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Academic Program Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.4K

$80.6K

$141.1K

How much do academic program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for academic program director in Chicago, IL is $80,553.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,600.00 and $95,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Academic Program jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Academic Program jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Academic Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL? For Academic Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Academic Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Academic Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Academic Program Director jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Academic Program Director job openings:
Academic Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Academic Program Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,553 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Program Director, MS Physician Assistant Studies Program

TCS Education System

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Job Description:
ABOUT THE CHICAGO SCHOOL
The Chicago School educates the next generation of change-makers in innovative theory and culturally competent practice to strengthen the integrated health of individuals, organizations, and communities. We enroll over 6,000 students across 40+ academic programs culminating in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree or a professional certificate, and our unique approach to impact-focused education has made us a leading nonprofit university for over 45 years.
As an employee at The Chicago School, you can become a member of an inclusive community committed to excellence. At The Chicago School, we celebrate individuals of all backgrounds and identities for who they are and what they can contribute. We take pride in hiring and retaining the most dynamic, talented, and passionate professionals who will help us continue to innovate for decades to come.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Program Director is responsible for the development and launch of the MS Physician Assistant Studies (PA) program. They provide strategic vision, academic leadership, and overall administrative oversight to ensure the program's successful implementation and ongoing excellence. In alignment with the University's mission, values, and strategic plan, the Program Director ensures program compliance with Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) Standards and is accountable for program organization, administration, fiscal management, continuous review, and communication.
The Program Director provides leadership in accreditation readiness, curriculum oversight, faculty management, and program assessment to support student success and program quality. Participation in accreditation-related activities, including preparation for and execution of site visits.
The Program Director is a full-time, 12-month faculty appointment with at least 50% of effort dedicated to administrative responsibilities for the program. The position requires on-campus presence at the Chicago Campus location. Occasionally, travel may be required.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Leadership and Administration:
  • Provide strategic vision and leadership, in alignment with institutional goals and ARC-PA Standards, to develop and launch the PA program.
  • Ensure program organization, structure, and delivery meet all accreditation and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain continuous compliance with ARC-PA policies, including preparation for accreditation review and site visits.
  • Lead ongoing programmatic self-assessment, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement processes.
  • Establish and maintain effective communication across faculty, administration, students, and external stakeholders

Accreditation and Compliance:
  • Ensure adherence to all ARC-PA Standards and policies governing PA education.
  • Lead development, implementation, and maintenance of accreditation documentation and reports.
  • Oversee data collection, analysis, and reporting to support accreditation and program outcomes.
  • Coordinate and lead site visit preparation, including documentation, logistics, and stakeholder readiness.

Curriculum and Academic Oversight
  • Oversee design, implementation, and evaluation of didactic and clinical curriculum aligned with program learning outcomes.
  • Ensure curriculum meets professional competencies and accreditation expectations.
  • Monitor student learning outcomes and program effectiveness through data-driven assessment practices.
  • Support continuous curriculum improvement based on outcomes, feedback, and industry standards.

Personnel Management
  • Recruit, hire, develop, and evaluate program faculty and staff in alignment with institutional policies and program needs.
  • Supervise all individuals in the roles of medical director, principal and instructional faculty, and staff in activities that directly relate to the PA program.
  • Provide leadership, mentorship, and performance management for faculty.
  • Ensure faculty engagement in teaching, scholarship, and service activities.
  • Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing academic environment.

Student Success and Engagement
  • Ensure systems are in place to support student progression, retention, and timely degree completion.
  • Oversee processes for addressing student concerns, academic performance, and professional development.
  • Promote a student-centered environment that supports academic and professional success.
  • Oversee student selection/admissions processes in collaboration with program faculty.

Fiscal and Operational Management
  • Provide strategic leadership on enrollment, workforce, and program sustainability initiatives to ensure long-term growth, alignment with institutional priorities, and responsiveness to healthcare workforce needs.
  • Develop and manage the program budget in collaboration with institutional leadership.
  • Oversee resource allocation to support program quality and sustainability.
  • Ensure efficient day-to-day program operations, including scheduling and staffing.

Strategic Growth and External Engagement
  • Represent the program internally and externally to cultivate strategic partnerships, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and enhance the program's reputation and visibility.
  • Provide strategic leadership on enrollment, workforce, and program sustainability initiatives to ensure long-term growth, alignment with institutional priorities, and responsiveness to healthcare workforce needs.

Required Qualifications:
Education and Certification
  • Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant program.
  • Current or emeritus certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
  • Earned doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DHSc, DMSc, or related field) from a regionally accredited institution.

Experience:
Minimum of three 3 years of full-time higher education experience at time of appointment, with a preference for 5 or more years, particularly within a PA program setting. This experience must include:
  • Experience within an accredited Physician Assistant program.
  • Progressive leadership experience within a PA program (e.g., Assistant/Associate Program Director, Clinical Director, Academic Coordinator, or equivalent).
  • Direct experience with Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) processes, including participation in self-study preparation, accreditation reporting, and/or site visits.
  • Clinical practice experience as a Physician Assistant.
  • Demonstrated administrative leadership in an academic or PA program setting, including program planning, personnel management, budget oversight, and outcomes assessment.
  • Experience supervising, mentoring, and evaluating faculty.
  • Experience with program assessment, outcomes evaluation, and continuous quality improvement processes.
  • Experience working effectively and collaboratively as a member of an academic and/or leadership team.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience as a Program Director or in a leadership role within a PA program.
  • Experience leading accreditation reviews or site visits.
  • Evidence of scholarship and professional engagement.
  • Experience with curriculum development and program assessment.
  • Experience with hybrid education delivery.

The Chicago School offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. Some of our key benefits include: generous paid time-off, medical and dental coverage, company-paid life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts (FSA), tuition reimbursement, professional development, and regular employee appreciation events.
The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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