Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Director

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN); Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas is seeking a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Director in Kansas City, KS. This role provides faculty leadership for the DNP program, ensuring compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards and serving as the primary liaison among faculty, students, and external partners.

The position collaborates with the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and other leaders to support program operations, curriculum integrity, and continuous quality improvement, while

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in nursing is required.
• Doctoral degree in nursing, education, or related field.
• Three years of teaching experience in higher education or nursing education.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the faculty leader for the DNP program.
• Collaborates with Associate Deans to support operations and QA.
• Contributes to reporting, accreditation, and regulatory activities.
• Supports recruitment, onboarding, and engagement of faculty and preceptors.

Skills

Curriculum development

Teaching experience

Academic program leadership

Student recruitment

Education

Graduate degree in nursing

Doctoral degree in nursing or education

Job description

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Director reports to the Associate Dean Graduate Programs. The role provides faculty leadership for the administration, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the DNP program. The Program Director serves as the primary liaison among DNP faculty and students, academic leadership, Student Affairs, clinical partners, and external stakeholders to support DNP program operations and outcomes. In collaboration with faculty, school leadership, and the Director of Assessment, the Program Director ensures compliance with professional, accreditation, and regulatory standards.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Director reports to the Associate Dean Graduate Programs. The role provides faculty leadership for the administration, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the DNP program. The Program Director serves as the primary liaison among DNP faculty and students, academic leadership, Student Affairs, clinical partners, and external stakeholders to support DNP program operations and outcomes. In collaboration with faculty, school leadership, and the Director of Assessment, the Program Director ensures compliance with professional, accreditation, and regulatory standards.

Job Duties

DNP Program Leadership and Coordination

• Serves as the faculty leader and resource for the DNP program.
• Collaborates with the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, and specialty coordinators to support DNP program operations, implementation, and continuous quality improvement.
• Contributes to reporting, communication, and coordination among faculty and key stakeholders.
• Participates in accreditation and regulatory reporting.

DNP Curriculum and Faculty Support

• Promotes curricular integrity and consistency within the DNP program.
• Promotes faculty teaching effectiveness by communicating teaching expectations and best practices.
• Provides input for DNP course scheduling and faculty teaching assignments.
• Supports recruitment, onboarding, and engagement of qualified preceptors and adjunct faculty for DNP courses.
• Collaborates in the identification and evaluation of DNP practicum placements.

Student Success and Academic Progression

• Collaborates with the Office of Student Affairs to support student recruitment, admissions, progression, and retention for the DNP program.
• Serves as a resource regarding DNP program requirements, policies, and student success initiatives.
• Collaborates with faculty, Student Affairs, and academic leadership to address DNP student concerns.

DNP Program Assessment and Quality Improvement

• Leads program evaluation and assessment activities; identifies opportunities for program improvement.
• Assists with the development and implementation of action plans to support DNP program quality and effectiveness.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Graduate degree in nursing.
• Doctoral degree in nursing, education, or a related field.

Work Experience

• Three (3) years of teaching experience in higher education, nursing education, or a related academic setting.

Certification/Licenses

Preferred Qualifications

• Current Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) certification and licensure.

Work Experience

• Clinical experience as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).
• Experience leading an academic program, course coordination, and/or curriculum development.
• Experience supporting accreditation, regulatory compliance, and/or program assessment.
• Experience coordinating practicum placements and preceptor engagement.
• Experience with student recruitment, admissions, progression, retention, academic advising.

Posted On 11/5/2026 Job Type Faculty/Instructor

Faculty School/Institution The University of Kansas Job Location Kansas City, KS