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Academic Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Academic Program Director information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$77.2K

$135.2K

How much do academic program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for academic program director in California is $77,172.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,300.00 and $91,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an academic program director do?

An Academic Program Director oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs within a college or university. They are responsible for curriculum development, faculty coordination, and ensuring that the program meets institutional standards and accreditation requirements. Additionally, they often manage budgets, assess student outcomes, and work to improve the quality and reputation of the academic program. Program Directors also serve as a primary point of contact for students, faculty, and external stakeholders.

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

To thrive as an Academic Program Director, you need expertise in curriculum development, program management, and a relevant advanced degree, often at the master's or doctoral level. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), accreditation processes, and data analysis tools is typically required. Exceptional leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with faculty, students, and administration are critical soft skills. These competencies ensure the effective delivery, assessment, and continuous improvement of academic programs, supporting institutional goals and student success.

What are some common challenges academic program directors face when managing curriculum updates?

Academic Program Directors often encounter challenges such as balancing the diverse needs of faculty, students, and accreditation bodies when updating curricula. They must ensure that course content remains current and relevant while aligning with institutional goals and compliance requirements. Coordinating input from multiple stakeholders and securing necessary approvals can be time-consuming, but strong organizational skills and proactive communication help facilitate a smooth revision process.

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

AspectAcademic Program DirectorAcademic Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire academic programs, develops curriculum, manages faculty, and ensures program quality.Supports daily program operations, assists with scheduling, and coordinates student activities.
Required CredentialsTypically requires a master's or doctoral degree in education or related field, with experience in program management.Usually requires a bachelor's degree, with experience in administrative or educational support roles.
Work EnvironmentWorks in academic institutions, administrative offices, and collaborates with faculty and staff.Works in academic offices, assisting faculty and students, often in a support capacity.

The Academic Program Director focuses on strategic oversight and curriculum development, while the Academic Coordinator handles day-to-day operations and support tasks. Both roles are essential in educational settings but differ in scope and responsibilities.

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 Director jobs in California?

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

What job categories do people searching Academic Program Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Academic Program Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Academic Program Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Academic Program Director job openings:

Academic Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Academic Program Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,172 per year, or $37.1 per hour.

Academic Program Director, OT

Excelon Associates

San Marcos, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Academic Program Director - Occupational Therapy

In collaboration with the Associate Dean and faculty, the Program Director ensures delivery of the local campus curriculum in a manner that aligns with program goals, learning outcomes, consistency, and institutional expectations.
The Program Director leads local programmatic accreditation efforts to ensure compliance with all standards and timely submission of required reports.
This role works closely with the Dean, other Program Directors, and faculty on policies, admissions, academic progress, and graduation competencies. The Director is accountable for strategic initiatives, integration with other departments, resolving student and faculty issues, and promoting educational effectiveness.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Planning
  • Provides leadership, vision, and organizational strategy for the program while aligning with the institution's strategic and quality improvement plans.
  • Monitors program metrics such as faculty workload, scholarly productivity, student satisfaction, graduation rates, and enrollment trends to ensure program goals are achieved.
Program Operations
  • Oversees development and maintenance of efficient department operations, ensuring workflow, student learning outcomes, and curriculum quality.
  • Collaborates across departments to coordinate activities, implement improvements, and foster innovation.
  • Promotes a campus culture focused on academic achievement, personal development, and institutional core values.
  • Communicates effectively with students, faculty, and staff while supporting problem-solving and complaint resolution.
  • Partners with the Clinical Education department to ensure quality clinical experiences.
  • Conducts student information and recruiting sessions.
  • Ensures faculty support institutional and departmental goals tied to educational effectiveness.
Faculty Leadership and Development
  • Hires, develops, and evaluates core and adjunct faculty while supporting effective staffing patterns and scheduling.
  • Mentors faculty to enhance individual performance, build leadership capabilities, and strengthen alignment with institutional goals.
Scholarly and Professional Development
  • Stays current on best practices, policy changes, and emerging trends through ongoing engagement with professional organizations, conferences, and seminars.
  • Meets scholarly and professional development goals identified in annual performance evaluations.
  • Integrates research and practice into student learning and faculty development initiatives.
Management Responsibilities
  • Develops and executes the program's strategic plan and identifies opportunities for innovation and growth.
  • Manages budgets, approves expenditures, and oversees departmental financial planning.
  • Ensures full compliance with accreditation standards, institutional policies, and federal/state regulations.
  • Participates in institutional committees, councils, and student-facing meetings as needed.
  • Maintains a reduced teaching load (no more than 0.5 FTE or 148 hours per term).
  • Reviews and approves prerequisite course substitutions and transfer credits.
Other Duties and Travel Requirements
  • May perform additional responsibilities as assigned by leadership.
  • Occasional travel may be required for professional development, recruitment, or multi-campus meetings.
  • A valid driver's license and minimum state-required liability insurance are required.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervises core faculty, contributing faculty, and academic support staff. May oversee an assistant director or site coordinator as applicable.
Required Skills and Qualifications
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching, scholarship, and academic leadership within higher education.
  • Strong knowledge of programmatic accreditation processes.
  • Proven leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
  • Experience in fiscal management, strategic planning, and operational oversight.
Education and Experience
  • Doctoral degree from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
  • Minimum 8 years of documented experience in occupational therapy, including:
    • Clinical practice as an occupational therapist
    • Administrative experience
    • Scholarship and research contributions
    • Understanding of the occupational therapy assistant role
    • At least 4 years of postsecondary-level teaching experience
Licensure and Certification
  • Must be an initially certified occupational therapist, licensed or otherwise regulated per applicable state or jurisdictional requirements.
Key Competencies
  • Mission-Driven Leadership: Demonstrates passion for student success and institutional values.
  • Educational Expertise: Designs effective learning experiences and leverages pedagogical best practices.
  • Collaboration & Influence: Works effectively across teams and partnerships to achieve shared goals.
  • Communication Excellence: Adapts communication style to audience and context while fostering strong relationships.
  • Student Engagement: Creates an inclusive, supportive, and challenging learning environment.
  • Talent Development: Identifies, mentors, and develops faculty talent to build a high-performing team.
www.excelonassociates.com
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Excelon does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, marital or veteran status, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.