Executive Director Health Sciences Simulation Center - Samuel Merritt University

Are you ready to lead one of the most advanced healthcare simulation centers in the U.S.? Samuel Merritt University is seeking an Executive Director for the Health Sciences Simulation Center in Oakland, CA, to oversee simulation-based, immersive learning at SMU! As the university prepares to open a state-of-the-art facility in 2026, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of healthcare education in an innovative and collaborative environment. With relocation assistance available and a flexible hybrid work schedule, this is your chance to make a lasting impact. Apply today!

Another Source's client, Samuel Merritt University, is recruiting an Executive Director for the Samuel Merritt University (SMU) Health Sciences Simulation Center (HSSC) to join their team in Oakland, CA. This position offers a balance of both on site and remote work based on business and collaboration needs.

About Samuel Merritt University:

At Samuel Merritt University (SMU), we are dedicated to improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare disparities in the communities we serve. For over a century, SMU has prepared exceptional healthcare professionals through immersive, hands-on learning, academic excellence, and deep community engagement. We are unwavering in our commitment to transforming healthcare through inclusive education and advancing diversity, equity, and belonging at every level of our institution.

Within our College of Nursing (CoN), we lead with innovation-blending theory and practice to shape the next generation of professional nursing leaders. Our graduates are equipped to improve health outcomes for diverse populations and drive the advancement of nursing practice across a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. We live our motto, "Education Plus Compassion," through every interaction-with our students, colleagues, and the communities we serve.

SMU is proud to be:

Ranked #1 in California for graduate job placement, with 97% of students employed within one year of graduation.

• Home to one of the nation's few programs in podiatric medicine.

• A recipient of the Innovations in Professional Nursing Education Award, recognizing our leadership in cutting-edge nursing education.

And we're growing - take a look at our new 10-story flagship campus, opening in Oakland City Center in 2026, which will serve as the future heart of SMU: View the project

About the role:

Samuel Merritt University is seeking a visionary academic leader to serve as the Executive Director of the Health Sciences Simulation Center (HSSC)-a Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSiH) Accredited Center in Education, Research, and Assessment. In this university-wide leadership role, you'll oversee the strategic direction, academic integration, and operational excellence of simulation-based learning across all SMU campuses: Oakland, Sacramento, San Mateo, and Fresno.

As a member of the Provost's academic leadership team, you will guide the growth of the HSSC, support innovative pedagogy, and ensure consistency and compliance across multiple simulation sites. You will also drive scholarly initiatives and research agendas in healthcare simulation and engage with external partners to elevate SMU's national presence in the field.

This is a high-impact opportunity to lead one of the region's most comprehensive simulation ecosystems at a mission-driven, growing institution.

The salary range for this role is budgeted at $180,000 - $210,000 annually. Relocation assistance is available.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Lead the long-term planning and institutional alignment of SMU's simulation programs

• Serve on the Academic Leadership Team and IT Advisory Group (ITAG)

• Cultivate interdisciplinary partnerships across departments and with external stakeholders

• Shape SMU's national presence in healthcare simulation education

Academic Integration & Innovation

• Embed simulation into curricula across all academic programs using best practices and emerging technology

• Guide simulation-related research and scholarly output

• Support faculty development in simulation-based teaching and educational technology

• Ensure protocols are followed for simulation design, implementation, and evaluation

Operations & Fiscal Oversight

• Provide executive oversight for simulation operations across all campuses

• Manage resource planning, capital investment, and budgeting for multi-site operations

• Monitor accreditation and ensure compliance with SSiH and other regulatory standards

• Drive quality improvement and operational efficiency

Talent Management & Organizational Culture

• Lead a multi-campus team of simulation educators and operations professionals

• Support recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and team development

• Promote an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative team culture aligned with SMU's values

External Partnerships & Growth

• Build and maintain partnerships with healthcare systems, academic institutions, and industry

• Identify and pursue grants and revenue-generating opportunities that expand HSSC's reach and impact

REQUIRED SKILLS & CHARACTERISTICS:

• Proven experience designing, implementing, and evaluating simulation-based programs.

• Operational and program management expertise in multi-campus or complex environments.

• Knowledge of instructional design and educational technology.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to collaborate across disciplines.

• Strategic leadership with the ability to think systemically and innovate within academic settings.

• Record of scholarly work related to simulation and/or healthcare education.

• Eligibility for a faculty appointment.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a healthcare-related field required.

• Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) through the Society for Simulation in Healthcare.

• 5-10 years of clinical experience preferred.

• 2-5 years of instructional experience with adult learners preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate in a healthcare or education-related field

• Experience leading or developing accredited simulation programs

• Record of scholarly activity in simulation or healthcare education

Benefits at Samuel Merritt University (SMU):

SMU offers a robust and flexible benefits package to support employees' well-being and financial security:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans (including no-cost options) and employer-funded HSAs.

• Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan with up to 7% employer contributions and a 457(b) plan for additional savings.

• Insurance Coverage: Free life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance; optional short-term disability, legal services, and pet insurance.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous vacation, sick leave, paid holidays (including a Christmas-New Year's break), and volunteer days.

• Additional Perks: Tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, employee discounts, and a supportive Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Learn more about SMU's benefits here.

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.

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