments

• A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (a generic cover letter will not be accepted):
• In addition to describing how you meet the qualifications of this position, please respond to the following three questions in the cover letter; 
•  1) Please describe how your previous education, training, and/or professional experience(s) will help create and promote an equitable campus climate at Yakima Valley College?
• A current resume(a resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the online application)
• Three (3) professional references (personal references do not count as professional)
• Unofficial transcripts for confirmation of degree (if minimum qualifications require a degree). The successful candidate will be required to submit official transcripts at time of hire
• Certifications/Credentials as required for fulfillment of the minimum qualifications

Please note: Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. Please do not include any attachments other than the ones requested above. E-mailed documents will not be accepted after the closing of the recruitment or in lieu of attaching your documents to the online application.

Supplemental Information:
Candidates will be subject to a Criminal History Background Check as a condition for consideration of employment.

"In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire."
 
Yakima Valley College does not discriminate against any person based on their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation and/or gender identity, age, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other prohibited basis in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. All inquiries regarding compliance should be directed to Alma Ramirez, Chief Human Resources Officer, Yakima Valley College, 1015 South 16th Avenue, Yakima, Washington, 98902; email aramirez@yvcc.edu; telephone 509.574.4671.
 
Yakima Valley College's Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at https://www.yvcc.edu/services/safety-security, containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 509.574.4610.
 
Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible.
 
All positions are subject to funding.

Salary : $116,539 - $130,521