Program Director - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Job Description

Job Description

Location: Irvine, California
Work Model: Onsite – Academic / Program Administration
Employment Type: Full-time, Direct Hire
Schedule: Standard academic leadership schedule (approx. full-time equivalent workload)

Role Summary

Our client, a higher education institution with established graduate nursing programs, is seeking a Nursing Program Director / Senior Nursing Academic Leader to oversee its graduate-level nursing education programs.

This role is responsible for providing academic and operational leadership for MSN-level tracks, ensuring program quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. The position includes oversight of curriculum design, faculty development, student success initiatives, and clinical partnership coordination.

The role requires a strong combination of nursing clinical expertise, academic leadership, and regulatory knowledge, with direct responsibility for accreditation readiness and program effectiveness within a structured higher education environment.

Key ResponsibilitiesAcademic Leadership & Program Oversight

• Provide leadership and operational oversight of graduate nursing programs, including multiple MSN tracks (e.g., education and advanced practice pathways)
• Direct curriculum development, evaluation, and continuous improvement aligned with national nursing education standards
• Ensure program alignment with workforce needs and evolving healthcare education requirements

Accreditation & Compliance

• Maintain compliance with accreditation standards and state nursing board regulations
• Lead preparation of accreditation materials, self-studies, reports, and site visits
• Ensure ongoing adherence to institutional policies and regulatory requirements

Faculty & Staff Development

• Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and support nursing faculty across program tracks
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and student-centered academic environment
• Promote faculty development and teaching excellence

Student Success & Program Outcomes

• Oversee student admissions, progression, retention, and academic support strategies
• Implement data-driven approaches to improve student outcomes and program effectiveness
• Lead systematic evaluation of program performance and outcomes reporting

Clinical Partnerships & Practicum Coordination

• Develop and maintain clinical partnerships and preceptor networks
• Ensure high-quality practicum placement opportunities for graduate nursing students
• Coordinate with healthcare partners to support clinical education requirements

Teaching & Scholarly Activity

• Teach graduate-level nursing courses as needed based on expertise and program requirements
• Model professional nursing practice, academic excellence, and lifelong learning
• Support scholarly activity, research initiatives, and academic engagement where applicable

Required Qualifications

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of California (unencumbered or eligible)
• Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN required), with specialization in Nursing Education and/or advanced practice nursing preferred
• Doctorate in Nursing (PhD, DNP, or EdD) or related field strongly preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of graduate-level nursing education experience
• At least 3 years of experience in nursing education, clinical supervision, or nursing administration (or equivalent combined experience)
• Strong understanding of nursing education standards, curriculum development, and academic program management
• Working knowledge of accreditation and regulatory frameworks (e.g., CCNE, state board of nursing requirements)
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and team-building skills
• Proven experience in program development and academic administration

Preferred Qualifications

• National certification and clinical experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC or FNP-C)
• Experience teaching in MSN-level Nursing Education and/or Nurse Practitioner programs
• Experience managing multiple program tracks within a higher education setting
• Familiarity with online and hybrid program delivery models
• Experience developing clinical partnerships and overseeing practicum placements
• Scholarly contributions, research experience, or leadership in professional nursing organizations

Compensation & Work Model

• Competitive compensation based on education, experience, and internal equity
• Full-time, direct hire academic leadership role
• Onsite position based in Irvine, California
• Leadership responsibility over graduate nursing education programs and faculty teams