Director of Professional Development

Position Summary

The Director of Professional Development is a key nursing leader responsible for advancing a culture of clinical excellence, professional growth, and workforce engagement across the organization. This role provides strategic leadership for nursing professional development, clinical education, and organizational development initiatives that strengthen clinical competence and support a highly skilled, empowered nursing workforce. As the Pathway to Excellence® Program Director, the Director ensures the organization’s ongoing readiness for designation, drives alignment with ANCC standards, and leads initiatives that promote shared decision making, staff well being, leadership responsiveness, and a positive practice environment.

The Director oversees the planning, development, and evaluation of comprehensive education and professional development programs, including nurse onboarding, competency management, specialty training, simulation-based education, and continuing education. This leader collaborates closely with nursing leadership, operational leaders, human resources, and quality teams to design and deliver programs that enhance clinical outcomes, promote evidence-based practice, and support organizational strategic goals.

This role also contributes to broader organizational development activities that foster a high performing culture—partnering on leadership development, succession planning, mentorship programs, and initiatives that enhance retention and professional engagement. The Director serves as a champion for lifelong learning, innovation, interprofessional collaboration, and the advancement of nursing practice. Through visionary leadership, strong communication, and a data driven approach, the Director ensures that professional development functions are efficient, outcomes oriented, and aligned with organizational priorities.

Qualifications

Required

• Registered Nurse (RN) with an active, unrestricted license.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) required.
• Minimum 5–7 years of nursing experience, with at least 3 years in education, professional development, or nursing leadership.
• Demonstrated experience leading professional development, clinical education, or organizational development initiatives.

Preferred

• National certification in Nursing Professional Development (NPD‑BC) or related specialty.
• Experience with ANCC Pathway to Excellence or Magnet® programs.
• Strong project management, communication, and change leadership skills.

Core Competencies

• Leadership & Team Development
• Strategic Planning
• Project & Program Management
• Clinical Expertise and Evidence‑Based Practice
• Organizational Development Awareness
• Communication and Collaboration
• Data‑Driven Decision‑Making
• Culture & Engagement Advocacy

Key Responsibilities

Pathway to Excellence Program Leadership

• Serve as the Pathway to Excellence Program Director, overseeing all aspects of initial designation, redesignation, and continuous compliance with ANCC standards.
• Lead evidence collection, document preparation, gap analysis, and survey readiness.
• Collaborate with nursing leadership to cultivate a culture aligned with Pathway standards (shared decision‑making, well‑being, safety, professional development, etc.)
• Manage communication, education, and engagement strategies related to Pathway initiatives.

Professional Development & Clinical Education Oversight

• Provide leadership and direction for the Clinical Education department, including nurse educators, preceptors, and clinical onboarding teams.
• Design, implement, and evaluate competency frameworks, orientation programs, and clinical development pathways for all levels of nursing staff.
• Oversee development of annual education plans, mandatory training, simulation use, skill validation, and continuing education programs.
• Ensure educational programs meet regulatory and accreditation standards.

Organizational Development Support

• Partner with Human Resources, Quality, and Leadership Development to support initiatives such as leadership training, culture and engagement strategies, and organization‑wide professional growth programs.
• Contribute to succession planning, talent development, and workforce retention strategies.
• Facilitate organizational change initiatives through education, communication, and staff engagement.

Leadership & Operational Management

• Lead, mentor, and evaluate staff within the professional development and clinical education teams.
• Develop and manage department budgets, resources, and operational plans.
• Use data, quality metrics, and outcomes to drive decision‑making, program improvement, and strategic planning.
• Represent Nursing Professional Development on hospital committees and workgroups.