Program Director of Practical Nursing (PN)

The mission of Goodwin University is to educate a diverse student population in a dynamic environment that aligns education, commerce, and community. Our innovative programs of study prepare students for professional careers while promoting lifelong learning and civic responsibility. As a nurturing university community, we challenge students, faculty, staff, and administration to fully realize their highest academic, professional, and personal potential.

Position Description Summary/Purpose :

The Practice Nursing (PN) Program Director oversees all aspects of the program, including administration, planning, evaluation, and continuous improvement, while also fulfilling the responsibilities of full‑time faculty. The Director provides academic leadership and administrative oversight to ensure educational quality, regulatory compliance, and student success. Key duties include maintaining accreditation, evaluating the effectiveness of didactic, laboratory, and clinical components, supporting student recruitment, serving on committees, and acting as a liaison with healthcare partners. The PN Program operates on campuses in East Hartford and Bridgeport, CT. Although based primarily in East Hartford, the Program Director supports faculty and students at both locations and travels to Bridgeport as needed.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities :

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Plans, administers, manages, and evaluates the PN Programs and course offerings within a teaching and learning environment that incorporates solutions to support academic services.
• Serves as the instructional leader for the PN Programs, guiding the development, assessment, and revision of curriculum, program outcomes, and student learning outcomes in collaboration with faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Collaborate with community partners to identify workforce trends and student learning needs.
• Works closely with the dean, faculty, and staff to address and resolve student concerns and complaints in compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Develops, maintains, and strengthens partnerships with healthcare providers, business and industry, school districts, and governmental, community, and educational organizations to support student learning and program outcomes.
• Ensures program operations comply with institutional standards, accreditation requirements, and applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Promotes and ensures safe work practices in all instructional, laboratory, and clinical settings.
• Provides leadership in the administration and development of the PN Programs to meet the needs of healthcare organizations, adult learners, and workforce development initiatives

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated commitment to cultural excellence, with the ability to foster a respectful and supportive educational environment.
• Expertise within the nursing discipline appropriate to the PN Program and courses taught.
• Knowledge of:
  • Academic and program administration
  • Curriculum development, implementation, and assessment
  • Accreditation and regulatory requirements
  • Business and program planning
  • Management and leadership, including facilitating collaboration among diverse, highly educated professionals.
  • Goal setting, strategic planning, and performance evaluation
  • Organizational planning, prioritization, and resource allocation
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; analyze problems; collect and interpret data; draw valid conclusions; and present information clearly to leadership, governing bodies, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated skills in mentorship, including coaching and supporting faculty, staff, and students to promote professional growth, instructional excellence, and student success

Other Duties

• Performs related duties as assigned or as operational needs require.
• Participates in ongoing professional development to maintain currency in nursing practice, education, accreditation standards, and healthcare trends.
• Supports department operations and assists colleagues as needed to promote teamwork and a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience :

Program Directors oversee the development and monitor the delivery of academic programs and are responsible for ensuring a quality education for students in their programs. The Program Director of Nursing must have:

• A Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or university.
• Active RN License in the state of Connecticut

Experience in an academic environment, and particularly in a career college environment, is of great importance. Work experience in the following areas is highly valued:

• Academic administration (college/university level (Preferred)
• Three (3) years of nursing experience in a supervisory, leadership role.
• Three (3) years of nursing experience in a teaching role in a college or university setting.

Full-Time Employee Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401k employer match
• Employee & dependent life insurance
• Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents
• PTO program
• Flexible work schedules

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Goodwin University and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the University as the needs of the University and requirements of the job change.)