Academic and Program Leadership Positions College of Nursing

Description: Job Description Summary: Samuel Merritt University Multiple Openings | All specialty areas Locations: Oakland, Sacramento, Fresno, and Foster City (CA). About Samuel Merritt University Samuel Merritt University (SMU) is a private, non-profit health sciences university dedicated to educating compassionate, skilled, and culturally responsive health professionals who serve diverse and underserved communities. With campuses in Oakland, Sacramento, Fresno, and Foster City, SMU is deeply embedded in California’s healthcare ecosystem and committed to health equity, interprofessional education, clinical excellence, and workforce development. Position Overview The College of Nursing invites applications for exceptional academic and program leaders to support strategic growth. This initiative reflects the University’s priorities related to enrollment growth, program excellence, community-engaged practice, and preparation of the nursing workforce needed to serve California’s diverse populations. Appointments may be made at the assistant, associate, or full professor level depending on qualifications and institutional needs. Positions may be based at any SMU campus, with opportunities for collaboration across locations. Duties and Responsibilities: Areas of Appointment Academic & Program Leadership Roles (e.g., Program Directors, Associate/Assistant Deans, Specialty Track Leads) Primary Responsibilities Provide strategic and operational leadership for nursing programs or academic initiatives Support faculty development, curriculum quality, and regulatory compliance Advance enrollment growth, student outcomes, and workforce-aligned programming Strengthen partnerships with clinical affiliates, health systems, and community organizations Foster a culture of collaboration, equity, innovation, and continuous improvement Preferred Expertise Demonstrated academic, clinical, or administrative leadership experience Experience with accreditation (e.g., CCNE), assessment, and program evaluation Strong communication, organizational, and change-management skills Minimum Required Qualifications (All Positions) Earned graduate degree in nursing (doctoral degree preferred) Active or eligible California RN licensure Evidence of effective teaching, clinical excellence, scholarship, and/or leadership, as appropriate to role Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence and health equity Ability to work effectively in an urban, multi-campus, mission-driven academic environment Why Join Samuel Merritt University? Deep commitment to health equity and serving underserved communities Strong clinical partnerships across Northern and Central California Collaborative, student-centered faculty culture Opportunities for interprofessional teaching, practice, and scholarship Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package Application Process Applicants should submit: Cover letter identifying area(s) of interest (pre-licensure, post-licensure, leadership) and preferred campus location(s). Curriculum vitae Statement of teaching philosophy and/or leadership approach The annual salary for Academic and Program Leadership positions is determined based on the scope of the role, relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, geographic location, and other job-related factors. Depending on the position and candidate qualifications, salaries may range up to $160,000. Employee Status: Regular Exemption Status: United States of America (Exempt) Time Type: Full time Job Shift: Pay Range: The annual salary for Academic and Program Leadership positions is determined based on the scope of the role, relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, geographic location, and other job-related factors. Samuel Merritt University currently provides base salary ranges for all positions-on job advertisements-in the United States based on local requirements. Individual compensation will ultimately be determined based on a variety of relevant factors including but-not limited to qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant skills. SMU is a health sciences institution offering high-quality instruction, outstanding faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. We have a deep commitment and proven track record of preparing professionals to address today’s healthcare needs. Our Mission We educate students to become highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals who positively transform the experience of care in diverse communities. Our Vision Samuel Merritt University will become nationally recognized as a premier, multi-specialty health sciences institution. Expert faculty and staff will shape an inclusive learning environment where all students experience best teaching practices and state-of-the-art learning approaches. The University will select and support students who will flourish in the rigorous academic programs, learn to practice expertly, and pass licensure or certifications examinations on their first attempt. Our Philosophy of Teaching and Learning We see faculty and students as partners in the teaching and learning process. Our programs, curricula, and courses are designed to encourage active, experiential learning as well as collegial, scholarly, and effective communications. We believe that clinical and practical applications, including interprofessional education, provide a critical foundation for learning in the health professions. SMU graduates use sound reasoning, evidence-based care, and clinical expertise to respond to the needs of the people they serve. Community and Diversity We're more than a top health professions university. SMU is committed to training students in the importance of social determinants of health and how to care for patients from diverse backgrounds with integrity and compassion. Our Values If you're interested in transforming the care experience in diverse communities, SMU could be the place for you. SMU students learn to advance health equity and make a lasting impact on individuals' health and community well-being. At the core of our educational values are hands-on, experiential learning; the promotion of diversity and inclusion; and community-service outreach, locally and globally. We embrace: A learning environment where we challenge ourselves and our students to think critically, seek mastery, and act compassionately A collegial environment where we are fair, respectful, and behave with integrity A collaborative environment where we partner with one another and with others in the community An innovative environment where we take reasoned risks and move nimbly A results-oriented environment where we provide and expect exceptional performance and service The Employee Polygraph Protection Act prohibits most private employers from using lie detector tests either for pre-employment screening or during the course of employment. Details can be found on our website at: