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Academic Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Academic Program Manager information

See California salary details

$38K

$106.1K

$154.9K

How much do academic program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for academic program manager in California is $106,053.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an academic program manager do?

An Academic Program Manager oversees the planning, development, and administration of educational programs within an academic institution. Their responsibilities often include coordinating curriculum development, managing program budgets, ensuring compliance with institutional policies, and supporting faculty and student needs. They serve as a liaison between departments, faculty, and external partners to ensure the success and quality of academic offerings. Additionally, Academic Program Managers may analyze program performance data and recommend improvements for future growth.

What are some common challenges faced by academic program managers when coordinating multiple academic programs, and how can they be addressed?

Academic Program Managers often juggle responsibilities such as scheduling courses, coordinating faculty, managing budgets, and ensuring program compliance. A common challenge is balancing the needs of students, faculty, and administration while adhering to institutional policies and accreditation standards. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks are essential for overcoming these challenges. Leveraging project management tools and fostering collaborative relationships across departments can also help streamline processes and ensure program success.

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

To thrive as an Academic Program Manager, you need a strong background in education administration, program development, and project management, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in higher education. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), student information systems, and data analysis tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help build productive relationships with faculty, students, and stakeholders. These skills are vital for ensuring academic programs run efficiently, meet educational objectives, and adapt to institutional needs.

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

AspectAcademic Program ManagerAcademic Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree, relevant experienceTypically similar, often requiring a Bachelor's degree
Work EnvironmentHigher-level planning, strategic oversightAdministrative support, daily operations
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, universitiesSchools, colleges, educational programs
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on program management, strategic rolesFocus on administrative and support roles

The main difference is that an Academic Program Manager oversees the planning and strategic development of academic programs, while an Academic Coordinator handles daily administrative tasks and supports program operations. The Program Manager has a broader scope and higher responsibility level.

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 Manager jobs in California?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Academic Program Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,053 per year, or $51 per hour.

Academic Program Specialist

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$28.88 - $33.82/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


University Of Southern California rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

102nd of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the "Trojan Family," which is comprised of the faculty, students, and staff that make the university a great place to work.

The USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking an Academic Program Specialist to work in Academic Innovation and Research Engagement (AIRE). The largest and oldest of the USC schools, USC Dornsife functions as the academic core of the university, offering courses and advancing knowledge across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Academic Innovation and Research Engagement (AIRE) supports the operations of affiliated academic research centers and institutes across the humanities, social sciences, and life sciences. Through its innovative shared services model, AIRE provides comprehensive expertise in academic programming, financial administration, event planning, communications, business operations, and administrative services.

We are seeking an enthusiastic professional to join the AIRE team by providing administrative and operational support to AIRE's research centers and institutes. The Academic Program Specialist will partner with faculty, researchers, students, and staff to coordinate academic programming, research activities, events, communications, and the day-to-day operations of a portfolio of research centers and institutes. Through AIRE's collaborative service model, this position provides comprehensive administrative support to an assigned portfolio of research centers and institutes.

The support functions include, but are not limited to:

  • Coordinates and supports academic events, seminars, workshops, conferences, and guest lectures, including scheduling, logistics, travel arrangements, catering, and on-site event support.
  • Prepares and distributes communications, newsletters, reports, presentations, and promotional materials to support research center activities and outreach.
  • Supports the day-to-day operations of assigned research centers and institutes by coordinating meetings, maintaining records, responding to inquiries, and serving as a primary point of contact for faculty, researchers, students, and visitors.
  • Assists with budget administration by monitoring operating budgets, processing financial transactions, tracking expenditures, reconciling accounts, preparing financial reports, and researching and resolving discrepancies.
  • Coordinates the recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and training of student workers.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills for interacting with both domestic and international stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated attention to detail.
  • Proven ability to plan, implement, and coordinate program logistics.
  • Demonstrated database/data entry experience.
  • Proven project management and problem-solving skills, able to handle multiple timelines, changing priorities, and fluctuating workloads.
  • Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
  • Minimum Experience: 2 years. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum experience

The hourly rate range for this position is $28.88 - $33.82. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Work Arrangement: This is a 100% full-time, on-site/on-campus position.

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

To support the well-being of our faculty and staff, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of perks to help protect their and their dependents' health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package. You can learn more about USC's comprehensive benefitshere.

Required Documents and Additional Information:

  • Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.
  • Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 2 years. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum experience Minimum Field of Expertise: Experience in higher education and/or customer service. Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills for interacting with both domestic and international stakeholders. Demonstrated attention to detail. Proven ability to plan, implement, and coordinate program logistics. Demonstrated database/data entry experience. Proven project management and problem solving skills, able to handle multiple timelines, changing priorities, and fluctuating workloads.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email atuschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this  USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:

https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$152655.htmld

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About University of Southern California

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Southern California (USC) is not a conventional company, but a private research university established in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, US. Founded in 1880, it's one of the oldest private research universities in California. USC operates in the education industry providing primary services of higher education, research, and community development. This prestigious institution offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The University is guided by its commitment to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and discovery through academic excellence.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles , CA, US

Year founded

1880