Doctor of Nursing Practice; DNP) Program Director

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Director

Department: SON Graduate Programs

Job Family Group:
Academic

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Director reports to the Associate Dean Graduate Programs. The role provides faculty leadership for the administration, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the DNP program. The Program Director serves as the primary liaison among DNP faculty and students, academic leadership, Student Affairs, clinical partners, and external stakeholders to support DNP program operations and outcomes.

In collaboration with faculty, school leadership, and the Director of Assessment, the Program Director ensures compliance with professional, accreditation, and regulatory standards.

• Serves as the faculty leader and resource for the DNP program.
• Collaborates with the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, and specialty coordinators to support DNP program operations, implementation, and continuous quality improvement.
• Contributes to reporting, communication, and coordination among faculty and key stakeholders.
• Participates in accreditation and regulatory reporting.

• Promotes curricular integrity and consistency within the DNP program.
• Promotes faculty teaching effectiveness by communicating teaching expectations and best practices.
• Provides input for DNP course scheduling and faculty teaching assignments.
• Supports recruitment, onboarding, and engagement of qualified preceptors and adjunct faculty for DNP courses.
• Collaborates in the identification and evaluation of DNP practicum placements.

• Collaborates with the Office of Student Affairs to support student recruitment, admissions, progression, and retention for the DNP program.
• Serves as a resource regarding DNP program requirements, policies, and student success initiatives.
• Collaborates with faculty, Student Affairs, and academic leadership to address DNP student concerns.

• Leads program evaluation and assessment activities; identifies opportunities for program improvement.
• Assists with the development and implementation of action plans to support DNP program quality and effectiveness.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties, and assignments. Furthermore, job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• Graduate degree in nursing.
• Doctoral degree in nursing, education, or a related field.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have the foundational knowledge and skill set required to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is based on accreditation requirements, institutional standards of academic and professional excellence, alignment with peer institution benchmarks, and contributes to the credibility and effectiveness of the role within the university community.

• Three (3) years of teaching experience in higher education, nursing education, or a related academic setting.

• Current Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) certification and licensure.

• Clinical experience as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).
• Experience leading an academic program, course coordination, and/or curriculum development.
• Experience…