The School of Nursing (SON) at Pepperdine University seeks a candidate for the Director of Clinical Academic Practice Partnerships for its developing nursing programs, currently a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and an Entry Level Master’s Degree in Nursing (ELM). The director reports to the Dean of the SON and collaborates with Associate Dean of Prelicensure Programs to lead and manage the clinical educational experiences, including placements, for all nursing programs. Specific duties and responsibilities of the director include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Supervise and coordinate the clinical experiences for all Pepperdine nursing students, including providing guidance and support during clinical rotations;
• In collaboration with the Associate Dean of Prelicensure Programs, obtain initial clinical placement sites for nursing students;
• Sustain and manage clinical affiliation agreements with all placements sites, including the execution of contracts and maintaining accurate and current records;
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with clinical affiliates;
• Coordinate student placements to clinical sites, including the management of  schedules and ensuring the availability of adequate clinical opportunities; 
• Collaborate with the Dean of the SON, the Associate Dean of Prelicensure Programs, and nursing faculty to align clinical experiences with curriculum learning outcomes; 
• Support SON personnel in recruiting and developing clinical and adjunct faculty;
• Coordinate in collaboration with the Associate Dean of Prelicensure Programs, the annual joint advisory meeting. 
• Oversee the management tools for screening and clinical experience solutions to meet clinical agency requirements (i.e. Castlebranch). Maintain accurate student and employee clinical records and evaluations, while ensuring compliance with University, accreditor, agency, and regulatory standards;
• Continually monitor and assess the effectiveness of all clinical experiences;
• Remain current with nursing education best practices and industry trends to enhance the quality of clinical education;
• Facilitate engagement opportunities between the nursing program and community;
• Ensure compliance with University, curriculum, agency, and regulatory requirements and standards. 

In addition to their responsibilities to the SON, the director will be expected to work positively and collaboratively with the Dean of the College of Health Science and the deans/directors of other academic units within the college to advance the success of the college.

The director will have the following personal attributes.

• An active and abiding Christian faith, a sincere commitment to advancing Pepperdine University’s Christian mission, and a dedication to the integration of faith and learning.
• Commitment to the highest moral, ethical, and academic standards.
• The skill to develop relationships of trust across a wide range of internal and external constituents.
• Strong organizational skills and work ethic.
• Outstanding, oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as a high degree of proficiency in the use of computing technology.

Located in western Los Angeles County near Ventura County, Pepperdine University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute through their teaching, research, and service to the diversity and excellence of the University and our surrounding communities.

Pepperdine seeks candidates for the director of clinical academic practice partnerships who have demonstrated a commitment to nursing education. Required qualifications for the position are:

• A master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• Prior leadership and administrative experience.
• A record of outstanding professional performance.

Preference will be granted to individuals with the following qualifications,

• Prior experience directing clinical placements and academic/practice partnerships in a nursing program.
• Three or more years of successful administration in a department/school of nursing.
• Successful prior experience with accrediting agencies, educational accreditors, and the State of California Board of Registered Nursing.

The SON plans to enroll its first cohort of students in Fall 2025. Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The employment start date is November 1, 2024. 

This is a Regular, Exempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range: $115,00 - $150,000 per year 

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Qualified individuals should be able to articulate a strong commitment to diversity, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

The BSN and ELM programs at Pepperdine University are pending approval by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC).

For more information, please contact the chair of the search committee:
Dr. Angela Coaston  (angela.coaston@pepperdine.edu)
Founding Dean, School of Nursing
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263