Associate Program Director - MSN-ENP Program

Compensation: $110,000 - 125,000 + 10,000 stipend based on skills and experience.

Position Summary

The Associate Program Director (APD) for the Master of Science in Nursing - Entry into Nursing Practice (MSN-ENP) program serves in a pivotal leadership role, supporting the strategic, curricular, and operational success of the program. This role involves a balance of teaching, service, and leadership duties, with approximately 40-50% of the position dedicated to administrative responsibilities. The APD works in close collaboration with the Program Director and College of Nursing Dean to ensure compliance with accreditation standards, promote student success, and foster faculty development.

This appointment is at the discretion of the Dean and may be discontinued at any time, without cause, without impacting the individual's faculty appointment or associated benefits.

Our generous benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision plans; paid parental leave; short-term and long-term disability plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and a 403(b) retirement plan which includes a 10% employer contribution after two years of service. RFUMS is committed to employee well-being and work-life balance. Full-time staff members are eligible for three weeks of vacation, 15 sick days, and 13 holidays plus two floating holidays. That is a minimum of 30 paid days off each year.

Who We Are

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA.

Today, the university's 6 colleges continue Dr Franklin's legacy through rigorous academics, pioneering research, and innovative community service. Our unique interprofessional education model allows students to learn from and with each other in a variety of settings, including our simulation labs, the student-led Interprofessional Community Clinic, and through partnerships with area hospitals and clinics. RFU is a national leader in interprofessional research and practices, and is nationally recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, proteomics, cancer cell biology and immunology, cardiac resuscitation, and gait and balance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

All full-time faculty members employed by RFUMS are expected to engage in activities that are considered core to their primary role as a faculty member. These activities may include teaching, scholarly activity, and service.

• Serve as Acting Program Director in the Program Director's absence.
• Serve as the first point of contact for student conduct or academic performance concerns, reviewing issues and facilitating appropriate resolution or referral. Escalate and confer with the program director when necessary.
• Oversee student progression processes, including:
  1. Developing and implementing clear guidelines for academic standing, remediation pathways, and in collaboration with the Dean of Students, student conduct procedures.
  2. Contributing to the annual revision of the Student Handbook and associated policy documents.
  3. Ensuring transparent communication of academic expectations, progression policies, and available support resources to students.
  4. Collaborating with faculty and administration to create individualized academic success plans for students identified as at risk.
  5. Ensuring alignment of all student progression processes with institutional policies, accreditation standards, and professional nursing expectations.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and retention efforts for faculty in collaboration with the Program Director and Chair.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to program faculty related to instructional quality and professional development.
• Collaborate with clinical partners to secure and maintain high-quality clinical and immersion experiences.
• Recommend strategic priorities for the MSN-ENP program in alignment with national trends in nursing education.
• Help to support a learning community that celebrates differences and recognizes the strength in diverse perspectives

• Serve as chair or active member of the MSN-ENP Curriculum Committee, providing leadership oversight for curriculum development and implementation. The candidate must possess demonstrated experience in nursing curriculum design, evaluation, or equivalent experience in healthcare professional development. Candidates with hospital-based leadership experience in staff education, clinical training programs, or professional development initiatives that involved curriculum planning will also be considered qualified
• Guide curriculum development, revision, and evaluation to align with professional nursing standards, including AACN Essentials and/or relevant healthcare accreditation standards (such as Joint Commission, ANCC Magnet Recognition Program, or other professional practice standards). Experience with either academic or healthcare organizational quality improvement, competency-based education frameworks, or professional development program evaluation will be considered valuable for this role
• Support innovation in instruction, including the integration of simulation and interprofessional education.

• Support program accreditation and state board approval efforts through document preparation, site visit coordination, and regulatory compliance.
• Remain current on changes in nursing education regulations and ensure program alignment with standards.

• Teach and serve as Course Director for at least two courses (taught twice) annually based on clinical and educational expertise.
• Participate in student recruitment, orientation, and pre-matriculation engagement.
• Advise and mentor 3-5 students per cohort throughout the duration of the program.

• Serve on departmental and institutional committees as assigned.
• Contribute to scholarly work that supports program development, student success, or health equity.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies related to intellectual property, research, and grant activity.

Scholarly activities and/or clinical activities are negotiated and determined at the department level and are primarily based upon the faculty track.

Conditions of Employment

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check
• Must comply with all immunization and health requirements established by the university and its affiliated clinical partners, as applicable to their specific role and level of student interaction. Documentation of required vaccinations or approved exemptions according to current institutional policies will be necessary.

Required Education & Experience

• Doctoral degree (DNP, PhD, DNSc) in nursing required or MSN with a doctoral degree in a related discipline.
• Possess an active unencumbered Illinois RN license (if licensed out of state must obtain within 6 months of hire)
• Experience in team-based learning approaches to instruction.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Foundational understanding of multiple nursing practice areas to effectively coordinate with specialty track faculty and support curriculum implementation.
• Knowledge of competency-based entry-into-nursing curriculum and corresponding accreditation standards
• At least 2 years of teaching experience in higher education, hospital-based education programs, or healthcare professional development. Experience in developing nursing curricula, staff competency programs, or professional development frameworks that align with nursing practice standards
• Ability to prioritize and organize numerous and varied assignments.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer skills, i.e., Microsoft Office.
• Ability to quickly learn various Educational Learning Management System software.
• Display professionalism and maintain confidentiality and privacy.
• Demonstrate awareness and respect for diverse perspectives in all professional interactions.
• Value teamwork

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (DNP, PhD, DNSc) in nursing required or MSN with a doctoral degree in a related discipline.
• Experience in developing nursing education programs, staff competency frameworks, or professional development curricula.
• Experience with multiple active learning teaching strategies, including with large and small groups and case-based learning.
• Experience in nursing education leadership at the undergraduate and/or graduate level, or equivalent leadership experience in hospital-based nursing professional development, clinical education programs, or nursing staff training initiatives.

Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

EOE, Including Disability / Vets