Director of Nursing

Helena College University of Montana a comprehensive two-year college, provides access to and support of high quality lifelong educational opportunities for our diverse community. Helena College is seeking qualified applicants who wish to become part of a dynamic and creative team for a full-time position as a Director of Nursing.

The mission of Helena College is to support our diverse community by providing the paths and tools necessary to assist learners in achieving their educational and career goals. The Nursing program offers an ACEN accredited academic program which provides training for students to become either an LPN or an RN.
A member of the Academic Leadership team, the Director of Nursing provides overall administrative direction and coordination for the Practical Nursing (including a satellite location in Hamilton, MT through a partnership with Bitterroot College) and the Associate of Science in Nursing programs. The Director will assist in the administration and management of the functions of the program including analysis, planning, and strategic formation of goals, and the implementation of plans for program development and evaluation. This includes the analyzing of program operations and needs to determine potential enhancements or improvements to procedures and activities. The Director will develop and/or recommend supporting policies and procedures. The Director also provides direct supervision for Nursing instructors, both full-time faculty and adjunct instructors, as well as an Administrative Assistant and a Simulation Coordinator. This position reports directly to the Dean/CEO of Helena College.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

General Administration
•  Official representative for the Nursing Department throughout the College
•  Ensure all accreditation standards are met and maintained
•  Ensure the requirements mandated by the Montana Board of Nursing are met
•  Prepare reports needed for ACEN and the Montana Board of Nursing
•  Review and revise, with consultation of the faculty, the nursing courses and curriculum
• Complete assessment process to develop, promote, and evaluate programs to achieve long-term goals, and ensure students are meeting program learning outcomes
• Develop and manage assigned budgets, including developing and maintaining a long-term plan for resource needs
• Interpret and implement policies and procedures of Helena College
• Hold faculty/staff meetings
• Participate in the governance and committee work of the College
• Instruct nursing courses as necessary to ensure delivery of all required coursework for students

Student Interaction
•  Coordinate and supervise the admission of students into the Nursing Program
•  Assist with the recruitment of students
•  Support advising of pre-nursing students
•  Serve as point of contact for student inquires and concerns

Personnel Supervision
•  Orient, guide, assign, and evaluate all nursing department staff
•  Recommend faculty appointments
•  Compute faculty workload and plan teaching assignments
•  Resolve staff and/or student programs
•  Provide opportunities for professional development

Community Outreach and Relations
• Maintain open communication with clinical agencies and state/national accreditation agencies to update programs for better student training and placement
• Serve as primary contact and develop relationships with business, industry, other educational providers, and community healthcare agencies
• Provide leadership in securing external funding for the Nursing Program
• Provide representation on local, regional, state, and national nursing and healthcare board/committees
• Coordinate the securing of off-site facilities for clinical instruction

Management and Supervision of Others
• All nursing personnel, including full-time faculty, adjunct instructors, administrative assistant, and a simulation manager

Minimum Qualifications

•  Master of Science in nursing required by Montana Board of Nursing
•  Current, unencumbered license to practice professional nursing in Montana
•  At least 2 years full-time experience in nursing education
•  Excellence in teaching
•  At least 2 years of experience in nursing practice
•  Educational preparation or experience in curriculum development and administration
Preferred:
•  Experience teaching at a two-year college
•  Experience as Director of a nursing education program

Additional Information

Job Type:     Contract Professional Full-time
Work Schedule:      Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week). Typical work schedule is 8am-5pm, Monday
through Friday; however, as Director of the program, there will be times schedule must be adjusted
to meet program needs and represent the program at events.
Bargaining Unit:     None

Priority Application Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)
Review of applications will begin after date above and continue until the position is filled.

A complete application Includes:
1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated
required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear
Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable
2. Detailed Resume listing education and describing work experience
3. Transcript - (Unofficial transcripts acceptable with application) Official transcripts due upon
hire
4. Montana Nursing License – Copy of current license.
5. Three (3) professional references - names and contact information for three (3)
professional references.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Employment Eligibility: All new employees must be eligible to work lawfully in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).