Director, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Specialty Emphasis

UTN; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Utah invites applications for the position of Director, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Specialty Emphasis in the College of Nursing. This leadership role guides the DNP program’s pediatric emphasis, ensuring alignment with accreditation standards and high-quality education for students and faculty.

The Director oversees curriculum development, faculty mentoring, admissions, and clinical partnerships while advancing innovation in teaching and practice within a

Qualifications

• Experience leading nursing programs or educational units.
• Strong knowledge of AACN/CCNE accreditation standards.
• Proven ability to mentor faculty and guide curriculum.
• Experience with admissions and student support processes.
• Ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders across college and health system.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic leadership for the Acute Care PNP emphasis within the DNP program.
• Ensure curriculum alignment with accreditation standards and program outcomes.
• Oversee admissions, student progress, and faculty development.
• Maintain clinical site relationships for high-quality student experiences.
• Lead program evaluation, quality improvement, and innovation initiatives.

Skills

Academic leadership

Curriculum development

Accreditation knowledge

Student advisement

Admissions processes

Education

DNP or PhD in Nursing

Utah RN license or eligibility

Job description

Director, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Specialty Emphasis

The University of Utah, an AA/EO employer, encourages applications from all qualified individuals, and provides reasonable accommodation to the known disabilities of applicants and employees. The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students, staff, faculty and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education, employment opportunities, and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented groups.

Position Information

Position/Rank

Position/Rank Director, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Specialty Emphasis

Department

Department 00989 - CON - GEAP DIVISION

City

City Salt Lake City, UT

Track

Track New Position to Begin

New Position to Begin When filled

Details

Position Description

Director, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Specialty Emphasis

Position Summary: The Director of the Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner ( PNP ) emphasis within the Doctor of Nursing Practice ( DNP ) program provides academic leadership and specialty expertise and oversight for the emphasis area. The Director ensures alignment of the PNP curriculum with program, College, and accreditation standards; supports faculty in delivering high-quality, evidence-based education; and mentors students in meeting defined program outcomes. Additionally, the Director collaborates with the Assistant Dean of the Master of Science (MS) in Nursing and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP ), the Assistant Dean, and the Executive Director of Nurse Practitioner (NP) Education to maintain emphasis on quality, advance innovation in teaching and practice, and strengthen partnerships with clinical training sites. The Director will hold a faculty position within the College of Nursing on the (Clinical) Track and rank will be dependent on qualifications.

Principal Functions and Responsibilities

• 1. Provide overall leadership and direction for the specialty emphasis within the DNP program.
• 2. Develop, implement, and evaluate curriculum quality, rigor, and consistency to align with the core curriculum with American Association of Colleges of Nursing ( AACN ), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ( CCNE ) accreditation standards, National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties ( NONPF ), and appropriate national nursing standards and competencies in collaboration with faculty, Assistant Dean, and the Executive Director of Nurse Practitioner (NP) Education.
• 3. Oversee admission processes for students in the specialty emphasis, in collaboration with Student Affairs and the Program Manager.
• 4. Mentor and support emphasis faculty in teaching, scholarship, and practice excellence.
• 5. Oversee and guide student progress and promote achievement of program outcomes.
• 6. Collaborate with the Assistant Dean of MS and DNP Programs and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (as indicated) regarding student issues.
• 7. Collaborate with other emphasis directors, Assistant Dean, Executive Director of NP Education, and faculty on curriculum planning, program assessment, and accreditation activities.
• 8. Develop, coordinate, and sustain relationships with clinical sites to ensure high-quality practice experiences for students.
• 9. Lead ongoing program review, quality improvement, and innovation initiatives related to the specialty emphasis.
• 10. Participate in emphasis-specific student recruitment and marketing in collaboration with the Office of Student Affairs, Academic Operations, Marcom, and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.
• 11. Provide support of clinical placements and collaborate with Student Services for clinical sites and contracts.
• 12. Complete necessary documentation for student credentialing and licensure.
• 13. Ensure accurate preceptor documentation and placement in EXXAT .
• 14. Provide input and recommendations to faculty teaching assignments and faculty development in collaboration with Division Chair(s).
• 15. Provide input and feedback for faculty performance appraisals within the specialty area.

Criteria/Experience and Qualifications

• 1. Graduate ( DNP or PhD) of an accredited College or School of Nursing and either hold a current Utah RN License or be qualified to obtain a Utah RN License.
• 2. Licensed in the state of Utah and nationally certified in the specialty area.
• 3. Strong and contemporary working knowledge of the nursing profession, nursing education related to emphasis, higher education, and health care delivery.
• 4. Demonstrated leadership and participation in accreditation, curriculum development and evaluation, academic advisement, and admissions processes.
• 5. Demonstrated leadership and management skills, and the ability to work collaboratively and productively with individuals and groups.

Responsible to: Assistant Dean, MS and DNP Programs; Associate Dean of Academic Affairs; and Chair, Division of Graduate Education and Advanced Practice.

Formal Review: A periodic formal review will be organized by the Dean's Office, conducted and reviewed by the Academic Leadership Team

The College of Nursing

The CON is an integral part of University of Utah Health. We are committed to working together to serve the people of Utah and beyond by continually improving individual and community health and quality of life. We strive for excellence in education, research, and clinical care, with each mission being vital to the others and to our overall success. Acceptance, integrity, independent inquiry, and collegiality form the fabric of everyday life for faculty and students. Please visit the College of Nursing website to learn more about the College.

University of Utah employees are expected to live and work in the state of Utah.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Information

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number, can be located at https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/.

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.

Special Instructions for Candidates

Open Date

Open Date 01/23/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Requisition Number

Requisition Number PRN03993F

Type

Type Faculty

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Letter of Recommendation 1
• Letter of Recommendation 2
• Letter of Recommendation 3
• Teaching Statement

Optional Documents

• Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Description for More Information – Appropriate discharge document (such as DD-2214) – Veteran Only
• Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Document Description for More Information – Addendum to the University of Utah – Veteran Only

University Human Resource Management
250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
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