Program Director - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Ashton North LLC; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashton North LLC seeks a visionary academic leader to oversee its MSN program (MSN-Ed and MSN-FNP tracks) in Irvine. You will direct curriculum design, evaluation, and continuous improvement while ensuring alignment with national competencies and evolving healthcare needs.

The role requires active oversight of accreditation standards (CCNE, BRN), faculty recruitment and development, and data-informed strategies to support student success.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Nursing or related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• MSN with specialization in Nursing Education and/or Family Nurse Practitioner.
• Unencumbered California RN license or eligible for licensure; FNP certification/licensure if applicable.
• Minimum of three years of graduate-level nursing education experience.
• Strong background in program administration, curriculum development, and academic leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight of the MSN program (MSN-Ed and MSN-FNP tracks).
• Direct curriculum design, evaluation, and improvement aligned with AACN Essentials and NONPF.
• Ensure compliance with CCNE and BRN accreditation standards and site visits.
• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty across tracks; foster inclusive, student-centered culture.
• Advance student success through data-informed admissions, progression, and retention strategies.
• Establish clinical partnerships and preceptor networks for practicum placements.
• Lead program assessment and reporting on outcomes and institutional effectiveness.
• Teach graduate-level nursing courses as needed; model professionalism and scholarly excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum design

Accreditation knowledge

Communication

Team-building

Education

PhD/DNP/EdD in nursing or related field

MSN with Nursing Education and/or FNP

CA RN license (unencumbered)

3+ years graduate nursing education

Program administration

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.