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Academic Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Academic Coaching Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain growth mindset principles, metacognitive strategies, and academic pathway planning while preparing students to become independent, self-directed learners across all academic ...

Ability to explain growth mindset principles, metacognitive strategies, and academic pathway planning while preparing students to become independent, self-directed learners across all academic ...

Working across academic and student affairs and in partnership with employers, alumni, and community organizations, the Director helps create a coherent, progressively developed experience through ...

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Showing results 1-20

Academic Director information

See Iowa salary details

$32.4K

$80.9K

$133.4K

How much do academic director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for academic director in Iowa is $80,858.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,200.00 and $96,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an academic director?

An Academic Director is a senior administrator responsible for overseeing the academic programs and curricula within an educational institution or department. Their duties typically include developing and evaluating academic policies, supervising faculty, ensuring academic standards are met, and supporting student success. They often collaborate with other administrators, manage budgets, and may be involved in hiring or training academic staff. The goal of an Academic Director is to enhance the quality of education and maintain the institution's academic reputation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an academic director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Academic Director, you need extensive experience in educational leadership, curriculum development, and a relevant advanced degree such as a Master's or Doctorate in education or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), data analysis tools, and accreditation standards is typically required. Strong leadership, strategic planning, and interpersonal communication skills help drive academic initiatives and foster collaboration among faculty and staff. These competencies are crucial for ensuring academic excellence, institutional compliance, and a positive learning environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by an academic director when balancing administrative duties with academic leadership?

Academic Directors often juggle a broad range of responsibilities, from curriculum development and faculty management to budgeting and policy implementation. One common challenge is finding enough time to support both strategic planning and day-to-day operations, which can sometimes compete for attention. Additionally, Academic Directors must foster strong relationships across departments and ensure compliance with accreditation standards while maintaining a positive learning environment. Success in this role relies on excellent organizational skills, clear communication, and the ability to delegate effectively.

What is the difference between Academic Director vs Academic Coordinator?

AspectAcademic DirectorAcademic Coordinator
Required CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Education or related field, leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's degree, organizational skills
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing multiple programs, leadership rolesAdministrative support, program coordination, day-to-day operations
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, universities, private schoolsSchools, training centers, educational programs

The main difference between an Academic Director and an Academic Coordinator lies in their scope and responsibilities. The Academic Director typically oversees multiple programs, sets strategic goals, and provides leadership, requiring advanced credentials and experience. In contrast, the Academic Coordinator handles daily operations, supports program activities, and manages administrative tasks. Both roles are essential in educational settings but differ in level of responsibility and focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Academic jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Academic jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Academic Director jobs in Iowa?

For Academic Director jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Academic Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Academic Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Academic Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,858 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

$64K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Are you a current NJIT employee? Apply here through the Internal Jobs Hub.
Title:
Academic Advisor
Department:
YWCC - Office of the Dean
Reports To:
Director of Administration
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Director of Academic Advisement in the Ying Wu College of Computing (YWCC) at New Jersey Institute of Technology, the Academic Advisor provides academic advising and registration support for both on-campus and distance learning students as well as students studying at satellite location(s). Academic Advisors serve as advocates for students.
Essential Functions:
All related advising and registration functions, including but not limited to:
• Working with students to set academic goals and to develop strategies for achieving these goals.
• Addressing procedural and technical questions about course selection and registration.
• Assisting students in planning timely completion of degree requirements
• Monitoring students' academic progress to ensure timely degree completion
• Explaining YWCC curricula to better guide students in their choice of major, concentration, electives and/or degree.
• Teach freshmen seminar in the fall semesters for YWCC students.
• Attend student orientations and weekend open houses.
• Perform graduation certification.
• Other duties as assigned.
Note: some of these responsibilities require occasional evening and weekend work.
Pre-Requisite Qualifications:
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience as an Academic Advisor/Academic Counselor working with students in higher education.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Command of Google platforms, spreadsheet software and student-facing IT systems.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree preferred.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to establish a strong rapport with students.
  • Ability to work autonomously while also working as a dependable, reliable member of an effective collaborative student-oriented team, operating with both an individual and collective sense of responsibility for the success of students.
  • Knowledge in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) or computing degrees. An understanding of computing curricula and a basic familiarity with course content.
  • Must possess outstanding service orientation characteristics.
  • Working knowledge of Banner information systems or Workday systems is also preferred.

At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.
Union:
Professional Staff Association (PSA)
Range:
Professional Staff -20
Compensation:
$64,000.00 - $103,804.00
NJIT considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, or other items.
FLSA:
Exempt
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Rate:
Salary
Additional Information:
As an EEO employer NJIT is committed to building a diverse and inclusive teaching, research, and working environment and strongly encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women.
Employment at NJIT is subject to the provisions of New Jersey First Act which mandates new employees, who are not NJ residents, to establish primary residence in New Jersey within one year of their appointment to certain positions. The law does not apply to any individual employed at NJIT on a temporary or per semester basis as a visiting or adjunct professor, teacher, lecturer, researcher or administrator. For more information on the act please click here.
If special accommodations are needed in applying for a position, please visit the Department of Human Resources located in Fenster Hall, 5th Floor, University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102 or call (973) 596-3140. If you have questions, please email the Human Resources Department at hr@njit.edu.
Information regarding NJIT campus security, personal safety, and fire safety including topics such as, disciplinary procedures, crime prevention, NJIT Police law enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, and crime statistics for the most recent three year period is available on the NJIT Department of Public Safety here.
NJIT is an E-Verify employer and uses E-Verify to confirm work authorization of each new hire.