Associate Dean for Clinical and Strategic Partnerships, College of Health Professions (Open Rank)

About Sacred Heart University
As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu


Job Title:
Associate Dean for Clinical and Strategic Partnerships, Assistant/Associate Clinical Professor
Department:
To be determined, pending applicant qualifications and content expertise
Reports To:
Dean, College of Health Professions; Chair, Department TBD
Anticipated Start Date:
January 2026
Contract Length:
12 months

About the College of Health Professions:
The College of Health Professions (CHP) at Sacred Heart University prepares students for meaningful careers in today’s dynamic healthcare environment through inclusive, collaborative, and experiential learning. With state-of-the-art facilities and a strong emphasis on interprofessional education, CHP offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in the clinical and health sciences. Students gain hands-on experience through advanced simulation, clinical placements, and global service-learning. Guided by the University's mission, the College fosters excellence, compassion, and a commitment to social justice, community, and the common good.
Position Summary:
The College of Health Professions invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, open-rank Clinical Faculty appointment (Assistant or Associate Clinical Professor) serving as Associate Dean for Clinical and Strategic Partnerships. Departmental alignment and faculty rank will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and area of expertise.
The Associate Dean for Clinical and Strategic Partnerships at the College of Health Professions combines operational, academic, and strategic leadership to support the Dean in advancing the College’s mission, growth, and external profile. Working closely with leaders from academic, clinical, and community sectors, this role enhances the regional and national impact of the College through creative partnerships and new program initiatives. Responsibilities include building, managing, and reinforcing relationships with external clinical sites; overseeing clinical education in the College; ensuring adherence to agreements and accreditation standards; and facilitating student placements and faculty professional development to fulfill the College’s mission and educational objectives. Additionally, the role oversees the creation and execution of innovative special programs in partnership with the Dean. The appointee will also serve on the Dean’s leadership team. This is a faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Clinical Professor level. In accordance with Faculty Handbook expectations for clinical faculty, the role includes teaching, advising, service, and engagement in clinical or scholarly activities.

Primary Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning & Partnership Development
• Partner with the Dean’s office and program leadership to develop and implement strategies for program growth, innovation, and curriculum enhancement that leverages clinical partnerships.
• Support the Dean and University Advancement on strategic partnership revenue and philanthropic opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Dean, executive, and clinical leaders to identify, create and execute strategic opportunities for innovation, joint ventures, and workforce development initiatives.
• Assist the Chairs and the Dean with budgetary recommendations