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Academic Program Coordinator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Academic Program Coordinator information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$56.5K

$93.3K

How much do academic program coordinator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for academic program coordinator in California is $56,547.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,400.00 and $66,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an academic program coordinator do?

An Academic Program Coordinator is responsible for managing and supporting the administrative aspects of academic programs within educational institutions. This includes tasks such as scheduling courses, assisting faculty and students, coordinating program events, ensuring compliance with institutional policies, and maintaining program records. They often serve as a liaison between faculty, students, and administration to ensure the smooth operation of academic programs. Their role is crucial for facilitating effective communication and organization within educational departments.

What is the role of an academic program coordinator?

An academic program coordinator manages the planning, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs within an institution. They handle tasks such as scheduling courses, coordinating faculty and student needs, and ensuring compliance with academic policies, often using administrative tools like student information systems. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for this role.

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

To thrive as an Academic Program Coordinator, you need strong organizational abilities, experience in higher education administration, and typically a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with student information systems, scheduling software, and office productivity tools like Microsoft Office is essential. Outstanding communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills help build relationships with students, faculty, and staff. These skills ensure efficient program operations, effective coordination, and a positive academic environment.

What skills do you need to be an academic program coordinator?

An academic program coordinator needs strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills to manage program operations and collaborate with faculty and students. They should be proficient in data management, scheduling, and often use tools like spreadsheets or learning management systems. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and knowledge of academic policies are also important for success in this role.

What are some common challenges faced by academic program coordinators when managing multiple academic programs simultaneously?

Academic Program Coordinators often juggle several programs at once, which can present challenges such as balancing competing priorities, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring consistent communication among faculty, students, and administrative staff. Staying organized and proactive is essential, as coordinators must track program requirements, schedule courses, and address student concerns promptly. Effective time management and strong interpersonal skills help coordinators successfully navigate these challenges while maintaining the quality and integrity of each program.

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

AspectAcademic Program CoordinatorAcademic Advisor
CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; certifications varyBachelor's degree typically required; certifications less common
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, program planning settingsStudent services, counseling offices
Employer & Industry UsageColleges, universities, educational institutionsColleges, universities, academic support services
Primary FocusDeveloping and managing academic programsGuiding students on academic planning and course selection

While both roles are vital in educational settings, Academic Program Coordinators focus on managing and developing academic programs, whereas Academic Advisors primarily assist students with academic planning and course choices. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in higher education.

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 are popular job titles related to Academic Program Coordinator jobs in California? For Academic Program Coordinator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Academic Program Coordinator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Academic Program Coordinator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Academic Program Coordinator jobs? Cities in California with the most Academic Program Coordinator job openings:
Infographic showing various Academic Program Coordinator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,547 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Academic Program Coordinator, Academic Operations

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 17 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

95th of 615 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Academic Program Coordinator, Academic Operations
USC is a leading private research university located in Los Angeles-a global center for arts, technology, and international business. As the city's largest private employer, responsible for more than $8 billion annually in economic activity in the region, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic schools and units.
As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks while becoming part of the Trojan Family-the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work.
Opportunity to Join
The USC Thornton School of Music is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Academic Program Coordinator to provide administrative, financial, and operational support for academic and programmatic activities. For more information about the school, please visit us at http://music.usc.edu/.
This position plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient coordination of curricular offerings, events, guest engagements, financial transactions, scheduling, and administrative operations. The position also supports the planning and coordination of recurring academic program activities and annual operational cycles to ensure the consistent delivery of program objectives in the Division of Contemporary Music. For more information about the program, please visit us at https://music.usc.edu/departments/contemporary-music/.
The successful candidate will be a proactive problem-solver with exceptional customer service skills, strong financial and administrative experience, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. This role requires sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners. The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative and take ownership of recurring responsibilities and annual processes, ensuring projects are carried through to successful completion. The individual will serve as a proactive administrative partner by anticipating needs, monitoring critical deadlines, maintaining operational continuity, providing timely reminders and follow-up, and contributing ideas that support program growth and excellence.
This position is 100% onsite at USC's University Park Campus.
Primary Responsibilities - Administrative & Program Support
  • Provide comprehensive administrative support for academic and departmental operations while working closely with the Program Chair to support the implementation of program priorities and ongoing academic operations.

