Director, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Specialty Emphasis

Director, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Specialty Emphasis

The University of Utah, an AA/EO employer, encourages applications from all qualified individuals and provides reasonable accommodations for known disabilities. The University values candidates who work in inclusive settings and are committed to improving access to higher education, employment, and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented groups.

• Position/Rank:
  Director, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Specialty Emphasis
• Department: 00989 - CON - GEAP DIVISION
• City:
  Salt Lake City, UT
• Track:
  New Position to Begin

The Director of the Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) emphasis within the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program provides academic leadership and specialty expertise. The Director ensures alignment of the PNP curriculum with program, college, and accreditation standards; supports faculty in delivering high‑quality, evidence‑based education; and mentors students in meeting defined program outcomes. The Director collaborates with the Assistant Dean of the Master of Science in Nursing and the Doctor of Nursing Practice, the Executive Director of Nurse Practitioner Education, and other stakeholders to maintain emphasis on quality, advance innovation in teaching and practice, and strengthen partnerships with clinical training sites.

The Director will hold a faculty position within the College of Nursing on the Clinical Track; rank will depend on qualifications.

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the specialty emphasis within the DNP program.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate curriculum quality, rigor, and consistency to align with AACN, CCNE, NONPF, and national nursing standards and competencies in collaboration with faculty, the Assistant Dean, and the Executive Director of NP Education.
• Oversee admission processes for students in the specialty emphasis, in collaboration with Student Affairs and the Program Manager.
• Mentor and support emphasis faculty in teaching, scholarship, and practice excellence.
• Oversee and guide student progress and promote achievement of program outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Dean of MS and DNP Programs and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs regarding student issues.
• Collaborate with other emphasis directors, the Assistant Dean, Executive Director of NP Education, and faculty on curriculum planning, program assessment, and accreditation activities.
• Develop, coordinate, and sustain relationships with clinical sites to ensure high‑quality practice experiences for students.
• Lead ongoing program review, quality improvement, and innovation initiatives related to the specialty emphasis.
• Participate in emphasis‑specific student recruitment and marketing in collaboration with the Office of Student Affairs, Academic Operations, Marcom, and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.
• Provide support of clinical placements and collaborate with Student Services for clinical sites and contracts.
• Complete necessary documentation for student credentialing and licensure.
• Ensure accurate preceptor documentation and placement in EXXAT.
• Provide input and recommendations to faculty teaching assignments and faculty development in collaboration with Division Chair(s).

• Graduate (DNP or PhD) of an accredited College or School of Nursing and hold a current Utah RN License or be qualified to obtain one.
• Licensed in Utah and nationally certified in the specialty area.
• Strong and contemporary working knowledge of the nursing profession, nursing education related to emphasis, higher education, and health care delivery.
• Demonstrated leadership and participation in accreditation, curriculum development and evaluation, academic advisement, and admissions processes.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, and the ability to work collaboratively and productively with individuals and groups.

Responsible to:
Assistant Dean, MS and DNP Programs;
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs; and Chair, Division of Graduate Education and Advanced Practice.

Formal Review: A periodic formal review will…