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Graduate Program Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Program Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$35.5K

$74K

$117.4K

How much do graduate program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate program director in Chicago, IL is $73,963.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,600.00 and $92,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the responsibilities of a Graduate Program Director?

A Graduate Program Director oversees the administration and academic integrity of graduate programs within a department or college. Their responsibilities typically include coordinating admissions, advising students, managing curriculum development, ensuring compliance with university policies, and serving as a liaison between students, faculty, and administration. They also address student concerns, organize program assessments, and may contribute to recruitment efforts. Their role is vital in maintaining the quality and reputation of graduate programs.

What are some common challenges faced by a Graduate Program Director and how can they be managed effectively?

Graduate Program Directors often navigate challenges such as balancing administrative duties with supporting students and faculty, ensuring program accreditation standards are met, and mediating conflicts within the program. Effective management involves strong organizational skills, clear communication, and fostering a collaborative environment. Regularly soliciting feedback from stakeholders and staying updated on institutional policies can also help address issues proactively and maintain program excellence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Program Director, you need a solid background in academic administration, curriculum development, and typically an advanced degree in your field. Familiarity with student information systems, accreditation processes, and learning management platforms is essential. Exceptional leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills help in managing faculty, supporting students, and fostering collaboration across departments. These competencies ensure the effective operation, growth, and academic quality of graduate programs.
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Program jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Graduate Program jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL? For Graduate Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Graduate Program Director jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Graduate Program Director job openings:
Graduate Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Program Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,963 per year, or $35.6 per hour.
Graduate Program Director, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Graduate Program Director, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Dominican University

