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Academic Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Encourage learners to develop skills and abilities in direct resolution of challenges and issues; coordinate with faculty, academic leadership and learner-facing team to seek resolution of learner ...

Academic Advisor

Hampton, VA · On-site

$47K - $50K/yr

The Academic Advisor works closely with all campus departments utilizing BSC's personalized ... Maintain direct and proactive contact with student advisees. This includes meeting with individuals ...

Academic Advisor Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536517 Work type: Administrative ... or direct application in an advising role. Experience using student information systems such as ...

Supporting the suite of specialized retention activities directed at the HSS population through targeted reach-outs. Connecting with students in academic jeopardy to provide individualized support in ...

Supporting the suite of specialized retention activities directed at the HSS population through targeted reach-outs. Connecting with students in academic jeopardy to provide individualized support in ...

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 ...

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

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Academic Director information

See Virginia salary details

$34.2K

$85.3K

$140.8K

How much do academic director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for academic director in Virginia is $85,349.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $101,600.00 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.

How do you become an academic director?

To become an academic director, candidates typically need a master's or doctoral degree in education or a related field, along with extensive experience in teaching and educational administration. Leadership skills, strategic planning, and familiarity with curriculum development are also important, and some roles may require certification or advanced training in educational management.

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

The most popular types of Academic jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Academic Director jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Academic Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Academic Director job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,349 per year, or $41 per hour.

Director of Academic Success Services

Christopher Newport University

Newport News, VA • On-site

$89K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Christopher Newport University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

260th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Working Title
Director of Academic Success Services
Position Number
FA435
FLSA
Exempt
Appointment Type
Full Time
Sensitive Position
No
Sensitive Position Statement
A sensitive position requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check. This is NOT a sensitive position.
Campus Security Authority
Yes
Campus Security Authority Statement
A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an "official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities". A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for all personnel who have been designated as a Campus Security Authority.
Designated Personnel
Yes
Designated Personnel Statement
This position is a "designated position" meaning this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing.
Statement of Economic Interest
No
Statement of Economic Interest Statement
This position does NOT require a Statement of Personal Economic Interest.
Restricted Position
No
Restricted Position Statement
A restricted position would be subject to availability of funding. This is NOT a restricted position.
Chief Objective of Position
Under the direction of the Vice Provost for Research and Academic Success, the Director of Academic Success Services leads and enhances a comprehensive framework of support services within the Center for Academic Success that fosters academic achievement and personal growth. The Director will ensure that all students have equitable access to resources and opportunities that empower them to thrive throughout their college experience and beyond. This role will focus on developing innovative programs, facilitating collaboration among departments, and leveraging data to drive strategic initiatives aimed at improving student academic achievement, ultimately impacting retention, completion, and post-graduate outcomes of all Christopher Newport University students.
Work Tasks
Leadership:
  • Collaborates with the Vice Provost of Research and Academic Success to provide strategic leadership within the Center and supervision of all academic success staff for the overall operational effectiveness of the Center for Academic Success.
  • Provides direction and oversight to the Assistant Director of Peer Education to include responsibilities such as peer tutoring, peer mentoring, and supplemental instruction.
  • Develops and provides onboarding, training, oversight, and routine performance reviews for academic success coaching services offered within the Center.
  • Plays a key role in maintaining and growing strategic partnerships across the campus community to advance the University's goals regarding student success and completion.
  • Represents the Center and serves a critical role as a member of the Academic Success leadership team.
  • Provides training sessions for staff, student workers and faculty regarding best practices and optimum intervention strategies for student success.
  • Provides a high quality of leadership, mentorship, and managerial support to the Center.

Management:
  • Leads the Center in identifying students in need of academic support services. Develops and implements programs, workshops, and interventions to help students reach their full academic potential.
  • Supports university retention efforts by collaborating with staff in Academic Affairs and Student Affairs to design and implement innovative, high-impact programs.
  • Works collaboratively with staff in Academic Affairs and Student Affairs to identify at-risk students and manage support efforts for these students including, but not limited to, referrals, tutoring, writing assistance, peer mentoring, success coaching, and engagement.
  • Partners with the Faculty Director of the Writing Center to ensure the delivery of proactive and comprehensive services and programs through The Alice K. Randall Writing Center.
  • Collaborates to identify students in need and develop effective programming and outreach strategies.
  • Collaborates with the Faculty Director of Core Advising to enhance advising for first and second-year students, develop support systems, and effectively address student needs.
  • Identifies grant opportunities and prepares proposals for grants and alternative funding sources for niche initiatives.
  • Maintains an environment of continuous improvement that includes effective assessment of services and develops healthy professional development processes for staff and student staff.

Assessment, Statistical Analysis, and Reports:
  • Compiles documentation of non-enrolled students via the division's "recruit back" process with particular attention on first and second-year students.
  • Supervises the yearly coordination and implementation of the Ruffalo Noel-Levitz College Student Inventory (CSI) to all first-year students. Manages other assessments as needed. Compiles results, identifies patterns and/or concerns and provides outcomes to senior division leadership annually.
  • Develops and reports on 'Key Performance Indicators' and outcomes for regional accreditation in addition to submission of yearly unit action plan for addressing unmet measures of performance.
  • Collects, reviews and analyzes predictive data related to student retention and completion to develop and implement programming and interventions to support academic success, retention, and completion.
  • Designs, develops, implements, and maintains an evaluation and assessment plan for all programs and initiatives and provides assessment analyses and data to senior division leadership, making recommendations as needed.
  • Compiles and manages documentation of all outreach and intervention efforts. Provides reports to the Vice Provost for Research and Academic Success.

