Director of Nursing Workforce Development and Integration

University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Iowa seeks a Director of Nursing Workforce Development and Integration to lead key initiatives in nursing recruitment and onboarding. This role is vital for maintaining a high-performing nursing workforce, fostering community relationships, and supporting program development, particularly for international nurses.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in nursing, MBA, or healthcare required.
• Current Iowa nursing practice license.
• 7+ years in a complex healthcare organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead international nurse onboarding and retention programs.
• Support nurse recruitment strategies and student engagement.
• Develop talent pipelines and manage clinical rotations.

Skills

Communication

Project Management

Collaboration

Education

Master’s degree (in nursing, MBA or healthcare related)

Baccalaureate of Science or Arts Degree in Nursing (if applicable)

Tools

Computer and software applications

Job description

Director of Nursing Workforce Development and Integration

The University of Iowa Health Care—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.

We are seeking a Director of Nursing Workforce Development and Integration. This position is responsible for leading the strategic development, implementation, and evaluation of programs that strengthen and sustain the nursing workforce at UI Health Care. This role plays a vital part in supporting international nurse onboarding and acculturation, advancing student and community pipeline development, and fostering strong relationships with internal and external partners. The Director collaborates closely with Talent Acquisition, Nursing Education, clinical leaders, academic institutions, and community organizations to recruit, engage, and retain a high-performing nursing workforce.

We are very proud of Nursing at Iowa. Whether it is our excellence in patient- and family-centered care, our dedication to innovation and research, our designation as a Magnet hospital, or our commitment to supporting the work-life balance of our staff.

Position Responsibilities

International Nurse Onboarding & Acculturation

• Lead the design and execution of a comprehensive onboarding and integration plan for international nurses.
• Organize and facilitate regular check-ins with international nurse cohorts throughout their first year of employment.
• Work closely with Talent Acquisition, Nursing Education, and Nurse Directors/Managers to ensure a coordinated and supportive onboarding experience.
• Partner with Marketing & Communications (MarCom) to build awareness and foster a welcoming environment for international nurses across UI Health Care.

Nurse Recruitment & Student Engagement

• Partner closely with the Nursing Recruitment team within Talent Acquisition to support recruitment strategies and processes.
• Provide clinical nursing insight and input throughout various stages of the recruiting process.
• Facilitate engagement with nursing student cohorts during clinical rotations to promote career opportunities at UI Health Care.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty and clinical instructors from regional schools of nursing.
• Support and participate in the Summer Nurse Internship Program in coordination with Nursing Education.

• Develop and lead initiatives to create sustainable talent pipelines for nursing and nursing assistant roles.
• Build relationships with local high schools and junior high schools to introduce students to career opportunities in nursing.
• Design and implement a summer camp experience for high school students to explore nursing as a profession.

Internal Relationship Building & Retention Support

• Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with nurse managers, assistant nurse managers (ANMs), and preceptors across the organization.
• Support preceptors in their efforts to provide meaningful learning and onboarding experiences.
• Serve as a liaison between clinical operations and recruitment/education teams to align goals and strengthen workforce outcomes.

Education Requirements

• Master’s degree (in nursing, MBA or healthcare related) required.
• If Master's/Doctorate Degree is in related field other than nursing specialty, a Baccalaureate of Science or Arts Degree in Nursing is required.

Experience Requirements

• Current, valid license to practice nursing in Iowa
• 7+ years of experience in an administrative position in a large, complex health care organization with demonstrated ability to work with multiple disciplines to ensure effective health care operations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to serve as a liaison and to collaborate with physicians, staff, patient, and other customers.

• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.
• Demonstrated experience developing budget strategy, priorities and negotiating resource issue.
• Role model Service Excellence principles.
• Must be proficient in computer and software applications

Desired Qualifications

• Strong program development and project management skills with a strategic, forward-thinking approach.
• Passion for supporting nurse growth and retention, particularly for international and early-career nurses.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and navigate complex systems.

List technical competencies here. You can find instructions for viewing technical competencies at: https://hr.uiowa.edu/competencies/viewing

Application ProcessIn order to be considered, applicants must upload the following attachments (under submission required materials):
• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Please contact [e-mail] with any questions.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Director, Nursing Services
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time

Compensation

Contact Information

Equal opportunity/affirmative action employer

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, [phone] or [e-mail] . For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543 .

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