Specialty Director of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs/Instructional Series Faculty Appointment (Open Rank-Assistant Teaching Professor, Associate Teaching Professor, or Teaching Professor)

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: College of Nursing, Office of Faculty and Students

Job Title: Specialty Director of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs/Instructional Series Faculty Appointment (Open Rank -Assistant Teaching Professor, Associate Teaching Professor, or Teaching Professor )

Position #: 0000644170 – Requisition #: 39653

Job Summary

The CU College of Nursing is seeking an energetic leader to serve as the Specialty Director of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practitioner Program. The ideal candidate would be qualified to hold a full-time (1.00 FTE) faculty appointment within the Instructional Faculty Series (rank will depend on the candidate’s qualifications and experience). This full-time faculty position includes dedicated time to serve as the Specialty Director in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program. The successful candidate will have recent psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner practice experience and a track record of excellence in academic teaching. Responsibilities include participation in the teaching, practice, and service mission of the College of Nursing and the University of Colorado. Demonstration of academic leadership, such as curricular/program development, is preferred.

Ideal candidates will have teaching and scholarship experience with the ability to teach across programs. Faculty rank will depend on the candidate’s qualifications and experience, and potential ranks include Assistant Teaching Professor, Associate Teaching Professor, or Teaching Professor within the Instructional Series.

Successful candidates will have recent experience in the focus listed above and a track record of excellence in academic teaching. Responsibilities may include participation in the teaching, practice, and service mission of the College of Nursing and the University of Colorado. Demonstration of academic leadership, such as curricular/program development, is preferred. For APRN candidates, a portion of the position may be devoted to clinical practice depending on the candidate’s experience and expertise. While the primary focus for these positions resides in the teaching mission of the college, service and scholarship to the university and the college are expected of all faculty members. A successful candidate will help foster a community of belonging and will utilize a justice lens to effectively engage with all members of the CU Nursing community, specifically faculty, staff, students, and community partners with diverse identities.

This faculty position involves didactic and clinical teaching responsibilities as well as administrative responsibility for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Program including securing clinical placements for graduate students and the management of student program plans, progression monitoring and student support. Didactic courses are taught in the classroom, online, or in blended formats. Supervision of clinical courses includes clinical conferences using online conferencing, site visits, and close communication with clinical preceptors.

Examples of Work Performed may include:

Academic Advising & Student Support

• Serve as the Academic Advisor for all PMHNP students.
• Advise students, monitor progress and retention, and establish performance improvement plans as needed.
• Support student growth in skills needed to succeed in a progressive teaching and learning environment that incorporates ongoing innovative strategies for competency development.
• Evaluate student application of knowledge.
• Promote accountability among students by implementing clear guidelines and expectations for preparation, engagement, and self-directed study and practice.
• Lead the comprehensive examination process for PMHNP students, including evaluation of competencies and coordination of poster presentation activities.
• Create and maintain formal Plans of Study, individualized to each student, to support expected progression and accurate administrative tracking across the program.

Student Recruitment, Coordination & Alumni Engagement

• Recruit and advise qualified students to the PMHNP program, including conducting interviews, portfolio reviews, and informational sessions.
• Build and maintain relationships with alumni and constituents to monitor post-graduate outcomes, support preceptor recruitment, and strengthen alumni engagement.
• Support recruitment of qualified faculty for the PMHNP program, as needed.

Curriculum Development & Instruction

• Serve as lead faculty for the PMHNP specialty, providing didactic and clinical instruction in classroom, online, and blended formats.
• Instruct and facilitate meaningful learning aligned with course and program outcomes.
• Provide learner-centered instruction that prepares graduates to meet evolving patient needs and workforce demands.
• Encourage a culture of learning that values mutual responsibility, respect, lifelong learning, diversity, ethics, and professional development.
• Participate in course, curricular, and program revision and development activities.
• Evaluate and revise curriculum to ensure alignment with state and national certification standards and accreditation requirements and following faculty shared governance processes.
• Introduce students to skills necessary for success in progressive learning environments that incorporate innovative strategies and competency-based development.
• Integrate innovative teaching strategies and educational technologies to enhance learning and competency development.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of educational technology tools.
• Support student certification application processes and monitor program quality indicators, including certification pass rates and related benchmarks.
• Collaborate to suggest teaching assignments within the PMHNP program and accept teaching assignments as determined by the Assistant/Associate Dean and/or Division Chair.

Clinical Preceptor & Placement Coordination

• Identify, recruit, and maintain relationships with clinical preceptors and practicum sites.
• Ensure clinical placements are secured prior to each semester and provide required documentation to the Clinical Placement Office.
• Monitor student clinical compliance, progression, and preceptor and site evaluations.
• Leverage professional networks, organizations, and alumni relationships to expand and diversify the preceptor pool.

Program Leadership & Administration

• Participate in leadership teams administering the psychiatric-mental health nursing fellowship program, supporting students who complete supplemental research or evidence-based practice projects focused on mental health topics.
• Participate in leadership teams administering the Tools of Engagement program, which provides foundational mental health skill development for nursing students across programs and specialties.
• Plan and lead specialty faculty meetings, ensuring dissemination of key policies, procedures, and program updates.
• Support development of new program opportunities, including initiatives that expand access to mental health education and workforce development.

Communication & Collaboration

• Maintain effective, collaborative communication with students, faculty, staff, preceptors, and external partners.
• Serve on divisional, college, and university committees.
• Demonstrate commitment to collaborative interprofessional teaching and scholarship.
• Participate in activities that promote the reputation and stature of the academic programs and the College of Nursing while adhering to university and college policies and standards.

Professional Engagement & Service

• Engage in state, regional, and national professional organizations through meetings, service, and leadership activities.
• Promote the mission and strategic priorities of the College of Nursing through active participation in professional and community initiatives.
• Contribute to initiatives that support mental health education, professional development, and workforce advancement.

This description is a summary only and is describing the general level of work being performed, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business need. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

Work Location:

This position’s primary work location is the Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, and will also have teaching responsibilities as needed on the Legacy Campus, in Lone Tree, Colorado.

Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule based on assigned teaching responsibilities.

Why Join Us

CU Nursing is an amazing place to be. We have the distinct advantage of being a part of a huge medical campus with three incredible hospitals – the VA, the nationally ranked University of Colorado Hospital, and the Children’s Hospital Colorado where our nursing students and faculty learn every day. From our beginning 125 years ago as part of the School of Medicine at CU Boulder to our current home at the Anschutz Medical Campus, the college has been a recognized leader in nursing education (ranked #10 in online MS graduate programs by U.S. News & World Report 2023). Our faculty, students and staff have been instrumental in shaping the profession of nursing and teaching the next generation of nurses while treating patients in our own nurse-led clinics. Be a part of an innovative, dynamic, diverse, and exciting workplace -- helping make great things happen. Join us in our quest to boldly transform health together.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation, and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package, including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 11/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced-rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage .

How to Apply

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

• A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.
• Curriculum vitae / Resume
• Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address
• A copy of all relevant diplomas/certifications (i.e. confirmation of high school diploma)

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers .

Questions should be directed to the College of Nursing Human Resources Team via CON.HR@ucdenver.edu or 303.724.4447.

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by November 3rd, 2026 . Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range ( or hiring range ) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

Assistant Teaching Professor: $98,000 to $115,000 annually at 1.0 FTE

Associate Teaching Professor: $115,000 to $130,000 annually at 1.0 FTE

Teaching Professor: $130,000 to $150,000 annually at 1.0 FTE

The above salary range ( or hiring range ) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: