Certification Director

Please note: (Flexible Hybrid Work Schedule) Position is currently a combination of in-office and remote, Ability to work onsite in DC office is required.

General Function

Responsible for the development, management and delivery of the certification program for the Clinical Nurse Leader^SM (CNL^®) certification and other certification related initiatives.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Manages day-to-day certification activities of the Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC). Serves as liaison to the CNC Board of Commissioners, committees, and task teams. Communicates CNC activities to the AACN Board of Directors.

Develops, maintains, and implements certification policies and procedures. Develops and adheres to the CNC strategic plan.

Contracts with testing agency; serves as liaison to the testing agency and item writing committees; arranges for item writing workshops as necessary; and arranges for other exam development  processes as necessary.

Maintains program statistics; identifies strengths and weaknesses of exam content and reports as necessary.

Develops and implements marketing strategies. Markets certification program to schools of nursing.

Writes content for the website content, The CNL Bulletin, online discussion boards and AACN publications.

Works with AACN’s Communications Department to maintain website content and to develop promotional materials.

Collaborates with AACN’s Education Policy Department and other departments to market the CNL and to advance related initiatives.

Represents CNC at AACN conferences and other promotional events.

Develops and maintains resources for certification applicants. 

Develops and manages the CNC budget; develops alternative revenue streams; collaborates with AACN’s Finance Department for all financial reporting and reconciliation.

Works with outside vendors as necessary.

Oversees the development and maintenance of the certification database and online application.

Develops retention strategies for renewal. Collaborates with the Clinical Nurse Leader Association to promote certification and renewal.

Develops and coordinates educational workshops as appropriate.

Evaluates administrative processes to maintain a quality program. Maintains accreditation of the certification program; adheres to accreditation standards.

Additional Duties

Assists with AACN projects as appropriate

Other duties as assigned.

Background /Skills / Abilities Required

A Baccalaureate degree is required.  A higher-level degree is strongly preferred.

At least 5 years of prior experience in certification and developing certification resources, supervisor experience preferred.

Provide leadership to staff – hire, supervise, mentor and ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures.

Conduct performance evaluations of staff supervised, based on feedback from others, as appropriate. Guide staff in establishing goals that support CNC’s strategic plan.

Must be highly organized, detail oriented, flexible and collaborative, and have good interpersonal skills. Excellent ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Additional qualifications include good time management, marketing, outreach, volunteer management experience, problem solving skills and basic project management.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, and certification programs as necessary. 

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Moderate physical activity with the ability to type and perform repetitive motions.

Visual requirement is for both near and distance vision.

75% of time looking at computer screen.

Fast-paced, professional office environment with moderate noise levels

Must be able to use a computer at a workstation for long periods of time and to accommodate potentially frequent interruptions.

Moderate travel may be required for this position.