What are the responsibilities and job description for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Director University of Kansas position at American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)?
Description
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.
Job Duties
DNP Program Leadership and Coordination
Education:
Preferred Qualifications
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.
Job Duties
DNP Program Leadership and Coordination
- 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.
Education:
- Graduate degree in nursing.
- Doctoral degree in nursing, education, or a related field
- Three (3) years of teaching experience in higher education, nursing education, or a related academic setting.
Preferred Qualifications
- 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 supporting accreditation, regulatory compliance, and/or program assessment.
- Experience coordinating practicum placements and preceptor engagement.
- Experience with student recruitment, admissions, progression, retention, academic advising.