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Academic Program Manager Jobs in Topeka, KS (NOW HIRING)

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Academic Program Manager information

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$36.2K

$101.1K

$147.8K

How much do academic program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for academic program manager in Topeka, KS is $101,130.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,800.00 and $124,700.00 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 job categories do people searching Academic Program Manager jobs in Topeka, KS look for? The top searched job categories for Academic Program Manager jobs in Topeka, KS are:
What cities near Topeka, KS are hiring for Academic Program Manager jobs? Cities near Topeka, KS with the most Academic Program Manager job openings:
Graduate Program Coordinator

Other

PTO

Posted 21 days ago


University Of Kansas rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

50%  Manages or coordinates administrative aspects of the graduate program and graduate data
  • Tracks student enrollment, grades, and overall degree progression and verifies that students have fulfilled all program and University requirements for their degree.
  • Submits and tracks forms related to student petitions, milestones, enrollment, awards, exams, and graduation.
  • Maintains current and historical data and records relating to the graduate program and students.
  • Coordinates graduate program events (e.g. prospective student visits, orientation, graduate student awards ceremonies).
  • Manages administrative aspects of the admission process, including collection and tracking of applicant materials, providing data or reports to admission committees, processing admission decisions, and preparing admission and funding letters.
  • Supports development and oversees implementation of programs' communications related to recruitment and outreach.
  • Manages administrative aspects of student employment with the department (e.g. Graduate Teaching or Research Assistants) including tracking course assignments and funding, recording results of teaching evaluations, and submitting hiring forms.
  • Coordinates exams and graduation processes (e.g. schedules exams and thesis/dissertation defenses, tracks students' submission of graduation documents, approves students' applications for graduation)
  • Provides administrative support and collects and compiles data for program reviews, assessment, accreditation, grants, and awards.   
  • Maintains and updates the graduate student handbook and graduate program pages of the department website and academic catalog. 
30% Advises and guides graduate students and faculty on policy, procedures, and best practices related to graduate education
  • Maintains broad expertise on policies, procedures, and best practices related to graduate education at KU. They effectively communicate this information to faculty and students to ensure successful student degree progression, support program initiatives, and provide creative solutions to problems.  
  • Serves as primary contact for prospective students to guide them through the application process.
  • Advises students and faculty regarding University requirements related to student funding (e.g. scholarships, on-campus employment, federal aid)
  • Attends graduate faculty meetings, admissions and awards committee meetings, and annual graduate student review meetings in a policy advising capacity. 
  • Connects students with appropriate opportunities and resources for financial support, professional development, and campus and community engagement.
  • Provides training and technical guidance to department faculty and students on University systems and platforms related to graduate education.
20% Collaborates with department and campus partners on key initiatives related to graduate education
  • Consults regularly with department leadership regarding graduate program activities, initiatives, and student degree progression. 
  • Serves as an advocate and liaison between students, campus offices, faculty, and department leadership to address student questions, issues, or grievances.
  • Collaborates with department stakeholders to collect and interpret data, and provide input to support program initiatives (e.g. recruitment efforts, alumni development). 
  • Supports faculty in developing changes to the academic program and administrative practices to help the program attain its goals and improve student success.
  • Coordinates with department faculty and College governance to submit and usher through requests for modifications to the program's courses or academic requirements.
  • As COGA team member, advises and provides input from a program perspective in order to refine College or University policies and administrative processes and advocate for their program.  
  • Attends and assists with the College of Liberal Arts & Science's Master's Hooding Ceremony and the campus-wide Doctoral Hooding Ceremony. 
,Graduate Program Coordinators in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences are team members of the College Office of Graduate Affairs (COGA) assigned to specific College academic departments to manage the administrative aspects of the graduate program and to advise graduate students and faculty on policies and processes related to graduate education at KU. 
This graduate program coordinator position reports to the COGA Assistant Director and is assigned to the Department(s) of: 
  • Anthropology
  • Leadership Studies
  • Visual Art
Graduate Program Coordinators work closely with faculty in their assigned academic unit, the COGA office, and other campus partners on key processes and initiatives related to graduate education. They provide students with equitable advising on program policy and requirements, connect them to campus resources, and guide them through the logistics of their graduate degree, from the application process through graduation. 
Graduate Program Coordinators report to COGA, but their offices are located in the campus building of the department they support. They interact primarily with faculty and students day-to-day and build rapport and an understanding of department requirements and culture in order to tailor advising and to meet their departments' needs. 
Graduate program coordinators' work is conducted independently, and they enjoy a high degree of autonomy in how they structure their time and manage projects to meet the requirements of the academic calendar and the needs of their assigned departments. As members of COGA, they also benefit from having a team of colleagues to serve as a resource, share best practices, and build community. 
Education or training in the field of study of the assigned academic units is not required, nor is prior experience in higher education. Graduate program coordinators are provided with comprehensive training to become subject matter experts on policies and processes related to graduate education at KU. Ongoing training and opportunities for additional professional development are also provided to encourage professional growth.  
This position has a hybrid work arrangement of up to two days/week remote and three days/week on-campus during the fall and spring semesters. Additional remote work is available during the summer session and academic breaks. Candidates are also encouraged to review KU's employee benefits packages and paid leave schedule. 

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