Director – Pathway to Excellence & Magnet Program

Job Description

Networks Connect is conducting search on behalf of our client for a strategic and inspiring Director of Pathway to Excellence & Magnet Programs to lead a system-wide journey toward American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) recognition. This role is ideal for a seasoned nursing leader with a passion for nursing excellence, shared governance, data-driven quality, and building a culture of professional empowerment. The Director will coordinate and oversee all aspects of the ANCC Pathway to Excellence and Magnet® Recognition Program®—from application and document preparation to team engagement and site visits. You’ll serve as a key liaison among nursing leadership, physicians, interdepartmental teams, and external stakeholders while supporting a high-reliability culture rooted in continuous improvement and professional development.

Earnings

$104,000 - $138,000 salary

Duties

• Lead all activities related to Pathway to Excellence and Magnet designation and re-designation including evidence collection, documentation, data management, and application submission
• Act as the primary contact and subject matter expert for all ANCC-related initiatives, including standards, timelines, and eligibility
• Develop strategic plans, budgets, and project timelines in partnership with senior nursing leadership (CNE, CNO, ADs)
• Organize and lead internal councils, including the Nursing Excellence Steering Committee and Magnet Champions
• Collect, write, and edit comprehensive narratives and Sources of Evidence to meet ANCC documentation requirements
• Collaborate across departments to align Magnet standards with shared governance, nursing quality indicators, clinical practice, and employee engagement
• Facilitate internal marketing and communication strategies to promote ANCC milestones, progress, and celebrations
• Serve as a mentor to nursing staff on professional development, EBP (evidence-based practice), and leadership initiatives
• Partner with clinical quality and research teams to ensure compliance with nurse-sensitive indicators, ANA standards, and Magnet principles
• Participate in the organization’s strategic planning efforts to support professional nursing excellence and long-term Magnet sustainability

Requirements

• At least 5 years of nursing experience involving education, facilitation, project management, or program leadership
• At least 1 year in a manager- or director-level role, or equivalent through education
• Knowledge of Magnet designation standards, shared governance, and nursing professional practice models
• Experience participating in or leading a team that has achieved or is pursuing Magnet designation (preferred)
• Strong writing, editing, presentation, and data interpretation skills
• Intermediate computer proficiency (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Windows)

Why Join This Mission?

• Lead a transformative nursing recognition initiative that shapes the future of healthcare delivery
• Influence nursing culture, clinical quality, and employee engagement across the system
• Collaborate with passionate leaders, educators, researchers, and frontline staff
• Contribute directly to institutional excellence in professional nursing practice
• Be the guiding voice for an empowered, Magnet-driven nursing environment

License / Certification

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required
• Master’s degree in Nursing or related field strongly preferred
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in Florida
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association or Red Cross