Director, Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN FNP) Program (55226)

Position Summary

Claflin University invites applications for the position of Director of the Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) Program. Reporting to the Associate Dean of the Department of Nursing, the Director provides visionary academic and administrative leadership for the University's graduate nursing program.

The Director is responsible for ensuring academic excellence, regulatory compliance, accreditation standards, student success, faculty development, and continuous program improvement while advancing the University's mission of preparing culturally competent, ethical, and highly skilled advanced practice nurses.

The Director collaborates with faculty, healthcare partners, alumni, and community stakeholders to strengthen the program's reputation, increase enrollment, expand clinical partnerships, and prepare graduates for successful certification and practice as Family Nurse Practitioners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Academic Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership for the MSN-FNP program consistent with the mission and strategic priorities of Claflin University.
• Lead the development, implementation, evaluation, and revision of the graduate nursing curriculum.
• Ensure curriculum alignment with national standards, evidence-based practice, and current healthcare trends.
• Promote excellence in teaching, scholarship, research, innovation, and service.
• Develop initiatives that enhance student learning, retention, graduation, and certification examination success.

Program Administration

• Direct the day-to-day operations of the MSN-FNP program.
• Coordinate course scheduling, faculty teaching assignments, and academic planning.
• Develop and monitor program goals, learning outcomes, and strategic initiatives.
• Prepare annual reports and maintain program assessment data.
• Participate in budget planning and resource management.
• Ensure compliance with University policies and procedures.

Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain compliance with all accreditation and regulatory requirements.
• Lead accreditation preparation, reporting, and site visits.
• Ensure adherence to standards established by:
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • South Carolina Board of Nursing
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF)

Faculty Leadership

• Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and support graduate nursing faculty.
• Foster faculty development in teaching, scholarship, simulation, and clinical education.
• Encourage faculty participation in research, grant development, and professional service.
• Promote a collaborative and inclusive academic culture.

Student Success

• Oversee graduate admissions recommendations and progression policies.
• Advise and mentor graduate nursing students.
• Monitor student academic progress and implement intervention strategies when appropriate.
• Support student engagement, professional development, certification preparation, and career readiness.

Clinical Education

• Develop and maintain partnerships with healthcare organizations for clinical placements.
• Collaborate with clinical agencies and preceptors to ensure high-quality clinical experiences.
• Monitor clinical education outcomes and preceptor effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with clinical documentation and regulatory requirements.

Assessment and Continuous Quality Improvement

• Collect, analyze, and report assessment data.
• Utilize data to improve curriculum, instruction, and student outcomes.
• Monitor key performance indicators, including:
  • Enrollment
  • Retention
  • Graduation rates
  • Certification pass rates
  • Employment outcomes
  • Student satisfaction
  • Employer satisfaction

Scholarship and Community Engagement

• Maintain an active program of scholarship and professional engagement.
• Pursue external funding opportunities and grants.
• Represent the School of Nursing in professional organizations and community partnerships.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration across the University and healthcare community.

Additional Responsibilities

• Teach graduate nursing courses consistent with faculty workload expectations.
• Serve on University committees.
• Participate in graduate student recruitment activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean.

Required Qualifications

• Earned doctoral degree (DNP, PhD, or EdD in Nursing or closely related field).
• Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• National certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC or FNP-C).
• Eligibility for licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in South Carolina.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible nursing education experience.
• Demonstrated teaching experience in graduate nursing education.
• Experience with curriculum development and assessment.
• Experience with accreditation and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated administrative and leadership experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience directing an MSN or DNP Nurse Practitioner program.
• Record of scholarly publications and presentations.
• Experience securing external grants and funding.
• Experience with simulation-based education.
• Experience using learning management systems and educational technologies.
• Strong network of healthcare and clinical practice partners.
• Experience working in a historically Black college or university (HBCU) or other diverse educational environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Visionary academic leadership
• Commitment to student success
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Budget planning and fiscal management
• Strategic planning and assessment
• Collaborative leadership style
• Excellent written and oral communication
• Data-informed decision making
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Knowledge of graduate nursing accreditation standards and healthcare regulations

Physical Requirements

Work is performed primarily in an office, classroom, simulation laboratory, and clinical environment. Occasional travel may be required for accreditation activities, professional meetings, clinical partnerships, and recruitment events.

About Claflin University

Founded in 1869, Claflin University is South Carolina's oldest historically Black university and a nationally recognized liberal arts institution committed to preparing visionary leaders through exemplary teaching, research, scholarship, and service. The School of Nursing prepares graduates who are clinically competent, compassionate, and committed to improving the health of individuals, families, and communities.

Claflin University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from individuals who will contribute to the University's commitment to academic excellence and inclusive excellence.