Program Director - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

H.T. Prof Executive Search; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

H.T. Prof Executive Search is seeking a Program Director for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program in Irvine, CA. The role directs the MSN-Ed and MSN-FNP tracks, shaping curriculum, accreditation readiness, and faculty leadership.

Ideal candidates hold a Doctorate in Nursing and an MSN with relevant specialization, with a California RN license. The position requires strong administrative and instructional leadership to advance student success and institutional effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Must hold Doctorate in Nursing (PhD, DNP, or EdD) from a regionally accredited institution.
• MSN with specialization in Nursing Education and/or Family Nurse Practitioner.
• Unencumbered California RN license (or eligible); FNP certification may be required.
• Minimum of three years of graduate-level nursing education experience.
• Strong program administration, curriculum development, and academic leadership.
• Knowledge of CCNE and BRN accreditation standards.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Compensation is commensurate with education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and day-to-day oversight of the MSN program.
• Direct curriculum design, evaluation, and improvement aligned with AACN Essentials and NONPF.
• Ensure compliance with CCNE and BRN standards; prepare self-studies, reports, site visits.
• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty across tracks.
• Advance student success with data-informed admissions, progression, retention.
• Establish clinical partnerships and practicum networks.
• Lead program assessment and reporting on outcomes.
• Teach graduate-level nursing courses as appropriate.
• Model professionalism and lifelong learning.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum design

Accreditation knowledge

Communication

Faculty development

Educational administration

Education

Doctorate in Nursing (PhD, DNP, or EdD)

MSN with specialization in Nursing Education and/or Family Nurse Practitioner

Job description

Program Director - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Location Irvine, CA
No Remote

Type Direct Hire

ID CA162-2755680

Posted Oct 13, 2026

Location: Irvine, CA

Essential Functions:

• Provide visionary leadership and day-to-day operational oversight of the MSN program, encompassing both the MSN-Ed and MSN-FNP tracks.
• Direct curriculum design, evaluation, and continuous improvement, ensuring alignment with national graduate nursing competencies (e.g., AACN Essentials, NONPF) and evolving healthcare workforce needs.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with CCNE accreditation standards, California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) regulations, and institutional policies, including preparation of self-studies, reports, and site visits.
• Recruit, mentor, develop, and evaluate faculty across both tracks, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and student-centered academic culture.
• Advance student success through data-informed strategies for admissions, progression, retention, and academic support.
• Establish and sustain clinical partnerships and preceptor networks to secure high-quality practicum placements for FNP and nursing education students.
• Lead systematic program assessment and reporting on student outcomes, quality measures, and institutional effectiveness, using results to drive improvement.
• Teach graduate-level nursing courses as appropriate to expertise and program needs.
• Model professionalism, scholarly excellence, and a commitment to lifelong learning for faculty, staff, and students.

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Nursing (PhD, DNP, or EdD) or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Master of Science in Nursing with specialization in Nursing Education and/or Family Nurse Practitioner.
• Unencumbered California RN license (or eligible for licensure); FNP certification and licensure if applicable.
• Minimum of three years of graduate-level nursing education experience.
• Strong background in program administration, curriculum development, and academic leadership.
• Working knowledge of nursing accreditation standards and regulatory requirements (CCNE, BRN).
• Excellent communication, leadership, and team-building skills.
• Compensation is commensurate with education, experience, and internal equity considerations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• National certification and clinical experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC or FNP-C).
• Graduate-level teaching experience in MSN–Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) and/or MSN–Education (MSN-Ed) tracks.
• Experience managing multiple nursing program tracks within a university setting.
• Familiarity with both online and hybrid program delivery models.
• Proven success in developing clinical partnerships and overseeing practicum coordination.
• A record of scholarly contributions, research, or leadership in professional nursing organizations.