Program Director – Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Software Placement Group, SPG; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The university invites applications for a Program Director to steer the MSN program, including MSN-Ed and MSN-FNP tracks, blending strategic leadership with hands-on program management.

You will ensure accreditation readiness, mentor faculty, strengthen clinical partnerships, and guide student success through data-informed practices, while upholding academic excellence.

This role offers an opportunity to shape national nursing education standards in a collaborative, inclusive campus culture.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Nursing or related field from an accredited institution.
• MSN with specialization in Nursing Education and/or Family NP.
• Unencumbered California RN license or eligible for licensure; FNP certification if applicable.
• 3+ years graduate nursing education experience; leadership and program admin experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and day-to-day oversight of the MSN program (MSN-Ed and MSN-FNP).
• Direct curriculum design, evaluation, and continuous improvement to align with national competencies.
• Ensure CCNE accreditation standards and BRN regulations compliance, including self-studies and site visits.
• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty across tracks; foster inclusive, student-centered culture.
• Advance student success through data-informed admissions, progression, retention, and support.
• Lead clinical partnerships and practicum networks for FNP and nursing education students.
• Lead program assessment and reporting on outcomes and institutional effectiveness.
• Teach graduate nursing courses as needed; model scholarly excellence and lifelong learning.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Faculty development

Data-informed decision making

Education

Doctorate in Nursing (PhD/DNP/EdD)

MSN in Nursing Education and/or Family NP

Job description

Location: Irvine, CA | Schedule: Full-time, on-site

Overview

A regionally accredited university is seeking a Program Director to lead its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, which encompasses both the MSN-Ed and MSN-FNP tracks. This role combines strategic academic leadership with hands-on program management, ensuring the program continues to meet national nursing education standards while supporting faculty and student success.

What you'll do

• Provide visionary leadership and day-to-day operational oversight of the MSN program, including the MSN-Ed and MSN-FNP tracks
• Direct curriculum design, evaluation, and continuous improvement in 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 experienceStrong 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

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

Compensation and benefits

• Compensation is commensurate with education, experience, and internal equity considerations

Why this role

This position offers the opportunity to shape the strategic direction and academic quality of an MSN program spanning two distinct nursing tracks, while teaching, mentoring faculty, and building the clinical partnerships that support student success.