Program Director - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Keystone Distinction Group; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group is seeking a leader for the MSN program in Irvine, CA, where you will provide oversight of both the MSN-Ed and MSN-FNP tracks. Responsibilities include curriculum design, faculty recruitment, and establishing clinical partnerships.

The ideal candidate will hold a Doctorate in Nursing and have a strong background in program administration. This position emphasizes compliance with accreditation standards and fostering student success through data-informed strategies.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Nursing or 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 eligibility.
• Minimum of three years of graduate-level nursing education experience.
• Strong background in program administration and academic leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and operational oversight of the MSN program.
• Direct curriculum design and ensure compliance with accreditation standards.
• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty.
• Establish and sustain clinical partnerships for student placements.
• Lead program assessment and drive improvements based on outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum Development

Communication

Program Administration

Team-building

Education

Doctorate in Nursing (PhD, DNP, or EdD)

Master of Science in Nursing

Job description

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.