Program Director - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Program Director - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Location: Irvine CA US

Job Description:

Stanbridge University invites applications for a visionary and forward-thinking Program Director to lead our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of graduate nursing education by overseeing two dynamic tracks: MSN–Education (MSN-Ed) and MSN–Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP). As Program Director, you will drive innovation in curriculum design, ensure excellence in accreditation and compliance, and foster a culture of academic integrity and student success. We're looking for a passionate leader who thrives on collaboration, inspires faculty, and is committed to developing tomorrow’s nurse educators, clinical experts, and healthcare changemakers.

Essential Functions:

• Provide visionary leadership and operational oversight of the MSN program, including both MSN-Ed and MSN-FNP tracks.
• Champion curriculum development, evaluation, and continuous improvement aligned with national competencies and evolving healthcare needs.
• Lead efforts to maintain compliance with CCNE, California BRN, and institutional accreditation standards.
• Support, mentor, and evaluate faculty across both program tracks, while cultivating a collaborative and student-centered environment.
• Drive student success through strategic planning in admissions, progression, and academic support initiatives.
• Build and sustain clinical partnerships for both FNP and nursing education practicum placements.
• Oversee program assessment and reporting related to outcomes, quality measures, and institutional effectiveness.
• Teach selected graduate-level nursing courses as appropriate to your background and program needs.
• Serve as a role model of professionalism, academic excellence, and commitment to lifelong learning.

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.

Conditions of Employment:

• A job-related assessment may be required during the interview process.
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be physically present in the office (unless otherwise noted).
• Employment verification will be conducted to validate work experience per accreditation standards.
• Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
• Official transcripts are required prior to hire. Degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service to determine U.S. degree equivalency and applicable subject-area coursework.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain work authorization throughout employment. Stanbridge University does not provide employment visa sponsorship for this position.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment:

• Standard office/classroom/lab or clinical setting.
• Duties are typically performed while sitting at a desk or computer workstation.
• May include time spent in skills labs or bedside environments as required by the program.
• Subject to frequent interruptions, noise from talking or office equipment, and demanding timelines.

Physical Demands:

• Regularly sits for extended periods.
• Physical ability to perform program- or department-related duties.
• Proficient in using electronic keyboards and office equipment.
• Effective verbal communication via phone and in person.
• Ability to read fine print, operate computers, and understand voices clearly.
• Able to lift, carry, and/or move objects weighing 10–25 pounds as needed.

Employee Benefits:

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Exciting university events
• Seasonal motivational health and wellness challenges
• Work/Life Balance initiatives
• Onsite wellness program / Staff Chiropractor
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)

Institutional Values:

• Diversity and Inclusion: Stanbridge University’s motto, “Strength through Diversity,” reflects our deep commitment to honoring the diverse backgrounds of our students, faculty, staff, and surrounding communities. We strive to build an inclusive learning environment and uphold anti-discrimination practices in all aspects of university life.
• Innovation and Technology: We embrace cutting-edge technology to enhance student learning through interactive, hands-on experiences, including virtual reality and simulation labs—ensuring students are prepared for the demands of modern healthcare practice.
• Community Engagement: Through initiatives such as Stanbridge outREACH, students are empowered to give back to local and global communities, cultivating compassion, civic responsibility, and social awareness.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Stanbridge University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.