Job Description

Position Description for Director of Nursing September 2026

I. FUNCTIONAL TITLE: Director of Nursing Director I (1620)(B26)

II. DEFINITION: Directs the Nursing Department under the general direction of the Executive Director with wide latitude for use of initiative and independent judgement. Work involves interpreting, administering and directing the enforcement of laws and rules pertaining to approval of professional and vocational nursing programs and monitoring of the licensure examination for registered nurses and vocational nurses.

III. QUALIFICATIONS:

A. Personal

1. Recognized personal and professional integrity that is necessary to maintain the respect of state officials, professional colleagues and the general public.

2. Desired personal characteristics that will enable the Director to assume a statewide leadership role in regulation:

1. Professional comportment
2. Ability to organize and prioritize
3. Appropriate manner and conduct
4. Sound judgement
5. Honesty
6. Effective problemsolving skills
7. Objectivity
8. Initiative
9. Flexibility
10. Effective communication skills
11. Ability to work well with individuals and groups
12. Selfdirection
13. Creativity

3. A deep sense of responsibility and commitment to the agency's mission of public protection.

B. Educational

1. Licensed as a registered nurse in Texas or eligible for licensure

2. Graduate of an accredited college or university, holding at least a master's degree in nursing; Doctorate degree in nursing or active enrollment in nursing doctoral program highly preferred.

3. Educational preparation shall have included courses in leadership, curriculum, research and teaching.

C. Professional

1. Possess ethical standards required of state employees.

2. Experience

1. Broad experience in various types of nursing positions as well as experience in nursing education.
2. Successful administrative experience.

3. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

a. Comprehensive knowledge of nursing as a profession, including trends and issues.

b. Knowledge of all levels of nursing education programs.

c. Knowledge of agency programs, functions, policies and procedures.

d. Knowledge of the relevant laws, rules and regulations pertinent to the department.

e. Knowledge of research methods.

f. Ability to effectively communicate with agency staff, nurses, board members and the public in general.

g. Ability to interpret the role of nursing in society.

h. Ability to speak in public and write effectively.

i. Ability to analyze and solve problems.

j. Ability to plan and direct the work of the department.

k. Ability to train and supervise department personnel.

l. Ability to identify, interview and hire qualified personnel.

m. Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relations with individuals and groups.

n. Ability to enforce rules and regulations with consistency and tact.

o. Ability to supervise personnel, provide leadership and maintain effective working relationships with other departments.

p. Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure including communications infrastructure and cybersecurity infrastructure.

IV. RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Directly responsible to the Executive Director and accomplishes the functions outlined below in accordance with established rules, policies and directives.

B. Collaborate closely with other agency departments as necessary for coordination of agency activities.

V. FUNCTIONS:

A. Responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of the goals and objectives of the Nursing Department.

B. Interview, hire and provide for the training and professional development needs of the nursing department staff.

C. Collaborate with other department directors to develop operational plans for the agency each year, including strategic planning, preparing the budget and the performance management reports, to ensure consistency in implementing the Board's mission and goals.

D. Collaborate with other department directors through formal and informal means to operationalize agency goals and objectives and to promote coordination and integration of functions between departments.

E. Facilitate staff and/or participate in inter/intra agency and external committees or task forces to review and develop rules, regulations, policies or position papers for the Board of Nursing.

F. Confer and correspond with individuals and groups regarding board activities, education rules, particularly through reports or presentations.

G. Monitor, evaluate, analyze, and interpret internal and external health related trends and activities as these impact development of agency policy.

H. Prepare reports and presents same to Board.

I. Serve as a resource to agency staff/board in matters pertaining to education, examination, nursing practice and advanced practice registered nursing.

J. Provide input into the development and modification of board rules and regulations.

K. Contribute to agency Goals and Objectives.

L. Adhere to agency ethics and human resources policies.

M. Assist the Executive Director with Informal Settlement Conferences and other functions as assigned, including special projects and/or reports to the Board.

N. Maintain effective communication with coworkers and supervisors to promote teamwork in accomplishing departmental and agency functions.

VI. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

A. Must be willing to travel within the State of Texas.

B. Refer to personnel policies for other conditions of employment.

C. Exempt from Fair Labor Standards Act

State of Texas employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, including :

• Health Insurance: Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents, with the state covering a significant portion of premiums.
• Retirement Plans: Participation in a defined benefit retirement plan with monthly annuity payments upon retirement, plus options for additional voluntary retirement savings such as a 401(k)/ Roth IRA.
• Additional Benefits: Life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, and other optional coverages to support employees' wellbeing and financial security.

For more details, visit the Employees Retirement System of Texas: https://ers.texas.gov/BenefitsataGlance