Executive Director of Simulation

Working at Quinnipiac University; North Haven (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Quinnipiac University’s School of Nursing invites applications for the inaugural Executive Director of Simulation to establish the center’s enterprise structure from the ground up, balancing operations, curriculum integration, and technology-enabled learning.

The role reports to the Provost and oversees budget, staff, accreditation, and partnerships with Medicine, Nursing, Health Sciences and community partners to advance simulation-based education.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Nursing, Education, Health Sciences, or related field.
• Doctoral degree preferred in Medicine, Nursing, Education, Health Sciences, or related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in simulation-based education.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day operations of the center, scheduling, staffing, equipment readiness.
• Supervise simulation staff and provide mentoring and development.
• Partner with faculty to design and integrate simulation curricula and assessments.
• Develop and manage the center budget and procurement; ensure cost-efficiencies.
• Maintain SSH accreditation and lead related self-study and reviews.
• Select and implement simulation equipment and technologies with IT partners.
• Provide faculty development in simulation pedagogy and debriefing methods.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Budget management

Curriculum integration

Project management

Simulation technology

Staff development

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Master's degree

Doctoral degree preferred

Tools

AR/VR platforms

A/V debriefing systems

Simulation management software

Job description

Overview

Quinnipiac University's School of Nursing invites applicants for the Executive Director of Simulation.

As the inaugural Executive Director of Simulation, this individual will collaboratively facilitate the establishment of the overall enterprise structure of a Quinnipiac University immersive practice and collaborative training center from the ground up, including its organizational design, operations, policies, and procedures. This foundational work will set the framework for how the center functions, scales, and integrates across the university for years to come.

The Executive Director of Simulation provides operational and educational leadership for QU’s immersive practice and collaborative training center, overseeing day-to-day center operations, staff, curriculum integration, and equipment/technology for simulation-based learning across the health sciences. Reporting to the Provost, with daily operations supervised by a Provost appointee, the Director partners with Medicine, Nursing, Health Sciences and community partners to design, deliver, and continuously improve simulation-based participant experiences. The Director manages the simulation budget, supervises simulation staff, and ensures programming meets accreditation and best-practice standards set by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH).

About the School

The Quinnipiac University School of Nursing has been educating nurses for more than 50 years. Our mission is to develop exceptional, practice-ready nurses as leaders in science-based, holistic care through innovation and inclusive education. The School of Nursing’s strategic priorities are aligned with innovative programs, student success, thriving community, and sustainable resources. The School of Nursing serves approximately 1100 graduate and undergraduate students. We offer CCNE accredited programs leading to BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees that prepare graduates for successful careers in hospitals, clinics, schools, communities, and many other settings. School of Nursing graduates become leaders at each level of their careers and facilitate positive changes within healthcare. Faculty and staff work with colleagues in our Center for Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and all schools across campus to create innovative interprofessional educational experiences that prepare students for today’s health care challenges. The Center is located at our North Haven, CT campus and encompasses 325,000 square feet designed for collaborative learning including 48 pro-section stations, 16 standardized patient rooms, an exceptional health sciences library, 7 high-fidelity simulation rooms including 2 ORs and a PACU, health assessment and skills labs, advanced diagnostic imaging equipment and classrooms outfitted with the latest technology. As one of 17 schools in the nation with holistically endorsed programs, we emphasize the social, emotional, spiritual, and psychological aspects of care, as well as the physical, throughout our nursing curriculum.

We are a highly collaborative and supportive community that is committed to high quality educational experience, advancing diversity in all areas. Successful candidates will share the School of Nursing values of belonging, compassion, collaboration, curiosity, and integrity. The School provides faculty members with:

• A structured orientation and mentoring
• An assigned faculty affiliate
• Regular workshops by Quinnipiac Innovations in Learning and Teaching (QILT)
• Opportunities to work with nationally recognized faculty and staff
• Generous support for conference attendance and professional development
• Support with grant applications for faculty research or curricular innovations
• A culture of community, teamwork, and professionalism
• A climate that values diversity and inclusion
• Values of belonging, collaboration, compassion, curiosity and integrity

To find out more about our School of Nursing, please visit https://www.qu.edu/schools/nursing.html

