SUMMARY:The highly visible incumbent is responsible for implementing the mission and vision of D'Youville University and the Patricia H. Garman School of Nursing while leading the design, delivery, compliance, and continuous improvement of a competency-based LPN-to-BSN program and a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training program in New York State. The Executive Director ensures both programs meet NYSED (Office of the Professions / Program Registration) standards and NYSDOH Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) requirements, align with employer needs, and achieve strong licensure/certification outcomes.
RESPONSIBILITIES:Academic Leadership
- Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the LPN-to-BSN competency-based curriculum;
- Oversee the CNA training program to ensure students are fully prepared for certification and success in healthcare careers;
- Support innovative teaching strategies, including simulation, skills-based learning, and mastery progression;
- Ensure compliance with NYSDOH Nurse Aide Training Program regulations;
- Oversee CNA curriculum, clinical placements, and certification exam preparation;
- Build and nurture strong partnerships with nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and employers;
- Position the CNA program as a career ladder entry point into nursing and allied health education.
Student Success & Community Engagement
- Serve as liaison between the Patricia H. Garman School of Nursing and the Office of Student Access & Opportunity, students are supported in persisting to degree completion based on classroom trends and/or staff requests;
- Represent the School of Nursing in the Nursing Living Learning Community, supporting residential student engagement and academic success;
- Champion accessibility in program design, ensuring all students have the tools they need to thrive.
Compliance & Accreditation
- Serve as the responsible administrator for NYSED program registration and NYSDOH Nurse Aide Training Program approval;
- Ensure all aspects of the programs meet state, accreditation, and testing requirements;
- Maintain strong program outcomes, including NCLEX and CNA certification pass rates.
Faculty & Clinical Partnerships
- Recruit, credential, and mentor faculty and clinical instructors;
- Secure and manage clinical partnerships across healthcare systems and long-term care facilities;
- Build employer relationships to align program outcomes with workforce needs.
Leadership & Operations
- Manage program budgets, equipment, and simulation resources;
- Guide ongoing program assessment and continuous quality improvement;
- Represent D'Youville University in workforce development initiatives and community partnerships;
- Additional duties may include oversight of students in Simulation and Clinical Practice Center during lab hours, facilitation of simulation, and there may be opportunities to participate in interprofessional education (IPE) activities.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:- Current, unencumbered NYS Registered Professional Nurse (RN) license and registration in good standing;
- Master's degree in nursing or education from a program acceptable to NYSED; strong grounding in nursing education and curriculum design (doctorate preferred);
- 5+ years progressive academic/clinical leadership (course lead, coordinator, assistant/associate director, or director);
- Demonstrated curriculum development expertise (learning outcomes, mapping, assessment, item writing, simulation/OSCEs) and competency-based education implementation;
- Evidence of regulatory compliance experience (such as NYSED program registration);
- For CNA oversight: meets NYSDOH NATP Program Coordinator profile (RN; 6gt;=2 years nursing home/LTC experience and documented competency in teaching adults or equivalent per 10 NYCRR 415.26);
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills;
- Experience with non-traditional students and pedagogies such as online learning, hybrid programs, or prior learning assessments.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:- Doctoral degree (EdD/PhD/DNP) in nursing or education from a program acceptable to NYSED;
- Experience working in or collaborating with high school or community college career and technical education programs;
- Experience in hospital/health systems employee training or upskilling also meets this preference;
- Prior leadership of NCLEX outcome improvement, program assessment, and data-driven CQI;
- Experience supervising CNA/NATP operations (NYSDOH approval, site audits, Prometric coordination);
- Certification(s) in nursing education (e.g., CNE/CNEcl) and/or simulation (CHSE/CHSOS);
- Proven success with faculty development, change management, and interprofessional partnerships;
- Grant writing, workforce-development collaboration, and employer advisory engagement;
- Experience with NYSED new program registration/substantive change.
CORE COMPENTENCIES & LICENSURES:- Strategic program leadership; CBE design & analytics;
- Regulatory literacy (NYSED nursing regs, 10 NYCRR 415.26 for NATP);
- Inclusive pedagogy, DEI, and UDL practices;
- Assessment & psychometrics (blueprinting, reliability, validity);
- Clinical education operations (affiliations, ratios, supervision);
- Communication, stakeholder management, and budget stewardship;
- Maintains NYS RN license/registration and required trainings (infection control, child-abuse reporting) per NYSED;
- Meets/maintains NYSDOH NATP coordinator/instructor qualifications; ensures program meets NYSED/NYSDOH approval and Prometric testing requirements.
PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:- Possess the ability to react calmly and effectively in all situations;
- Handle multiple tasks and priorities at once while solving problems and thinking innovatively;
- Administrative, organizational, supervisory, and budget-management skills;
- Extended periods of sitting, standing, stair climbing, maneuvering objects of substantial weight;
- Must possess a student-centered personal philosophy.
Work Remotely - No
Work Location: Buffalo, NY
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Pay: $80,000 - $85,000 Annually
Additional Salary InformationThe salary range reflects our good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation at the time of posting, the role and associated responsibilities, and the experience, education, and training of the selected candidate.
