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Academic Program Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Program Assistant, Nursing

Weed, CA · On-site

$21.89 - $31.16/hr

Program Assistant, Nursing at College of the Siskiyous Share on X Print Application Deadline Until ... Students have access to academic counseling, academic assessment, library services and resources ...

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Academic Program Assistant information

See California salary details

$9

$18

$30

How much do academic program assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for academic program assistant in California is $18.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Academic Program Assistants?

Academic Program Assistants are administrative professionals who support academic departments, faculty, and students by managing program logistics, coordinating events, maintaining records, and assisting with communication. They often handle tasks such as scheduling, preparing materials, and providing information about courses or programs. Their role is essential to ensuring the smooth operation of academic programs and helping both staff and students navigate administrative processes.

What are some typical challenges an Academic Program Assistant might face when supporting multiple faculty members and students?

Academic Program Assistants often juggle a variety of tasks for several faculty members and students at once, which can make time management and prioritization challenging. Balancing scheduling, responding to inquiries, and maintaining accurate records requires strong organizational skills and adaptability. Additionally, navigating different communication styles and expectations can be complex, but proactive communication and clear documentation help ensure smooth collaboration across the academic department.

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

To thrive as an Academic Program Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with academic procedures, often supported by a bachelor’s degree or relevant administrative experience. Proficiency with office software (such as Microsoft Office Suite), student information systems, and scheduling tools is typically required. Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving abilities help you effectively support students, faculty, and staff. These skills are crucial for ensuring smooth program operations and providing high-quality academic support.

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

AspectAcademic Program AssistantAcademic Advisor
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree often preferredBachelor's degree typically required; some roles may prefer a Master's
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices within educational institutionsStudent services offices, academic departments, or advising centers
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, and academic institutionsUniversities, colleges, and student support services
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding administrative support roles in academiaGuidance and support roles for students' academic planning

The main difference is that an Academic Program Assistant provides administrative support related to academic programs, while an Academic Advisor offers personalized guidance to students on course selection and academic planning. Both roles are essential in educational settings but serve different functions within the academic environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Academic Program jobs in California? The most popular types of Academic Program jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Academic Program Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Academic Program Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Academic Program Assistant job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,131 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Program Assistant

$44K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Involves managing or performing the administrative services or managing the full general operations of an academic or non-academic organization(s). Administrative services include activities in finance and human resources and may also include IT, facilities, or student services. General management activities include long and short range strategic planning in determining the mission and directing all activities of multi-disciplinary departments through subordinate management staff.

In consultation with Graduate Program Manager, the Tetrad Graduate Program Assistant uses professional concepts to coordinate, track and report student progress and assist with event coordination and logistics.

The Tetrad Graduate Program Assistant applies professional Student Services concepts, provides varied student services to students, faculty, and department / school / college management. Works on moderately complex issues. Receives assistance on more complex issues.

The Tetrad Graduate Program Assistant involves a range of student services duties and responsibilities for an academic department. Provides assistance to the program manager, faculty directors, faculty, and students in recruitment, admissions, student orientation and events, and related programs.

The Biochemistry & Biophysics Department is comprised of 26 faculty members and about 200 students and postdoctoral fellows pursuing a range of biological problems encompassing biochemistry, genetics, and cell, structural and developmental biology. The faculty are committed to graduate education and actively engaged in shaping the highly collaborative environment that makes UCSF a special place.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
  • Minimum 1 year of related experience
  • Ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns.
  • Solid communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff, faculty and students verbally and in writing.
  • Solid organizational skills and ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
  • Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.
  • Ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.
  • Knowledge of department, organization, and University policies, procedures, and directives.
  • Knowledge of department and school/college general and major course requirements.
  • Ability to work in diverse groups, including but not limited to students, staff, faculty, general public, and UCSF and external vendors.
  • Prior experience with undergraduate or graduate-level curricular affairs
  • Prior events planning experience
  • Prior experience with work/task management platforms for managing tasks and projects
     

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of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

  

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

30

yesStudent Progression: Coordinates and track graduate student progression for Tetrad Graduate Program including qualifying exams, advancement to candidacy, thesis meetings, Thesis talks, rotation reporting and HIPAA/OSHA trainings. Under direction of Program Directors and Program Manager, participates in the development and revision of standard procedures and guidelines for tracking student progression. 

25

yesEvent Planning: Independently coordinate program-related events including poster sessions, research in progress seminar series, student-faculty talks, new student orientation, Tuesday Biochem seminar lunches. Assist with coordination of student recruitment events. Independently organize logistics including establishing and maintaining relationships with vendors and venues, space rental, room reservations, catering, facilities requests, remaining under budget with costs. Evaluate current and proposed related services.

10

yesConferences: Organize faculty planning committee and assist with the coordination of annual program conference including registration, housing, catering, scheduling speakers and transportation, and billing out conference attendees.

10

yes

Financial: Process fee offsets (PeopleSoft), reimbursements (MyExpense), purchasing and contracts (Bear Buy), departmental recharges and reconciliation related to program events and conferences.

Functions as a resource on issues such as researching complex financial discrepancies and provide guidance on personnel policies, serve as the point of contact for policy and problem resolution.

10

yes

Communications: Maintain student database. Maintain program website including updates to news and events, student publications, awards and honors, creating new pages as necessary. Prepare, maintain, e-mail and/or post promotional materials, including print or electronic brochures and posters.

10

yesSpecial Projects: Provide assistance with additional programmatic tasks as requested. These may include such diverse tasks as collating data for training grants and annual reporting, backup for student stipend payments, reviewing/analyzing student documents for CA Residency reclassification.

5

yesProgram Records: Maintain student databases; Gather and analyze data; prepare annual reports on faculty participation in student progress and program events

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 (To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)