Associate Dean, Rankin School of Nursing - St. Francis Xavier University

St. Francis Xavier University’s renowned Rankin School of Nursing (RSoN) delivers one of Canada's most respected and innovative nursing programs. For almost a century, faculty, nurse educators and graduates from the RSoN have been known worldwide for their care, knowledge, clinical and community practice and research. We are now seeking our next leader to prepare the profession for broader opportunities, an advanced scope of practice, and more societal and community impacts than ever before.

The Rankin School of Nursing is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) and is integrated into StFX, a leading national university with a reputation for academic excellence, scholarly inquiry, and service to society. Recognized as one of the most prestigious universities in Canada, StFX is home to 5,000 students and an engaged alumni network of over 50,000 citizens with an impactful global influence. In addition to RSoN’s simulation center, the Victor and Mona Dahdelah Institute for Innovation in Health is currently being designed. This innovative opportunity will provide resources for the RSoN to contribute to the shifting health needs of citizens through collaborative and community-responsive teaching, learning and research. StFX offers strong research mentorship for undergraduate students and is known for having developed the first Honours nursing program in Canada.

The RSoN is located in the town of Antigonish, a thriving community nestled in the heart of Nova Scotia, just a scenic two-hour drive from Halifax International Airport, offering vibrant amenities, breathtaking landscapes, and close proximity to the ocean. The warmth of this close-knit community creates an inviting atmosphere where everyone can embrace a lifestyle infused with rich cultural and social experiences.

Reporting to the Dean of Science and working with the Academic Vice President & Provost, and others across the university, the Associate Dean of Nursing provides leadership to a cohesive and innovative team of faculty, nurse educators, support staff, and approximately 400 students. The Associate Dean of Nursing liaises with academic leaders and external partners such as Nova Scotia Health, IWK Health, Nova Scotia College of Nursing, professional organizations, and the provincial government, to name a few.

This is an exciting, collaborative, and transformational leadership opportunity to advance the school’s vision, growth, and strategic priorities to influence the future direction of nursing education in Canada. The environment for nursing education and the profession is dynamic and requires graduates who embrace the complexity of nursing practice and the multi-level collaborations required to address the needs of patients, families, communities, and populations.

The Associate Dean is accountable for academic programs, faculty, nurse educators, and support staff within the school, including recruitment and retention. They lead by example, are student-centered, and build a strong, accountable, and inspiring workplace culture that promotes research, practice, and service excellence.

The successful candidate has a terminal degree (Ph.D. or Doctorate), preferably in nursing, with at least a graduate degree in nursing, and is registered or eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Nursing. They have an excellent track record of teaching, research, and nursing practice education and at least five years of administrative leadership experience, preferably in academia, with consideration given to leadership experience in healthcare organizations. They possess direct experience working within a collegial setting with diverse partners and outstanding communication skills. They have demonstrated experience effectively supporting and leading teams through change and cultivating innovative and creative approaches to complex situations. They will be knowledgeable of multiple delivery models for nursing education.

To learn more about the Rankin School of Nursing at StFX, please visit: https://www.stfx.ca/department/nursing

St. Francis Xavier University is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. Our institution is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. We encourage applications from current and historically excluded groups, including Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), racialized persons (People of Black and African descent, in particular, African Nova Scotians), persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+ and any others who would contribute to the diversity of our community. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

StFX will provide accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation(s) to participate in the application, interviewing or selection process, please contact Erica Pirnie at epirnie@royerthompson.com

Please submit your interest online, including your cover letter and CV with academic and research experience combined in one document by clicking “Apply.” For further information about this opportunity, please contact Kim West (kwest@royerthompson.com) and Dominique Roche (droche@royerthompson.com) in confidence at 902.422.2099.