Captains Care Referrals System:
  • Works collaboratively with staff in Student Affairs to support the ongoing development, implementation, and improvement of the Captains Care Referral system.
  • Develops creative and strategic approaches to reach students of concern.
  • Monitors the timely resolution of all referrals to the Center.
  • Collaborates with staff in Student Affairs to collects data, prepare reports, and provide routine analysis to senior division leadership regarding referrals and outcomes.

Transition Courses:
  • Develops and maintains curriculum in adherence with university governance for the three student success courses: COLL 141: Student Success Seminar; COLL 140: The Transitional Learner; and, COLL 150: The Intentional Learner.
  • Collaborating with the Vice Provost of Research and Academic Success, identifies qualified instructors, in compliance with SCHEV and SACSCOC, to meet the demands of the students, provides initial training, and oversees the daily activities associated with these courses.
  • Develops and implements a plan for assessing course effectiveness and provides routine reports to senior division leadership.
  • Reviews student course evaluations and course outcomes and makes adjustments to course content as needed to align with the changing needs of our students and feedback from faculty teaching first-year students.
  • Ensures adequate seats are available for those students required to complete these course(s).
  • Makes recommendations to the Vice Provost of Research and Academic Success regarding students who should be enrolled in COLL 141, 140 and, 150.
  • Serves as instructor of these courses, depending on Center activities and student enrollment.

Summer Transition Programs:
  • Develops curriculum and framework for an enhanced summer transition (bridge) program to help on-board first-time in college students to the university environment.
  • Identifies necessary high-impact practices for effective onboarding.
  • Creates and implements an assessment plan for continuous improvement and to ensure overall student success as a result of program completion, and makes adjustments to the program in response to feedback and data analysis.

Other Support Services and Programs:
  • Responsible for the composition and distribution of 'The Great Lawn' newsletter to parents of targeted student groups, meeting established publication deadlines and adjusting content and contributors in response to the needs of our students.
  • Develops, implements, and assesses academic support programs focusing on the retention and completion of sub-groups of the study body (e.g., first-generation college students).
  • Develops, implements, and monitors programs for students on academic probation and academic suspension. Designs and provides oversight for the University's Academic Recovery Agreement and Plan processes and Sailing to Success programming for these students. Develops and conducts an assessment of the overall effectiveness of the academic recovery program and provides suggestions for improvement.
  • Coordinates proactive outreach and student success interventions following three-week, midterm, and final grades.
  • Responsible for the planning and effective execution of the University's annual Signing Day event.
  • Maintains a small student caseload, as directed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Campus Collaboration:
  • Works collaboratively with all faculty, staff, organizations, and constituencies to foster campus collaboration that enhances overall student success and provides student-centered support.
  • Coordinates intervention strategies within Academic Affairs and Student Affairs staff who provide complementary support services.
  • Represents the division and presents at various evening and/or weekend events including but not limited to admission recruitment events, orientation events, Community Captains events, and fundraising events, as directed or needed.
  • Represents Academic Success at campus Student Update Meetings (SUM) reporting areas of concern to supervisor and division senior leadership as necessary.
  • Plays an integral role in the student success focused programming for Setting Sail, Changing Tides, Welcome Week, admitted student events, etc. with a focus on academic success.
  • Serves and engages, as needed and as appointed, on university committees, councils, and working groups.

Communication and Marketing:
  • Responsible for updates and management of the Center's internal and external websites and social media accounts.
  • Directs the marketing of the Center for Academic Success and services provided.
  • Designs, creates and produces consumer information for students, parents, and other constituencies in various media.
  • Maintains frequent and ongoing communication and collaborates with the Vice Provost for Research and Academic Success.

Safety:
  • Follows workplace safety regulations and adheres to applicable standards, processes, and programs established for the position.
  • Report unsafe work conditions to your supervisor.
  • Immediately reports unsafe work conditions and work-related incidents to the supervisor and participates in accident investigation requests.
  • Promote a safe and healthy work environment by ensuring the implementation of safety regulations and applicable standards, processes, and programs established for employees under your supervision.
  • Ensure employees under your supervision are trained in safety standards and procedures for their positions.
  • Report work-related incidents within 24 hours according to the procedures established by the university, state and federal guidelines.

Customer Service:
  • Fosters and upholds a culture of exceptional customer service and professional relationships within the office and across all constituencies, including students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees. Demonstrates a positive, professional demeanor while treating everyone with dignity and respect. Fully embraces the "Students First" value at CNU, consistently going above and beyond to deliver outstanding service.
  • Develop and maintain very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees. Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude and treat everyone with dignity and respect. Fully support the "Student's First" value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service.
  • Provide the highest level of customer service with a 95% satisfaction rating with constituencies served.
  • Projects a positive image of the department and university to all constituents.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position
  • Working knowledge of student development and educational learning theories.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills to include written and oral.
  • Ability to lead change and innovation in a complex environment with expertise in working effectively with various campus constituent groups.
  • Ability to lead a team.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment.
  • Ability to manage priorities with competing deadlines and achieve needed outcomes.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with various levels of campus leadership regarding student success trends, themes, etc.
  • Ability to use computer technologies such as databases, spreadsheets, and tracking systems.

Required Education
Master's de

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