Dean, College of Health Sciences at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois

Job Description:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEAN

The Dean of the College of Health Sciences is responsible for the development and implementation of all academic and clinical programs for the College. The Dean provides leadership across Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, and Physician Assistant programs, overseeing professional education, practice, scholarly activities, and service. The Dean must unite and inspire the faculty, staff, preceptors, and students toward achievement of the College’s mission and goals. The Dean establishes short- and long-range goals, objectives, plans, and procedures for the College and oversees all operational activities.  The Dean collaborates with the other administrative team members of the University and fosters activities in the best interest of the College and University.  The Dean reports directly to the Sr. Vice President for operational matters and strategic planning.  The Dean serves as a member of the University’s Administrative Team.

Principal duties

1. Plan, direct, coordinate, and evaluate all academic activities and assessments of the College of Health Sciences in order to ensure that Midwestern University’s Mission is effectively implemented and that the College is compliant with accreditation standards.


2. Foster interdisciplinary education as it pertains to the College of Health Sciences.


3. Coordinate the activities of various University support services to best meet the College’s needs.


4. Participate with other College leaders to recruit and retain a high-quality faculty, manage departmental budgets, and ensure fiscal viability for the College.


5. Work with the University Admission office to admit a qualified, competitive class of students each year.


6. Supervise the development and operations of a variety of patient care services in the MultiSpecialty Clinic that can provide high quality educational experiences for second, third and fourth year students.


7. Manage the finances of the College of Health Sciences including the preparation of annual capital, salary, and operating budgets.


8. Maintain a productive research and scholarly activity plan for the College of Health Sciences.


9. Create a college culture and climate that is conducive to successful faculty recruitment and retention, that fosters professionalism in faculty and students, and promotes the importance of scholarly activity among the faculty.


10. Initiate organizational changes as required for appropriate development and growth of the College.


11. Supervise fundraising activities for the College and increase the amount of scholarship funds available for students, in conjunction with the Vice President, University Relations.


12. Annually update a strategic plan for the College of Health Sciences that addresses the educational, physical, personnel, equipment, and financial resources needed to educate, train, and graduate superior students in their field of study.


13. Oversee College-sponsored student activities and special events.


14. Foster collaborative relationships that promote educational, service, and scholarly collaborations among the Midwestern University colleges.


15. Participate in and demonstrate leadership at external meetings of professional organizations at various levels to foster confidence, respect, and support for the institution.


16. Perform other duties as directed by the President and Chief Executive Officer or the Sr. Vice President and Chief Academic Officer.


17. Supervise the Assistant Dean and Administrative Coordinator and support their professional development.


18. Assist programs in finding and recruiting clinical training partners.


19. Ensure the continuous accreditation of all programs.

Minimum Requirements:

An earned doctorate from an accredited institution of higher education in a health-related field, education or leadership.  Minimum of five years of full-time distinguished teaching and research experience in a health degree program, preferably with tenure status.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance.  We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account.  We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days.  We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program.  Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility. 

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with
 all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/).  Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.