Director of Advanced Practice, Graduate Nursing

Job Summary

This individual is employed by the University and reports to the Chair for Graduate Nursing Programs. The Director is responsible for the supervision of all of the online and campus-based Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) tracks and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) tracks. The Director also has oversight of the Directors of FNP and PMHNP Clinical Education and faculty who teach in the FNP and PMHNP foci courses. The Director of Advanced Practice will have administrative and advising responsibilities and a reduced teaching commitment equivalent to 4 courses on-load (e.g., 3 didactic courses as assigned plus 3 on-campus immersion experiences). This is subject to change year by year based on university needs.

Collaborating with the Graduate Nursing Chair, the Director ensures academic rigor and curricular alignment for the FNP and PMHNP programs, while meeting the needs of current and prospective students and aligning with the SON's overall vision and standards and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) standards.

The Director of Advanced Practice is responsible for overall program design, development, and delivery, to create the optimal student experience and desired student outcomes. In collaboration with a core team across several functional areas of the University (Strategic Initiatives, Student Financial Services, Registrar, Technology, Finance, Operations, Legal, and in collaboration with Simmons' strategic partner, 2U), the Director must focus on several areas of the program to ensure quality: marketing, curriculum, faculty, student support, operations, and profitability.

Curriculum Management Responsibilities

Oversee FNP and PMHNP academic programs in collaboration with the Dean, Associate Dean of SON, Chair, Clinical Directors, and course coordinators. Monitor and maintain academic policies within the SON specific to the FNP and PMHNP programs. Ensures that the academic rigor and curriculum of the FNP and PMHNP programs align, including working with the FNP and PMHNP Clinical Directors to select appropriate clinical experiences to meet the stated course objectives along with the appropriate clinical faculty in collaboration with the 2U Clinical Placement Team. Review, evaluate, and recommend course offerings and course size in collaboration with the Dean, Associate Dean, Chair, and course coordinators. Promote the development of interdisciplinary curricula and research. Advocate and support faculty and students in research and scholarship activities. Coordinate and lead faculty mentoring and faculty development programs. Oversee adherence to professional standards and best practices, in consultation with the Chair, FNP and PMHNP Clinical Directors, and course coordinators. In consultation with the Dean, Chair, and Associate Dean, ensure that requirements for SON accreditation are being met. Participate in the SON accreditation and/or board approval activities. Monitor the graduate nursing systematic evaluation plan in collaboration with the Associate Dean, Chair, and Operations team.

Administrative Responsibilities

Ensure the welfare of the FNP and PMHNP programs by managing and planning the budget in coordination with the Dean, Chair, Associate Dean, and Operations team. Monitor faculty workload to ensure compliance with University policies and SON needs. Coordinate the annual review process for the FNP and PMHNP clinical directors and the nursing faculty who teach FNP and PMHNP foci courses. Provide leadership in creating conditions conducive to improving the overall infrastructure of the FNP and PMHNP programs through the maintenance of effective systems and processes. Facilitate FNP and PMHNP faculty meetings. Maintain active, responsive, and positive communication with FNP and PMHNP nursing faculty, staff, SON leadership, and other University members. Assist the Dean, Associate Dean, and Chair with maintaining a culture of quality, trust, and accountability. Work with the FNP and PMHNP nursing faculty, advisors, Operations team, Dean, Associate Dean, and Chair to strengthen, coordinate, integrate, and implement strategic goals established by the SON.

School of Nursing Management Responsibilities, Including Student-Facing

Serve as a resource to liaise with 2U, Student Affairs, Accessibility Services, Office of Advising, Career Education Center, faculty, and students. Assist faculty leaders with complex student issues. Collaborate with the Operations team in providing leadership for programming, special events and ceremonies, and graduation celebrations. Participate in School-wide strategic planning as well as that of the FNP and PMHNP programs. Participate in the development of strong campus and community partnerships. Provide visionary leadership for the FNP and PMHNP programs and grant-funded educational initiatives and partnerships. Participate (with the Dean, Associate Dean, Chair, and faculty) in recruitment and admissions of students. Work with the Chair, Associate Dean, FNP and PMHNP Clinical Directors, faculty, and staff to coordinate student success initiatives as appropriate for the FNP and PMHNP programs. Promote and support innovative and interdisciplinary research and courses.

Faculty Management Role - FNP and PMHNP Foci

Oversee the FNP and PMHNP program faculty hiring processes (in collaboration with the Operations team, Dean, Associate Dean, Chair, HR, and the Provost's Office). Promote consistency and policy compliance, strong candidate pools, and success in the hiring of tenure and non-tenure stream, clinical, and adjunct faculty. In concert with the Graduate SON Chair, Associate Dean, and Dean, manage and coordinate the faculty review processes, including annual, mid-point, tenure, promotion, voucher, and Periodic Developmental Multi-Year Reviews. Work with the academic leadership team in relation to sensitive faculty dismissal processes when necessary. Advocate for equitable allocation of capital resources required to support faculty scholarship and student learning objectives (laboratory facilities, instrument facilities, etc) consistent with professional standards and best practices. Provide leadership and promote professional development within the faculty of the FNP and PMHNP program tracks.

External Role

• Serve as a communication link in conjunction with the Chair between the SON, University, 2U, and other external constituents, including but not limited to employers, alumni, donors, clinical partners, and professional associations.

Other Duties

• Other responsibilities as determined by the Dean, Associate Dean, or Chair.

Qualifications/Skills

• Dual Board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is required
• Graduate Nursing degree from an accredited university required
• Terminal degree (DNP/PhD/EdD) in Nursing or related field required
• At least 5 years of clinical experience
• 3 - 5 years of teaching experience with online experience preferred
• 3 - 5 years of experience in leadership preferred
• Must obtain/maintain an unencumbered Massachusetts RN license
• Must obtain/maintain an unencumbered Massachusetts APRN license for any in-person campus-based teaching
• Ability to build and manage budgets
• Creative problem solver
• Strong and effective communicator
• Ability to motivate and build consensus among faculty
• Ability to effectively collaborate with the Chair, Associate Dean, and Operations team to strengthen, coordinate, integrate, and implement the goals established by the Dean

Terms of Service

The Director of Advanced Practice is a 12-month contract faculty role. Potential for remote or hybrid position; however, the ability to travel to the Boston campus periodically is expected.

Salary Range: $92,958-$118,209

In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws effective October 29, 2025, Simmons University is committed to pay equity, transparency and clear communication throughout the hiring process.

This is benefits eligible position.

Actual compensation will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills, equity, and external market benchmarks that help guide compensation decisions. Our compensation philosophy is centered around a comprehensive package that includes pay, health benefits, and retirement savings offerings that can be seen here, as well as work-life balance initiatives such as flexible hours and remote work opportunities. We are committed to offering a package that empowers individuals to thrive in their roles, contribute meaningfully, and lead with confidence.