Simulation Operations Specialist

Simulation Operations Specialist

The University of St. Thomas invites qualified candidates to apply for a Simulation Operations Specialist position within the Morrison Family College of Health, School of Nursing.

The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity, and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment. The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic. This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.

The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Tuition Remission for employees, spouses, and dependents
• Generous Retirement Contributions to support your future
• Comprehensive Health Coverage including medical, dental, and vision
• Fully Paid Insurance: disability, life, and AD&D
• Paid Parental Leave to support growing families

Salary Range: $32.00 to $36.00

The Simulation Operations Specialist oversees, optimizes, and continuously improves the operational effectiveness of our simulation program. This role is responsible for coordinating simulation activities, maintaining equipment and resources, supporting faculty and learners, and driving operational excellence across all aspects of simulation-based education and training.

The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who combines strong operational skills with a passion for process improvement, innovation, and organizational effectiveness. Beyond managing daily simulation operations, this individual will play a key role in promoting a culture that values efficiency, continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation in nursing education.

Demonstrates a commitment to the mission and vision of the Morrison Family College of Health and the Susan S. Morrison School of Nursing.

Essential Functions

Simulation Operation & Program Support

• Coordinate and support simulation activities, including setup, execution, breakdown, and post-event readiness.
• Manage scheduling, logistics, and resource allocation to maximize utilization and minimize operational disruptions.
• Develop and maintain operational documentation, standard operating procedures, and workflows.
• Coordinate the recruitment, scheduling, and deployment of simulated participants (SPs) to support simulation and educational activities.
• Maintain simulated participant schedules and ensure appropriate coverage based on program needs, learning objectives, and event requirements.
• Serve as the primary operational contact for simulated participants, ensuring timely communication regarding assignments, expectations, schedules, and logistical details.
• Monitor and manage simulated participant availability, attendance, and documentation to support efficient program operations.
• Collaborate with faculty and simulation staff to align simulated participant assignments with educational goals and simulation scenarios.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Evaluate existing workflows and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and user experience.
• Lead and support process improvement initiatives using data, feedback, and best practices.
• Develop metrics and dashboards to measure operational performance and identify trends.
• Streamline processes to reduce waste, improve resource utilization, and enhance service delivery.
• Implement sustainable solutions that improve consistency, quality, and scalability of simulation operations.
• Ensure simulation operations adhere to organizational policies, safety standards, and accreditation requirements.

Innovation & Culture Building

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability across the simulation program.
• Encourage creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies, tools, and operational practices.
• Partner with stakeholders to identify emerging needs and develop innovative solutions.
• Promote knowledge sharing and collaboration among faculty, staff, and simulation personnel.
• Serve as a champion for operational excellence by modeling adaptability, initiative, and a growth mindset.
• Ensure students feel supported when entering and leaving the simulated environment by establishing clear expectations, offering grounding techniques, and reinforcing a culture of respect and safety.
• Supports a psychologically safe and brave learning environment by monitoring student well-being, promoting professional behaviors, and implementing supportive interventions as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in healthcare, education, operations management, business administration, engineering, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience supporting healthcare education, technical operations, training environments, or complex operational systems.
• Demonstrated success in process improvement, workflow optimization, or operational excellence initiatives.
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to obtain Certified Healthcare Simulation Operation Specialist Certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting healthcare simulation programs.
• Experience with simulation technologies, audiovisual systems, healthcare simulation equipment, or educational technologies.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, or similar process improvement methodologies.
• Experience developing operational metrics and performance dashboards.
• Certification or training in simulation operations, healthcare simulation, project management, or process improvement.