Assistant Professor - Founding Director of MS-PMHNP Program

JOB SUMMARY :

The Founding Director for the online Master of Science (MS) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program at Niagara University provides academic, administrative, and strategic leadership for this exciting new program. The Director ensures compliance with Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation standards and supports the mission and values of Niagara University.

This is a faculty position within the Niagara University Lay Teachers Association (NULTA) bargaining unit and includes responsibilities in teaching, service, and scholarship in addition to program administration. The Director reports to the Dean for the College of Nursing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES :

Program Leadership and Administration

• Provide leadership for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the MS-PMHNP and PMHNP Advanced Certificate programs.
• Ensure compliance with CCNE accreditation standards; lead accreditation processes including self-study preparation, reporting, and site visits.
• Develop program policies, procedures, and strategic goals aligned with the mission of Niagara University and the College of Nursing.
• Collaborate with the Dean and academic leadership on budgeting, resource allocation, and program growth initiatives.
• Oversee curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation to ensure alignment with national PMHNP competencies and certification requirements.
• Lead curriculum revisions in response to regulatory, certification, and healthcare system changes.
• Recruit, orient, mentor, and evaluate program faculty in accordance with University and NULTA guidelines.
• Support faculty development in teaching effectiveness, scholarship, and clinical expertise.
• Ensure sufficient and qualified faculty to meet accreditation and program needs.
• Teach courses in the PMHNP and/or graduate nursing programs as assigned.
• Utilize evidence-based teaching strategies in classroom, clinical, and/or online environments.

Student Success & Support

• Oversee student recruitment, admissions input, progression, and retention within the program.
• Advise and mentor students and address academic or clinical concerns.
• Monitor student outcomes, including certification pass rates, graduation rates, and employment outcomes.

Clinical Partnerships

• Develop and maintain clinical affiliations and preceptor relationships.
• Ensure high-quality clinical learning experiences across the lifespan and continuum of care.

Assessment & Accreditation

• Lead systematic program evaluation, including data collection, analysis, and reporting of student learning outcomes.
• Use data to inform continuous quality improvement and maintain CCNE accreditation compliance.

Scholarship & Service

• Engage in scholarship consistent with NULTA expectations (e.g., publications, presentations, grants).
• Participate in University, College, and professional service activities.
• Represent the program within the community and professional organizations.
• Serves on college and university committees as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

1. Knowledge of graduate nursing education, PMHNP competencies, and certification standards.
2. Familiarity with accreditation and regulatory requirements.
3. Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
4. Ability to analyze program data and implement quality improvement initiatives.
5. Effective communication and collaboration skills.

ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENTS :

The functions of the position are usually performed sitting or standing. Some amount of stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, lifting, walking, carrying and other movements may be required. Tasks involve wrist and hand movement. All individuals are required to be able to perform these movements without significant risk of injury to themselves or others.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

Minimum Qualifications:

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited institution.

Current national certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC).

Eligible for or holding unencumbered RN and APRN licensure in New York State.

Demonstrated experience in graduate nursing education and/or academic leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

Earned doctoral degree (DNP, PhD, EdD or related field).

Prior experience as a program director, coordinator, or graduate nursing leader.

Experience with CCNE accreditation standards and processes.

Record of scholarly activity.

Experience with online or hybrid teaching modalities.