School of Nursing - Executive Director for Nursing Access Programming

Executive Director for Nursing Access Programming

D'Youville University invites applications for the Executive Director for Nursing Access Programming; a leadership role designed to expand opportunity and transform lives. This position oversees two critical pathways: our innovative Competency-Based LPN-to-BSN bridge program and our state-approved Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training program. Together, these programs create a seamless pipeline from entry-level caregiving to professional nursing - empowering students to achieve upward mobility while meeting the urgent needs of the healthcare workforce.

For many students, becoming a CNA or advancing from LPN to BSN is more than a credential, it's a life-changing opportunity. These programs open doors to stable, rewarding careers that strengthen families and communities. As Executive Director, you will ensure students have the guidance, resources, and encouragement to persist through degree completion and succeed in reaching their goals.

This is more than program oversight; it is a chance to shape how nursing education responds to today's healthcare crisis. By aligning our programs with industry needs, securing clinical partnerships, and supporting innovative teaching and learning, you will directly impact the preparation of nurses who are ready to serve in high-demand roles across New York State. You will also play a key role in the development of students outside of the classroom, where you'll help students connect academic preparation with a supportive experience.

At D'Youville, we are driven by a promise to spark transformation, do good deeds, and exceed expectations. The Executive Director for Nursing Access Programming embodies that vision by ensuring students are not only prepared to pass exams but also equipped to change the trajectory of their lives. This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on both students and the healthcare systems that urgently need them.

The highly visible incumbent is responsible for implementing the mission and vision of D'Youville University and the Patricia H. Garman School of Nursing while leading the design, delivery, compliance, and continuous improvement of a competency-based LPN-to-BSN program and a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training program in New York State. The Executive Director ensures both programs meet NYSED (Office of the Professions / Program Registration) standards and NYSDOH Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) requirements, align with employer needs, and achieve strong licensure/certification outcomes.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the LPN-to-BSN competency-based curriculum;
• Oversee the CNA training program to ensure students are fully prepared for certification and success in healthcare careers;
• Support innovative teaching strategies, including simulation, skills-based learning, and mastery progression;
• Ensure compliance with NYSDOH Nurse Aide Training Program regulations;
• Oversee CNA curriculum, clinical placements, and certification exam preparation;
• Build and nurture strong partnerships with nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and employers;
• Position the CNA program as a career ladder entry point into nursing and allied health education.

Student Success & Community Engagement:

• Serve as liaison between the Patricia H. Garman School of Nursing and the Office of Student Access & Opportunity, students are supported in persisting to degree completion based on classroom trends and/or staff requests;
• Represent the School of Nursing in the Nursing Living Learning Community, supporting residential student engagement and academic success;
• Champion accessibility in program design, ensuring all students have the tools they need to thrive.

Compliance & Accreditation:

• Serve as the responsible administrator for NYSED program registration and NYSDOH Nurse Aide Training Program approval;
• Ensure all aspects of the programs meet state, accreditation, and testing requirements;
• Maintain strong program outcomes, including NCLEX and CNA certification pass rates.

Faculty & Clinical Partnerships:

• Recruit, credential, and mentor faculty and clinical instructors;
• Secure and manage clinical partnerships across healthcare systems and long-term care facilities;
• Build employer relationships to align program outcomes with workforce needs.

Leadership & Operations:

• Manage program budgets, equipment, and simulation resources;
• Guide ongoing program assessment and continuous quality improvement;
• Represent D'Youville University in workforce development initiatives and community partnerships;
• Additional duties may include oversight of students in Simulation and Clinical Practice Center during lab hours, facilitation of simulation, and there may be opportunities to participate in interprofessional education (IPE) activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Current, unencumbered NYS Registered Professional Nurse (RN) license and registration in good standing;
• Master's degree in nursing or education from a program acceptable to NYSED; strong grounding in nursing education and curriculum design (doctorate preferred);
• 5+ years progressive academic/clinical leadership (course lead, coordinator, assistant/associate director, or director);
• Demonstrated curriculum development expertise (learning outcomes, mapping, assessment, item writing, simulation/OSCEs) and competency-based education implementation;
• Evidence of regulatory compliance experience (such as NYSED program registration);
• For CNA oversight: meets NYSDOH NATP Program Coordinator profile (RN; ≥2 years nursing home/LTC experience and documented competency in teaching adults or equivalent per 10 NYCRR 415.26);
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills;
• Experience with non-traditional students and pedagogies such as online learning, hybrid programs, or prior learning assessments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree (EdD/PhD/DNP) in nursing or education from a program acceptable to NYSED;
• Experience working in or collaborating with high school or community college career and technical education programs;
• Experience in hospital/health systems employee training or upskilling also meets this preference;
• Prior leadership of NCLEX outcome improvement, program assessment, and data-driven CQI;
• Experience supervising CNA/NATP operations (NYSDOH approval, site audits, Prometric coordination);
• Certification(s) in nursing education (e.g., CNE/CNEcl) and/or simulation (CHSE/CHSOS);
• Proven success with faculty development, change management, and interprofessional partnerships;
• Grant writing, workforce-development collaboration, and employer advisory engagement;
• Experience with NYSED new program registration/substantive change.

Core Competencies & Licensures:

• Strategic program leadership; CBE design & analytics;
• Regulatory literacy (NYSED nursing regs, 10 NYCRR 415.26 for NATP);
• Inclusive pedagogy, DEI, and UDL practices;
• Assessment & psychometrics (blueprinting, reliability, validity);
• Clinical education operations (affiliations, ratios, supervision);
• Communication, stakeholder management, and budget stewardship;
• Maintains NYS RN license/registration and required trainings (infection control, child-abuse reporting) per NYSED;
• Meets/maintains NYSDOH NATP coordinator/instructor qualifications; ensures program meets NYSED/NYSDOH approval and Prometric testing requirements.

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

• Possess the ability to react calmly and effectively in all situations;
• Handle multiple tasks and priorities at once while solving problems and thinking innovatively;
• Administrative, organizational, supervisory, and budget-management skills;
• Extended periods of sitting, standing, stair climbing, maneuvering objects of substantial weight;
• Must possess a student-centered personal philosophy.

Work Remotely - No

Work Location: Buffalo, NY

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Pay: $80,000 - $85,000 Annually

About D'Youville University:

D'Youville University, a nationally ranked private university in Buffalo, New York, is transforming lives through a unique blend of academics and holistic development. Committed to promoting a health mind, body, and spirit, D'Youville empowers individuals to realize their potential, thrive in their careers, and make meaningful contributions to society.