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 Practical Nursing (PN) Program Director provides academic leadership, administrative oversight, and operational management for all aspects of the program at both the East Hartford and Bridgeport locations. The Program Director is responsible for the administration, planning, implementation, continuous review, evaluation, development, and overall effectiveness of the program. This role ensures compliance with accreditation and regulatory requirements, oversees the quality and integration of the didactic, laboratory, and clinical components of the curriculum, and leads ongoing program improvement efforts to support student success and meet workforce and community needs. Additional responsibilities include student recruitment, committee participation, collaboration with faculty and staff, and serving as a liaison with healthcare facilities and other external stakeholders.
Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities
- 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.
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.
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.
Qualifications
Minimum Required Qualifications:
1. Licensure: Hold current licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) and maintain an active, unencumbered Connecticut RN license.
2. Education: Possess an earned graduate degree in nursing from an accredited institution.
3. Experience: Demonstrate experience teaching in a nursing education program. Possess administrative and leadership experience relevant to nursing education and program oversight.
Preferred Education and Experience: Five (5) years of nursing experience in a supervisory, leadership, and/or teaching role.