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Academic Program Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Empowered Staffing

Program Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

They are looking for a Program Director to lead the Surgical Technology program, oversee faculty ... Lead the overall Surgical Technology program, providing academic leadership, program oversight, and ...

New

Management and Training Corporation

Programs Director

Joliet, IL · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsible for the coordination and management of academic program, career technical training, and ... director * Coordinate and achieve department goals for the performance year * Assist in the ...

East - West University

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COLLEGE - UNIVERSITY PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF BEHAVIORAL & SOCIAL SCIENCES

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Director of Behavioral Program (BHS) is responsible for providing academic leadership in developing and supporting teaching and learning at East-West University (EWU). The Director will bring ...

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All JobsAcademic Program JobsAcademic Program Director JobsAcademic Program Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 17, 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,553 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Program Director

Empowered Staffing

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Empowered Staffing is partnered with a leading career college seeking an experienced Program Director to oversee its AAS in Surgical Technology program.

They are looking for a Program Director to lead the Surgical Technology program, oversee faculty and curriculum, maintain accreditation compliance, support student success, and build relationships with healthcare employers and clinical partners.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Lead the overall Surgical Technology program, providing academic leadership, program oversight, and continuous evaluation.
  • Interview, hire, onboard, train, mentor, and evaluate Surgical Technology instructors and laboratory assistants.
  • Manage instructor schedules, teaching assignments, workloads, course logistics, and instructional coverage.
  • Oversee curriculum development and ensure coursework aligns with industry standards, certification requirements, and accreditation expectations.
  • Monitor and evaluate curriculum effectiveness using accreditation requirements, certification outcomes, employer feedback, and industry trends.
  • Maintain compliance with CAAHEP and ARC/STSA accreditation standards, including required documentation, reports, outcomes data, and site-visit preparation.
  • Ensure compliance with FERPA and institutional policies related to student records and confidentiality.
  • Monitor student success metrics, including attendance, academic progress, certification outcomes, retention, and graduation rates.
  • Develop and implement strategies to improve student retention, completion, certification success, and overall program outcomes.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with healthcare employers, clinical education sites, vendors, certification organizations, and professional associations.
  • Participate in institutional SOP and in-service meetings and support additional academic initiatives and projects as needed.

Required Skills & Experience:

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience within the past 10 years consisting of operating room scrub experience, Surgical Technology teaching experience, or a combination of both.
  • Documented education or experience in instructional methodology, curriculum design, and program planning.
  • Strong understanding of Surgical Technology education, clinical practices, certification requirements, and industry standards.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills with excellent attention to detail.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.