River Forest, IL

$105K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE: Graduate Program Director, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
DEPARTMENT: Elizabeth T. MacNeil School of Nursing
REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Nursing
LOCATION: On Campus (River Forest)
Dominican University’s Borra College of Health Sciences, Elizabeth T. MacNeil School of Nursing invites applications for a Graduate Program Director, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). This 12-month academic appointment will play a pivotal role in launching and leading the new PMHNP track beginning August 2026.
The Graduate Program Director serves as the academic and administrative leader of the PMHNP Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, guiding its development, accreditation readiness, and long-term strategic growth. This is an opportunity for an innovative and mission-driven nurse leader to shape a doctoral program from its inception, ensuring excellence in curriculum design, faculty development, regulatory compliance, and student success. Working collaboratively with the Associate Dean of Nursing, the Graduate Chair will oversee program planning, curriculum alignment, faculty oversight, and continuous assessment. The role requires demonstrated expertise in graduate nursing education, accreditation standards, and academic policy, along with a strong commitment to culturally responsive teaching and inclusive excellence. This position will hold an academic rank as a non-tenure track, Clinical Assistant Professor/Lecturer.
The successful candidate will foster a dynamic learning environment that supports diversity, equity, and professional growth while advancing high standards in clinical preparation, scholarly engagement, and student outcomes. In addition to administrative leadership, the position includes teaching responsibilities consistent with faculty rank.
EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL DOMINICAN EMPLOYEES:
Support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, to give compassionate service, and to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world.
JOB COMPONENTS/PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Create and maintain effective relationships with outside stakeholders, particularly for the development and maintenance of clinical affiliations
  • Foster future growth and expansion of programs
  • Perform other duties as requested, delegated or assigned
  • Provide academic and administrative leadership for the PMHNP program, including program launch, implementation, and continuous quality improvement.
  • Lead strategic planning for program growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability including future initiatives.
  • Ensure alignment with AACN Essentials, NONPF competencies, CCNE standards, and state and federal regulatory requirements.
  • Monitor, evaluate, and report program outcomes, student outcomes, certification pass rates, and quality indicators.
  • Collaborate with School of Nursing and Borra College of Health Sciences leadership on resource planning, budget management, and program performance metrics.
  • Coordinate CCNE accreditation preparation, reporting requirements and site visit activities in collaboration with the Associate Dean of Nursing.
  • Lead PMHNP curriculum development, implementation, and revision to align with regulatory compliance and best practices in psychiatric mental health nursing education.
  • Serve as the content expert for PMHNP curriculum, maintaining currency in the field including practice, policy, and evidence-based teaching strategies.
  • Oversee development and revision of program policies, student handbooks, clinical requirements, and academic procedures.
  • Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and support graduate faculty, clinical instructors, and staff.
  • Collaborate with School of Nursing leadership to ensure faculty workload, scheduling, and instructional resources support program success.
  • Foster a collegial, inclusive, and professional supportive environment for faculty and staff.
  • Teach graduate-level PMHNP courses consistent with expertise and program needs. This position allows a 3-credit hour release.
  • Provide academic advising and professional mentorship for graduate students.
  • Serve as the primary contact for student academic progression, performance concerns, and professional conduct concerns.
  • Participate in admissions review, transcript evaluation, and admissions decisions.
  • Support student recruitment and program marketing initiatives, and outreach efforts, including collaboration on website content updates and promotional materials.
  • Represent the graduate program at professional conferences, academic events, community events, and academic clinical partnership agencies.
  • Collaborate with Admissions, Enrollment Management, Registrar’s Office, and clinical partners to support seamless student onboarding and progression.
  • Engage in university, college, and school of nursing service, including committee and interdepartmental participation.
  • Contribute to scholarship, professional service, and ongoing academic development consistent with tenure-track expectations.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Qualifications
  • Doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DNP) in nursing or related field required. (ABD will be considered if completed by start date).
  • Current national certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (AANP or ANCC).
  • Current, unencumbered RN and APRN licensure in Illinois (or eligibility for Illinois licensure by start date).
  • Minimum of three (3) years clinical practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
  • Demonstrated experience in graduate nursing education, curriculum development, and accreditation processes.
  • Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and collaborative skills.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student-centered learning.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience serving as a program director, graduate chair, or coordinator in an APRN program.
  • Prior involvement in program development or launch of a graduate nursing track.
  • Active clinical practice in psychiatric mental health nursing.
Physical Demands:
  • Ability to spend long durations of the workday sitting at a desk and working on a
  • Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at
Salary and FLSA Status
  • Salary: $105,000 – $124,000
  • FLSA Status: Exempt, full-time
Benefits
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision
  • Retirement plan with employer matching
  • Professional development
  • Tuition remission for employees and their dependents
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
  • Generous paid time off (PTO)
Application:
Apply online at www.dom.edu/jobs. Applicants will be asked to submit a cover letter, CV, and a list of 3 references. A personal statement will also be required to demonstrate the applicant’s commitment to inclusive and engaged leadership and teaching and how they plan to contribute to the diversity and inclusion on our campus and within the program. A background screening is required.
About Dominican University:
Dominican University is a Catholic, comprehensive teaching university located in River Forest, a suburb of Chicago, with an additional campus in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Dominican University offers associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It is highly regarded for its academic rigor, thoughtful accompaniment of students, intentional affordability, and values-based, relationship-centered learning environment.
Dominican currently enrolls over 3,800 students, including 2,690 undergraduates and 1,114 graduate students. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of undergraduate students identify as Latinx, 5% as Black or African American, and 3% as Asian. Under-represented minority students comprise 77% of the undergraduate enrollment and 38% of the graduate enrollment. Over 90 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. Nearly half of all undergraduates are first-generation college students; over half are federal Pell Grant recipients, illustrating their families’ level of income; and 58% are eligible for low-income MAP grants from the State of Illinois.
Recognized since 2011 as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, Dominican is committed to expanding and enhancing educational opportunities for Latinx students and all students from historically underrepresented groups. For more information, visit www.dom.edu.
Expectations for all Dominican Employees
To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, give compassionate service, and participate in the creation of a more just and humane world, engage in university service work that promotes collaboration and community building. This includes participating in organizational initiatives, supporting campus events, contributing to community outreach, and fostering a supportive environment through involvement in various staff-driven activities and groups.
Institutional Statement
Dominican University is committed to fostering a supportive academic community that provides access and opportunity for all our students.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Dominican University is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal and state employment regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need accommodations due to a disability, you may contact us at opc@dom.edu for assistance.

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