ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Academic Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chapman University

Academic Program Specialist

Orange, CA · On-site

$21.73 - $27/hr

Posting Details Position Information Position Title Academic Program Specialist Position Type ... Demonstrated time management skills with ability to organize and prioritize a high volume, detail ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAcademic Program JobsAcademic Program Manager JobsAcademic Program Manager Jobs in California

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 Jul 23, 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 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Academic Program Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Academic Program Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Academic Program Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Academic Program Manager job openings:
Academic Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Academic Program Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,053 per year, or $51 per hour.
Academic Program Specialist

Academic Program Specialist

Chapman University

Orange, CA

$21.73 - $27/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Chapman University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

230th of 560 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Information
Position Title Academic Program Specialist Position Type Regular Job Number SA84824 Full or Part Time full-time 40 hours weekly Fair Labor Standard Act Classification Non-Exempt Anticipated Pay Range $21.73 - $27.00 Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Work closely with a team of Academic Program Specialists to provide degree audit, articulation, and client services to Chapman constituents. Communicate and interact with students and departments to explain and clarify academic policies and standards relating to degree progression, record evaluations and transferability of course work.
Responsibilities
Degree Audit Functions
  • Process updates and revisions for individual student academic program requirements related to approved waivers, substitutions and petitions.
  • Process additions or changes to declared degree, major, minor and GE requirements.
  • Analyze student records for efficient use of GE coursework.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of any program changes in both a physical and digital environment.
  • Assist in the development and maintenance of all academic programs within the Degree Audit (Academic Advising) module.
  • Assist in the testing and troubleshooting of enhancements and problem issues related to Degree Audit functionality.
  • Assist in final degree processing/commencement processing and proceedings.
  • Review potential graduates for remaining requirements and process manual clearance for students missing non-course requirements e.g. comprehensive exams, demonstration of mastery, etc.
  • Verify the completion of all degree requirements and marks record for degree conferral processing.
  • Maintain current knowledge of all university degree programs and academic policies.

Articulation and Transfer Credit Evaluation Functions
  • Based on Chapman transfer policies and procedures and academic guidelines, evaluate and interpret student records from other institutions to determine transferability of course work for general education and major requirements where allowed.
  • Evaluate special population transfer credit for AP, IB, A-level, CLEP, DSST, and international. Communicate with academic departments and officials regarding credit transferability and the approval of general education and major requirements when required.
  • Apply advanced understanding of undergraduate degree requirements and program evaluation required for the approval and application of transfer credit.
  • Advise and assist professional staff and students with transfer credit issues and related policies.
  • Assist in the study abroad process through review of study abroad credit for applicable level and GE content.
  • Coordinate with departments and GE Committee course approvals for assigned programs. .
  • Use Campus Solutions processes to communicate updates/changes to student records.
  • Use basic queries in Campus Solutions to identify student records for processing or updates related to transfer credit.
  • Utilize various resources to research external credit including TES, Transferology, transfer admission planner, ASSIST.org, AACRAO Edge, online catalogs, Global Gateway

Client Services Functions
  • Assist front line staff in providing information to students related to academic programs.
  • Communicate with Academic Advisors regarding related student issues and clarification of university policy.
  • Coordinate with department and program chairs blanket revisions to existing programs and communicate changes to the Assistant/Associate Registrars.
  • Notify other APS and Frontline staff of any program changes that affect their work processes.
  • Communicate and interact with students and departments to explain and clarify academic policies and standards.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree and experience with academic records evaluations in an educational environment.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of degree audit and articulation processes and procedures.
  • Strong analytical and problem solving skills to determine admission requirements, petition process and graduation criteria.
  • Ability to learn and apply complex academic policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrated experience showing ability to work with projects demanding high degree of detail and accuracy.
  • Demonstrated time management skills with ability to organize and prioritize a high volume, detail oriented workload under the pressure of deadlines with constant interruptions.
  • Ability to work independently and possess problem solving skills and initiative to implement new ideas, as well as demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, interpretation and application of policies and procedures.
  • Ability to use standard office equipment.
  • Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite applications.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with diverse constituents and explain complex information in an understandable manner.
  • Strong technical skills to learn and use enterprise systems, such as PeopleSoft (Campus Solutions).
  • Ability to work well as a team member.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience in transfer equivalency determination and articulation. Experience with UC and CSU transfer patterns and certifications.
  • Experience with automated Degree Audit program, preferably the Campus Solutions Academic Advising Module.
  • Experience with MS Teams
Special Instructions to Applicants
At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics.  All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. 
The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate 
Minimum Number of References Maximum Number of References

What Chapman University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply