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Academic Program Administrator information

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$35K

$89.4K

$135.2K

How much do academic program administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for academic program administrator in California is $89,443.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,200.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Academic Program Administrators and how can they be addressed?

Academic Program Administrators often juggle multiple responsibilities, such as managing course schedules, coordinating with faculty, and ensuring compliance with institutional policies. A common challenge is balancing administrative tasks with supporting students and faculty, especially during peak periods like registration or accreditation reviews. Effective time management, strong communication skills, and leveraging technology for organization can help address these challenges. Building strong relationships with faculty and other administrative departments also streamlines processes and fosters a collaborative work environment.

What is the difference between Academic Program Administrator vs Academic Advisor?

AspectAcademic Program AdministratorAcademic Advisor
CredentialsBachelor’s degree often required; advanced degrees preferredBachelor’s degree typically required; certifications like NACADA may be beneficial
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices within educational institutions, managing programsStudent services offices, providing guidance to students
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, and academic institutionsColleges, universities, and student support services

While both roles are vital in educational settings, Academic Program Administrators focus on managing academic programs and administrative tasks, whereas Academic Advisors primarily guide students on course selection and academic planning. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Academic Program Administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Academic Program Administrator, you need strong organizational abilities, experience in higher education administration, and a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with student information systems (such as Banner or PeopleSoft), scheduling software, and data management tools is often required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills help in managing faculty, students, and complex academic processes. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of academic programs and enhancing student and faculty satisfaction.

What are Academic Program Administrators?

Academic Program Administrators are professionals who manage and coordinate the daily operations of academic programs within educational institutions. Their responsibilities typically include handling scheduling, budgeting, student records, curriculum support, compliance with institutional policies, and facilitating communication between faculty, students, and administration. They play a key role in ensuring academic programs run smoothly and meet educational goals. Academic Program Administrators may also assist with program assessment and accreditation processes. Their organizational and communication skills are essential for supporting both faculty and students.
What are popular job titles related to Academic Program Administrator jobs in California? For Academic Program Administrator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Academic Program Administrator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Academic Program Administrator jobs in California are:
Academic Program Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Academic Program Administrator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,443 per year, or $43 per hour.
Academic Program Administrator

Academic Program Administrator

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

University Of Southern California rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 612 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Academic Program Administrator
USC Marshall School of Business
Department of Data Science and Operations
This position will provide day-to-day administrative support to the Data Sciences and Operations Department (DSO) and Artificial Intelligence for Business (BUAI) program. The position interacts with staff, students, faculty, and guests.
The successful candidate will be detail oriented, possess strong problem solving/organizational skills and be able to exercise independent judgment and initiative. Exceptional hospitality is key to this position.
Responsibilities and Duties
  • Collaborates, communicates, and meets regularly with program leaders such as the BUAI Program Manager, BUAI Academic Director, and DSO Operations Manager
  • Manages logistics and facilitates meetings with faculty, guest speakers, board members, and industry collaborations that create applied learning opportunities for students and faculty.
  • Conceptualizes, designs, plans, and executes academic and co-curricular events that advance student engagement, retention, and cohort development from idea generation through assessment, that intentionally integrate academic rigor, professional development, and community building. Events include but are not limited to summits, conferences, seminars, informational panels, career-related panels, professional development programs, offsite visits, academic conferences, and presentations from guest speakers.
  • Checks and reports on the progress of an event, processing permits, researching and securing rooms and venues, mapping layouts, outlining a timeline and schedule, ordering catering, purchasing event supplies, setting up registration forms, collecting RSVPs, identifying audio/video/electrical/technological needs, reserving parking, requesting janitorial/housekeeping services, determining staffing needs, assigning responsibilities to support staff and volunteers, attending and monitoring events, returning equipment, conducting post-event evaluations, etc.
  • Identifies academic support gaps and designs solutions, including tutoring programs, recruiting/coordinating tutors and outcomes.
  • Manages BUAI program budgets, forecasting, and financial planning. This includes pre-approvals, reimbursements, invoices, and student worker payroll.
  • Serves as a strategic advisor to BUAI student officers and MAIA student organization, guiding decision-making, and supporting effective organizational operations.
  • Develops and produces program communications by creating marketing materials, newsletters, and public-facing website content aligned with program goals and brand.
  • Coordinates distribution of academic and department program materials, by promoting programs and information in alignment with university communications standards and procedures via email, flyers, social media, etc. Identify target groups, design materials/invitations, and schedule the sending or posting of announcements.
  • Collects and analyzes student feedback and program/department data to inform continuous improvement, translating insights into actionable changes to programming and student experience.
  • Research relevant student academic programing for development and expansion of student resources at USC.
  • Supports student travel and off-site programming, including application processes, waivers, and trip scheduling. (May travel with students.)
  • Acts as student/faculty/staff point of contact for BUAI program and responds/coordinates responses to information requests.
  • Manages BUAI Incubator. "BUAI Builder Hub" including but not limited to proposals, program governing board, project deliverables, and coordinating projects.
  • Performs a variety of administrative and general office duties.
  • Due to the nature of responsibilities, this role requires occasional work in the evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in a higher education environment, preferably in the area of business.
  • Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, Google Docs, Google Forms.
  • Experience in utilizing technologies and/or platforms (e.g., Concur, Excel, Instagram, JotForm, Qualtrics, Canva)
  • Knowledge/experience interacting and communicating with senior administration/faculty/students or equivalent.
  • Directly related program management experience.
  • Ability to follow through with assigned tasks within established time-frames and with minimal supervision; exceptional focus on attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of event logistics and event publicity
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to engage with multiple constituents including senior administrators, faculty, and students.
  • Ability to be flexible and adaptable in the face of changing priorities and fluctuating workloads

Desired Skills and Experience
  • Strong organizational, written/oral communication, and relationship-building skills.
  • Prior experience in office management.
  • Prior experience in seminar/event planning and execution.
  • Natural inquisitiveness and persistency, the ability to draw on various sources to investigate issues and identify solutions.
  • Experience with customer service.
  • Comfortable working with Microsoft SharePoint.
  • Experience working with Adobe Creative Cloud and Canva a plus.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
  • Minimum Experience: 3 to 5 years working in higher education

Anticipated Hiring Range:
  • The salary range for this position is $75,089.46 - $111,627.59. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Required Documents and Additional Information
  • Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.
  • Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
  • USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions*; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events.

Why join the USC Marshall School of Business?
The USC Marshall School of Business is ideally positioned to address the challenges of a rapidly changing business environment and is ranked as one of the country's top schools for accounting, finance, marketing, consulting, entrepreneurship and international business studies.
USC Marshall builds on unique opportunities that stem from its Los Angeles location on the Pacific Rim, its interdisciplinary and impactful research, the momentum generated by the University of Southern California, and the unparalleled engagement of the Trojan Alumni Family. With ready access to industries defining the new business frontier, including biotechnology, life sciences, media, entertainment, communications and healthcare, this vast network offers USC Marshall graduates exceptionally strong support for success in the global marketplace.
For more information on the USC Marshall School of Business, visit: www.marshall.usc.edu.
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:
https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$150177.htmld

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About University of Southern California

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The University of Southern California (USC) is not a conventional company, but a private research university established in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, US. Founded in 1880, it's one of the oldest private research universities in California. USC operates in the education industry providing primary services of higher education, research, and community development. This prestigious institution offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The University is guided by its commitment to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and discovery through academic excellence.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles , CA, US

Year founded

1880

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