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:

In this role, you will serve as the senior leader responsible for overseeing the operations, growth, and innovation of the Health Sciences Simulation Center (HSSC) across all Samuel Merritt University campuses, including Oakland, Sacramento, San Mateo, and Fresno. You will guide the strategic vision and day-to-day management of immersive, simulation-based learning experiences that are central to the academic and clinical training of students in all SMU health sciences programs.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring the effective integration of simulation within the university's curricula, working in close partnership with academic leadership, faculty, and staff across all programs and campuses. The Executive Director will also collaborate with external clinical partners and campus stakeholders to support simulation services, drive instructional innovation, and ensure high-quality learning environments that meet both educational and industry standards.

As a key academic leader, you will oversee multi-campus operations, support cross-functional collaboration, and lead the continued development of simulation research, quality assurance, and faculty development efforts. This is a unique opportunity to shape simulation-based healthcare education at scale - fostering excellence, consistency, and innovation across a growing, multi-site institution.

The salary range for this role is budgeted at $140,000 - $180,000 annually. Relocation assistance is available.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Define and implement the HSSC's mission, vision, and strategic direction in alignment with SMU's institutional goals.

• Serve as an ex officio member of the Academic Leadership Team and the Information Technology Advisory Group (ITAG).

• Collaborate across the university (faculty development, IT, library, institutional research) to advance simulation-based learning and instructional design.

• Promote a culture of teamwork and collaboration using tools like TeamSTEPPS.

• Lead strategic initiatives in simulation research, education, and external partnerships.

• Drive innovation and pursue revenue-generating opportunities that support the growth and sustainability of the center.

• Prepare and submit annual reports to the Provost detailing achievements, utilization metrics, and strategic progress.

Operations & Management

• Provide executive oversight of simulation operations on all campuses (Sacramento, San Mateo, Fresno).

• Lead resource planning, budget development, and capital investment for each campus' simulation center.

• Oversee scheduling, staffing, and capacity planning to meet internal academic and external client needs.

• Ensure operational excellence, workflow efficiency, and continuous quality improvement across sites.

• Maintain compliance with all relevant accreditation and regulatory standards.

• Direct all HSSC service outcomes and ensure appropriate staffing and training.

Staff Supervision

• Supervise and support a cross-campus team including:

• Operations Manager

• Simulation Educators

• Applied Science & Education Research Methodologist

• Manage recruitment, onboarding, performance reviews, and staff development.

• Foster a high-performance culture grounded in collaboration, innovation, and student-centered service.

Education & Faculty Engagement

• Ensure the integration of simulation activities into all academic programs.

• Collaborate with instructional designers and Simulation Educators to implement best practices in simulation-based teaching.

• Create and update protocols for simulation development, execution, and evaluation.

• Support ongoing faculty and staff development in simulation pedagogy and technologies.

• Lead evaluation of simulation practices to ensure consistency, relevance, and alignment with national standards.

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 required.

• 5-10 years of clinical experience preferred.

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

• Experience developing or overseeing accredited simulation programs strongly preferred.

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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