Graduate Program Director, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Dominican University; River Forest (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits

Retirement plan with employer matching

Tuition remission for employees and their dependents

Flexible spending accounts (FSA)

Generous paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Dominican University is seeking a Graduate Program Director for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program. This pivotal role involves academic leadership and oversight of program development, ensuring excellence in curriculum design and compliance. The successful candidate will foster an inclusive learning environment and oversee faculty and student success.

The position offers comprehensive health benefits, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. A strong commitment to diversity and student-centered learning is essential for this role in River Forest, Illinois.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years clinical practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
• Demonstrated experience in graduate nursing education and curriculum development.
• Current national certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic and administrative leadership for the PMHNP program.
• Oversee program planning, curriculum alignment, and continuous assessment.
• Foster a dynamic learning environment that supports diversity and equity.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Collaborative skills

Education

Doctoral degree in nursing or related field

Job description

JOB TITLE: Graduate Program Director, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

DEPARTMENT: Elizabeth T. MacNeil School of Nursing

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Nursing

Dominican University’s Borra College of Health Sciences, Elizabeth T. MacNeil School of Nursing invites applications for a Graduate Program Director, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). This 12‑month academic appointment will play a pivotal role in launching and leading the new PMHNP track beginning August 2026.

The Graduate Program Director serves as the academic and administrative leader of the PMHNP Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, guiding its development, accreditation readiness, and long‑term strategic growth. This is an opportunity for an innovative and mission‑driven nurse leader to shape a doctoral program from its inception, ensuring excellence in curriculum design, faculty development, regulatory compliance, and student success. Working collaboratively with the Associate Dean of Nursing, the Graduate Chair will oversee program planning, curriculum alignment, faculty oversight, and continuous assessment. The role requires demonstrated expertise in graduate nursing education, accreditation standards, and academic policy, along with a strong commitment to culturally responsive teaching and inclusive excellence. This position will hold an academic rank as a non‑tenure track, Clinical Assistant Professor/Lecturer.

The successful candidate will foster a dynamic learning environment that supports diversity, equity, and professional growth while advancing high standards in clinical preparation, scholarly engagement, and student outcomes. In addition to administrative leadership, the position includes teaching responsibilities consistent with faculty rank.

Job Components / Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Create and maintain effective relationships with outside stakeholders, particularly for the development and maintenance of clinical affiliations.
• Foster future growth and expansion of programs.
• Perform other duties as requested, delegated or assigned.
• Provide academic and administrative leadership for the PMHNP program, including program launch, implementation, and continuous quality improvement.
• Lead strategic planning for program growth, innovation, and long‑term sustainability including future initiatives.
• Ensure alignment with AACN Essentials, NPMF competencies, CCNE standards, and state and federal regulatory requirements.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report program outcomes, student outcomes, certification pass rates, and quality indicators.
• Collaborate with School of Nursing and Borra College of Health Sciences leadership on resource planning, budget management, and program performance metrics.
• Coordinate CCNE accreditation preparation, reporting requirements and site visit activities in collaboration with the Associate Dean of Nursing.
• Lead PMHNP curriculum development, implementation, and revision to align with regulatory compliance and best practices in psychiatric mental health nursing education.
• Serve as the content expert for PMHNP curriculum, maintaining currency in the field including practice, policy, and evidence‑based teaching strategies.
• Oversee development and revision of program policies, student handbooks, clinical requirements, and academic procedures.
• Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and support graduate faculty, clinical instructors, and staff.
• Collaborate with School of Nursing leadership to ensure faculty workload, scheduling, and instructional resources support program success.
• Foster a collegial, inclusive, and professional supportive environment for faculty and staff.
• Teach graduate‑level PMHNP courses consistent with expertise and program needs. This position allows a 3‑credit hour release.
• Provide academic advising and professional mentorship for graduate students.
• Serve as the primary contact for student academic progression, performance concerns, and professional conduct concerns.
• Participate in admissions review, transcript evaluation, and admissions decisions.
• Support student recruitment and program marketing initiatives, and outreach efforts, including collaboration on website content updates and promotional materials.
• Represent the graduate program at professional conferences, academic events, community events, and academic clinical partnership agencies.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Enrollment Management, Registrar’s Office, and clinical partners to support seamless student onboarding and progression.
• Engage in university, college, and school of nursing service, including committee and interdepartmental participation.
• Contribute to scholarship, professional service, and ongoing academic development consistent with tenure‑track expectations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DNP) in nursing or related field required. (ABD will be considered if completed by start date).
• Current national certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (AANP or ANCC).
• Current, unencumbered RN and APRN licensure in Illinois (or eligibility for Illinois licensure by start date).
• Minimum of three (3) years clinical practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
• Demonstrated experience in graduate nursing education, curriculum development, and accreditation processes.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and collaborative skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student‑centered learning.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as a program director, graduate chair, or coordinator in an APRN program.
• Prior involvement in program development or launch of a graduate nursing track.
• Active clinical practice in psychiatric mental health nursing.

Physical Demands

• Ability to spend long durations of the workday sitting at a desk and working on a computer or similar device.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds as needed.

Salary and FLSA Status

• FLSA Status: Exempt, full‑time.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement plan with employer matching.
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependents.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• Generous paid time off (PTO).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Dominican University is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal and state employment regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.