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Academic Program Director Jobs in Ruston, LA (NOW HIRING)

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Academic Program Director information

See Ruston, LA salary details

$23.8K

$63.1K

$110.6K

How much do academic program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for academic program director in Ruston, LA is $63,121.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,800.00 and $74,700.00 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 job categories do people searching Academic Program Director jobs in Ruston, LA look for?

The top searched job categories for Academic Program Director jobs in Ruston, LA are:

What cities near Ruston, LA are hiring for Academic Program Director jobs?

Cities near Ruston, LA with the most Academic Program Director job openings:

Academic Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Academic Program Director job openings in Ruston, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,121 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Academic Success and Program Development Lead

Grambling State University

Grambling, LA • On-site

$86K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Salary : $86,667.00 - $88,000.00 Annually
Location : Grambling
Job Type: Full-Time Unclassified
Job Number: 202200420
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: COPS- School of Nursing
Opening Date: 07/06/2026
Closing Date: 10/6/2026 11:59 PM Central
Job Summary
The Faculty - Academic Success and Program Development Lead is an academic role within the School of Nursing responsible for advancing excellence across undergraduate and graduate nursing education. This position provides strategic leadership in student retention, enrollment growth, faculty mentorship, and curriculum innovation, while strengthening the MSN Nurse Educator and Nurse Practitioner programs as intentional feeder pathways into advanced graduate education (e.g., DNP
programs).
This faculty leader will champion evidence-based, competency-based education aligned with the AACN Essentials (2021), ACEN and CCNE accreditation standards, ensuring graduates are prepared with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to meet evolving healthcare workforce demands.
The role integrates teaching, scholarship, quality improvement, and programmatic leadership to enhance student success, foster faculty development, and improve health outcomes in underserved communities.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
Leadership Responsibilities
  • Academic Success, Retention & Enrollment Leadership
  • Lead strategic initiatives to improve student recruitment, enrollment, retention, progression, and graduation rates across undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Design and implement evidence-based student success models that address academic preparedness, NCLEX success, and certification readiness
  • Develop targeted interventions to support at-risk students and advance equity in student achievement
  • Collaborate with university and community partners to strengthen pipeline and outreach initiatives
Feeder Program Development (Signature Emphasis)
  • Strengthen and formalize the BSN-to-MSN-to-DNP pipeline model to ensure seamless academic progression
  • Align undergraduate curriculum, advising, and engagement strategies with graduate program expectations to intentionally cultivate future MSN and DNP students
  • Develop articulation strategies, bridge pathways, and early engagement opportunities for undergraduate students into MSN tracks
  • Monitor and evaluate pipeline outcomes, including enrollment conversion rates from undergraduate to graduate programs
Curriculum Innovation & Accreditation Alignment
  • Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of competency-based curricula aligned with:
  • AACN Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (2021)
  • ACEN accreditation standards for baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs
  • CCNE accreditation standards for baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs
  • Ensure integration of key AACN domains, including:
  • Knowledge for Nursing Practice
  • Person-Centered Care
  • Population Health
  • Quality and Safety
  • Interprofessional Partnerships
  • Systems-Based Practice
  • Informatics and Healthcare Technologies
  • Professionalism & Leadership Development
  • Guide curriculum mapping, assessment strategies, and program evaluation to ensure measurable student learning outcomes and competencies
  • Promote innovative teaching modalities including simulation, technology-enhanced learning, and experiential education
Faculty Mentorship & Development
  • Serve as a faculty mentor and leader, supporting junior faculty in teaching, scholarship, and service.
  • Lead faculty development initiatives focused on:
  • Evidence-based teaching practices
  • Competency-based education and assessment
  • Scholarly productivity and research engagement
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and academic excellence.
Teaching & Instruction
  • Teach undergraduate and graduate nursing courses, including MSN Nurse Educator and/or Nurse Practitioner tracks
  • Integrate evidence-based practice, clinical expertise, and competency-based assessment strategies
  • Evaluate student performance using outcomes-based metrics aligned with AACN competencies
  • Incorporate quality improvement principles and systems thinking into course design
Scholarship, Research & Quality Improvement
  • Lead and participate in research, evidence-based practice (EBP), and quality improvement (QI) initiatives
  • Mentor students and faculty in scholarly projects, including scholarly projects and MSN capstone work
  • Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and community engagement
  • Promote research aligned with health equity, population health, and healthcare system improvement
Service & Institutional Leadership
  • Serve in leadership roles on program, school, and university committees
  • Contribute to accreditation processes, including ACEN and CCNE self-study reports and continuous quality improvement efforts
  • Engage with healthcare agencies and community stakeholders to support workforce development and regional healthcare needs
  • Support initiatives addressing health disparities and provider shortages consistent with institutional mission priorities

Qualifications
Minimum:
  • Master's degree in Nursing from an accredited program.
  • Current, unencumbered RN licensure; APRN licensure.
  • National certification (e.g., FNP-BC, CNE, or related specialty) preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience in:
  • Teaching in nursing education
  • Familiar with Curriculum development and evaluation processes.
  • Student mentorship and academic success initiatives.
Preferred:
  • Doctoral degree in Nursing (PhD, DNP, or EdD) required (or near completion).
  • Experience across both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.
  • Demonstrated success in retention, enrollment management, or pipeline development.
  • Active scholarly agenda in research, EBP, or quality improvement.
  • Leadership experience in program coordination, accreditation, or faculty development.

Supplemental Information
Applications without the following will not be considered complete.
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Transcript(s) if applicable
  • Curriculum Vitae if applicable
Review of applications will begin July 20th, 2026, and continue until position is filled.
State As a Model Employer
We offer a complete benefits package to eligible employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, short- term disablity, holidays, annual, and sick leave.
01
Do you have a master's degree in Nursing from an accredited program?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a current, unencumbered RN licensure; APRN licensure?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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