  • Coordinate meetings, events, guest visits, and special projects.

  • Maintain and proactively manage calendars, schedules, program timelines, and recurring annual program activities.

  • Facilitate communication among faculty, staff, students, and external partners.

  • Manage document preparation, correspondence, and records.

  • Support onboarding activities for faculty, guests, speakers, and other visitors.

  • Provide reporting each semester on faculty teaching duties and assignment of students to faculty studios; monitor changes in student enrollment in specified instructional activities.

  • Partner with the Program Chair to anticipate operational needs, monitor critical timelines, and support strategic priorities through proactive planning, communication, and follow-through.

Financial & Budget Administration
  • Handle budget tracking, processing, and reconciliation.

  • Process purchase orders, requisitions, invoices, and reimbursements.

  • Coordinate vendor setup and payment processing.

  • Monitor expenditures and maintain accurate financial records.

  • Support travel arrangements and expense reporting.

  • Generate financial and operational reports as needed.

Event & Guest Coordination
  • Coordinate logistics for meetings, events, and special programs.

  • Manage guest scheduling, travel arrangements, and campus visits.

  • Support both on-site and off-site activities as required.

  • Oversee event planning and coordinate operational resources and services, delivering day-of support to ensure events run efficiently and effectively.

Data Management & Reporting
  • Maintain accurate records, databases, program documentation, and documentation of recurring annual processes to support continuity and consistent program operations.

  • Prepare reports and track key operational metrics.

  • Monitor deadlines and ensure timely completion of assigned processes.

  • Support data collection and reporting initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Two or more years of progressively responsible administrative, operations, program coordination, or financial support experience.

  • Strong financial acumen, including budget tracking, invoice processing, and vendor management.

  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Workday, and other technology platforms such as SIS and Concur.

  • Strong organizational and project management skills.

  • Exceptional customer service orientation with a demonstrated commitment to responsiveness, professionalism, discretion, relationship-building, and delivering a high level of support to faculty, students, staff, alumni, guests, and external partners.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage projects and recurring annual processes through planning, execution, and follow-through.

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Experience in higher education, event coordination, business operations, or administrative services is preferred but not required.

  • Demonstrated ability to anticipate stakeholder needs, exercise sound judgment, and take proactive action to support organizational goals and leadership priorities.

Additional Information
  • This position requires regular, on-site presence and is 100% on-site at USC's University Park Campus.

  • Scheduling flexibility is required, including occasional overtime, evening and weekend work to support events and operational needs.

  • Due to critical business operations and peak activity periods, certain blackout periods for vacation and time-off requests may apply.

  • Candidates do not need a music background or performance experience to be successful in this role.

  • Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for process improvement, operational efficiency, student engagement, and program enhancement, and to bring forward thoughtful recommendations.

Why USC?
USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family, retirement plans, tuition assistance, professional development opportunities, and access to a vibrant campus community.
We pride ourselves on being a great place to work and offer:
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

  • Generous retirement benefits

  • Tuition assistance for employees and eligible family members

  • Professional development and career growth opportunities

  • Discounts to USC sporting events and campus activities

  • Access to a wide range of employee wellness programs

Salary Hiring Range:
The hourly base salary range for this position is $28.00 - $32.50 per hour.
When extending an offer of employment, USC considers factors including experience, education, skills, internal equity, applicable laws, and organizational needs.
Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 2 years. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum experience Minimum Field of Expertise: Experience in higher education and/or customer service. Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills for interacting with both domestic and international stakeholders. Demonstrated attention to detail. Proven ability to plan, implement, and coordinate program logistics. Demonstrated database/data entry experience. Proven project management and problem solving skills, able to handle multiple timelines, changing priorities, and fluctuating workloads.
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$150469.htmld

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About University of Southern California

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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