About Quinnipiac

Quinnipiac University is a private, coeducational institution located 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. The university currently has an enrollment of 9,700 students in more than 100-degree programs through its Schools of Business, Communications, Education, Computing & Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing, and the College of Arts & Sciences. Our 22 Division I teams have achieved remarkable success, boasting multiple conference titles. This includes a 2023 NCAA National Championship win in ice hockey, a three-time defending national champion women's rugby team, and a trip to the Sweet 16 for our women's basketball team. The Quinnipiac University Poll is nationally recognized as a leader in public opinion research, and the university is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review. The Wall Street Journal ranked Quinnipiac #51 among the best colleges in the nation, and second in Connecticut, for our exceptional graduation rate, salary impact, learning facilities, career preparation and learning opportunities.

The university is in the midst of program expansion and renewal for both traditional and adult learners, the development of innovative strategic partnerships, and just opened a South Quad with three new buildings.

As Quinnipiac grows, we remain guided by the core values that define our community and shape the experience of every student and employee.

• We are fiercely committed to ensuring every Bobcat thrives. We are a lifelong partner for every learner.
• We passionately care about our community. Everyone should feel welcome and valued.
• We boldly shape our university’s future. We will forge a path of impact together.

These values are the foundation of who we are and reflect the Quinnipiac spirit found across our campuses. For more information, please visit qu.edu. Connect with Quinnipiac on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X.

Responsibilities

• Direct the day-to-day operations of the center, including scheduling, staffing, equipment readiness, and facility use across all simulation modalities (high-fidelity manikin, task trainer, virtual/augmented reality, and standardized/simulated participant programming)
• Supervise, mentor, and develop simulation staff including hiring, performance management, and professional development
• Partner with faculty across Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences to design, integrate, and continuously improve simulation-based curricula, debriefing practices, and competency assessments across programs and learner levels
• Develop and manage the center’s annual budget, including equipment procurement, maintenance contracts, and supply forecasting; identify cost-efficiencies and resource needs
• Maintain and advance the center accreditation and compliance with Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) standards and best practices; lead related self‑study and review processes
• Evaluate, select, and implement simulation equipment and technologies (manikins, task trainers, AR/VR platforms, audiovisual/debriefing systems) in coordination with IT and instructional partners
• Provide faculty development and training in simulation pedagogy, scenario design, and debriefing methods; serve as a resource for simulation best practices university wide
• Track and report on utilization, learner outcomes, and program effectiveness; support scholarly dissemination and research involving simulation-based education
• Represent the center on relevant university committees and with external partners (clinical affiliates, vendors, professional simulation organizations)
• Facilitate the development and periodic review of the center policies, procedures, and safety protocols
• Develop and manage business plans to enhance revenue‑generating activities within the center

Education Requirements

Required: Master’s degree – Field of study: Nursing, Education, Health Sciences, or related clinical/health field

Preferred:Doctoral degree – Field of study: Medicine, Nursing, Education, Health Sciences, or related clinical/health field

Minimum 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in simulation-based education, healthcare education, clinical training, or a related field

Additional requirements (such as licensure, certifications, valid driver’s license, etc):

Current unencumbered clinical license (e.g., RN or other health profession) preferred. Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) credential from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare preferred, or willingness to obtain within an agreed timeframe

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to evaluate program outcomes, learner performance data, and operational effectiveness to support continuous improvement
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and facilitation skills, including the ability to conduct debriefings and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, including staff supervision, coaching, mentoring, and performance management
• Working knowledge of simulation technologies, including high‑fidelity manikins, task trainers, audiovisual recording and debriefing systems, simulation management software, and emerging technologies such as AR/VR platforms
• Strong project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities, programs, and events simultaneously
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and simulation scheduling and management systems
• Ability to develop, implement, and revise departmental policies, procedures, and best practices
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in operational and personnel matters

Collaboration and Relationship Management

• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, clinical partners, vendors, and external stakeholders
• Experience collaborating on significant cross-functional projects and initiatives
• Ability to identify stakeholder needs, develop solutions, gain cooperation, and drive successful outcomes
• Experience handling sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion

Additional Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to solve highly complex, non‑routine problems through innovative and creative approaches
• Experience with departmental fiscal management, including budget planning, monitoring, and resource allocation
• Ability to work effectively in an office environment and manage competing priorities in a dynamic educational setting