Job Description Summary

Samuel Merritt University
Multiple Openings | All specialty areas
Locations: Oakland, Sacramento, Fresno, and Foster City (CA).

About Samuel Merritt University

Samuel Merritt University (SMU) is a private, non-profit health sciences university dedicated to educating compassionate, skilled, and culturally responsive health professionals who serve diverse and underserved communities. With campuses in Oakland, Sacramento, Fresno, and Foster City, SMU is deeply embedded in California’s healthcare ecosystem and committed to health equity, interprofessional education, clinical excellence, and workforce development.

Position Overview

The College of Nursing invites applications for exceptional academic and program leaders to support strategic growth. This initiative reflects the University’s priorities related to enrollment growth, program excellence, community-engaged practice, and preparation of the nursing workforce needed to serve California’s diverse populations.

Appointments may be made at the assistant, associate, or full professor level depending on qualifications and institutional needs. Positions may be based at any SMU campus, with opportunities for collaboration across locations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Areas of Appointment

Academic & Program Leadership Roles (e.g., Program Directors, Associate/Assistant Deans, Specialty Track Leads)

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for nursing programs or academic initiatives
• Support faculty development, curriculum quality, and regulatory compliance
• Advance enrollment growth, student outcomes, and workforce-aligned programming
• Strengthen partnerships with clinical affiliates, health systems, and community organizations
• Foster a culture of collaboration, equity, innovation, and continuous improvement

Preferred Expertise

• Demonstrated academic, clinical, or administrative leadership experience
• Experience with accreditation (e.g., CCNE), assessment, and program evaluation
• Strong communication, organizational, and change-management skills

Minimum Required Qualifications (All Positions)

• Earned graduate degree in nursing (doctoral degree preferred)
• Active or eligible California RN licensure
• Evidence of effective teaching, clinical excellence, scholarship, and/or leadership, as appropriate to role
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence and health equity
• Ability to work effectively in an urban, multi-campus, mission-driven academic environment

Why Join Samuel Merritt University?

• Deep commitment to health equity and serving underserved communities
• Strong clinical partnerships across Northern and Central California
• Collaborative, student-centered faculty culture
• Opportunities for interprofessional teaching, practice, and scholarship
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package

Application Process

Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter identifying area(s) of interest (pre-licensure, post-licensure, leadership) and preferred campus location(s).
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of teaching philosophy and/or leadership approach

The annual salary for Academic and Program Leadership positions is determined based on the scope of the role, relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, geographic location, and other job-related factors. Depending on the position and candidate qualifications, salaries may range up to $160,000.