Pepperdine University’s College of Health Science (CHS) and its School of Nursing (SON) seek a candidate for the Director of Simulation and Skills Education for its developing nursing and healthcare programs. Programs currently planned for an August, 2025 start include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an Entry Level Master’s Degree in Nursing (ELM), and a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology (SLP). Future planned programs include physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. 

The director will report jointly to the Dean of the SON and the Dean of the CHS. The director’s primary responsibilities are directed to the SON. However, as the director of all clinical education facilities in the CHS, the director will be expected to work collaboratively with the Dean of the School of SLP, future program deans/directors, and faculty/staff across the CHS to lead and manage the clinical educational experiences for all CHS healthcare programs. 

The director will be responsible for the management and operation of all clinical education and simulation facilities. Specific duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Lead and manage all aspects of the simulation/laboratory facilities necessary for successful operation in support of the curriculum and student learning;
• Collaborate with faculty to plan and implement learning activities using the resources of simulation facilities and laboratories, including scheduling;
• Collaborate with the Dean of the SON, the Associate Dean of Prelicensure Programs, and nursing faculty to align simulation/laboratory experiences with curriculum learning outcomes; 
• Facilitate all clinical testing, including simulation and standardized patient assessments;
• Remain current with nursing education best practices and make recommendations to enhance the quality of clinical education and simulation;
• Foster and maintain an excellent teaching and learning environment by continually monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of all simulation and laboratory experiences;
• Recruit, hire, develop, and supervise simulation/laboratory staff;
• Demonstrate excellence in teaching in accordance with the needs of the nursing programs.
• Successfully manage the area’s budget, including the ordering, repair, and maintenance of all equipment and mannequins, as well as inventory management and ordering;
• Maintain accurate student and employee records and evaluations, while ensuring compliance with University, accreditor, agency, and regulatory standards;
• Facilitate engagement opportunities between the nursing program and community;
• Ensure compliance with University, curriculum, agency, and regulatory requirements and standards. 

Depending on qualifications, prior experience, and interest, the director may also have the opportunity to serve as an adjunct instructor for clinical courses in the nursing program.

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 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 simulation and skills education who have demonstrated a commitment to both nursing and healthcare education. Required qualifications for the position are:

• A master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• A minimum of one year of previous professional experience in simulation and skills education.
• A record of outstanding professional performance.

Preference will be granted to individuals with the following qualifications,

• Prior successful experience in a leadership position in simulation and skills education.
• Prior successful experience in simulation and skills education.
• Two or more years of successful work experience in a healthcare setting.
• Successful prior experience with accrediting agencies, educational accreditors, and the State of California Board of Registered Nursing.

Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The employment start date is February 1, 2025. 

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 nursing 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