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Academic Program Director Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Admissions Counselor

Portland, OR

$40K - $55K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Director of Admissions Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including employer sponsored ... Tuition waiver eligibility for UWS academic programs after one year of employment. Free and reduced ...

Admissions Counselor

Portland, OR · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Director of Admissions Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including employer sponsored ... Tuition waiver eligibility for UWS academic programs after one year of employment. Free and reduced ...

Admissions Counselor

Portland, OR · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Director of Admissions Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including employer sponsored ... Tuition waiver eligibility for UWS academic programs after one year of employment. Free and reduced ...

Admissions Counselor

Portland, OR

$40K - $55K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Director of Admissions Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including employer sponsored ... Tuition waiver eligibility for UWS academic programs after one year of employment. Free and reduced ...

Showing results 41-60

Academic Program Director information

See Portland, OR salary details

$31.3K

$82.9K

$145.3K

How much do academic program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for academic program director in Portland, OR is $82,927.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,200.00 and $98,100.00 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 Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Academic Program jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Academic Program Director jobs in Portland, OR?

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

What job categories do people searching Academic Program Director jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Academic Program Director jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Academic Program Director job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,927 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

$40K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

1. GENERAL POSITION INFORMATION

Position Name: Admissions Counselor

Classification: Non-Exempt

FTE: Work Hours

8-4:30 M-F; Occasional nights and weekends as required.

Department/Division: Admissions

Supervisor: Senior Director of Admissions

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including employer sponsored health, dental and vision insurance plan options. 403(b) retirement plan with up to 10% match after one year. Tuition waiver eligibility for UWS academic programs after one year of employment. Free and reduced cost care in the campus health center for employees and their immediate family members. Paid vacation, sick, wellness time and holidays.

2. POSITION SUMMARY

UWS Admissions Counselor supports prospective students through all stages of the recruitment and application processes to help students apply to programs and matriculate for the University to meet its enrollment goals. The Admissions Counselor is responsible for recruitment communications directed toward prospective students. This position is also responsible for assisting prospective students in the decision-making process relative to the academic, schedule, time, motivation, and cost benefits of attending UWS. The Admissions Counselor is involved with staff, faculty, administrators and students and plays an active role in the campus community.

This position is hybrid and on-campus 2-3 days a week.

3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Recruitment: Student-Focus (70%)

  • Recruitment: Student-Focus

  • Advise prospective students on admissions requirements and application processes for all programs offered at UWS.
  • Clearly articulates the mission and value of the university to prospective students.
  • Provides superior customer service to students through the entire admission process.
  • Responds to all new inquiries quickly and maintains consistent communication with all students throughout the admission process.
  • Completes a high level of outbound calls per day to reach prospective students in a timely manner.
  • Conducts telephone-based, virtual, and in person consultations to qualify prospective students on their educational goals and interests, to explain available academic programs, to advise them on admission requirements, and to ensure that all admission paperwork is completed properly. Provides more in-depth counseling for undecided students.
  • Complete advisor review of applications and pre-evaluation of transcripts.
  • Participate in Recruitment events, occasional weekends and travel as needed.
  • Train as Designated School Official (DSO) and provide backup DSO duties as needed/assigned.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Lead Management and CRM/Systems Update (15%)

  • Effectively maintains Salesforce database through inquiry management, proper documentation, logging of calls and activities, and purposeful engagement strategy.

Professionalism, Teamwork and Relationship-Building (15%)

  • Serve as a member of the Admissions team to recruit and enroll qualified and motivated students to UWS academic programs.
  • Build and maintain relationships with health professionals and academic program advisors, counselors, and faculty at feeder institutions.
  • Employ general knowledge of accreditation standards and licensing requirements.
  • Consistently achieves behavioral and performance expectations as outlined in the annual performance review.
  • Encourage a healthy and productive working relationship between Enrollment Services and other UWS departments.
  • Practice a high standard of ethics and integrity.
  • Other duties as assigned.

4. UWS CORE VALUES

Best Practices:We maintain high standards by using and integrating evidence across multiple disciplines.

Curiosity:We are innovative, open minded, and forward thinking.

Inclusiveness:We are respectful, mindful, and welcoming of different ways of being, thinking, and doing.

Professionalism:We are responsible, respectful, and accountable.

Student-Focus:We work for the common good of students' academic and professional success.

Whole-Person Health:We promote physical, mental and emotional wellness in all facets of the UWS experience.

5. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Training: Bachelor's degree is encouraged but not required. Those without a bachelor's degree but with substantial admissions experience may be considered.

Experience: Customer service experience required; A minimum of 1 year of recruitment experience or similar background and previous admission experience preferred.

Related Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite required; Knowledge of database/CRM applications encouraged. Salesforce experience preferred.

Other Qualifications: The ability to work evenings and weekends is required; some occasional travel may also be required.

6. APPLICATION, SCREENING AND HIRING PROCESS:

Screening of applicants will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. Please submit a resume and cover letter.

University of Western States conducts background checks for the finalist or finalists of staff and faculty positions. The type of background check will vary by position type.

Compensation & Benefits

This opportunity is budgeted at $25.64- 28.21 per hour base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.

https://www.uws.edu/about/employment/

University of Western States is an Equal Opportunity Employer.