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Academic Program Specialist Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Aquatic Program Specialist

Columbus, OH ยท On-site

$90K - $91K/yr

Aquatic Program Specialist Department:Student Life | Recreational Sports Administration The Aquatic ... their academic, personal and professional goals; and prepares students to be engaged in a global ...

Communications Specialist

Columbus, OH ยท On-site

$51K - $68K/yr

Communications Specialist Department:Strategic Enrollment | Graduate and Professional Admissions ... Works with academic colleges, schools, graduate programs, and university partners to support ...

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Academic Program Specialist information

See Ohio salary details

$13

$23

$39

How much do academic program specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for academic program specialist in Ohio is $23.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.18 and $25.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an academic program specialist?

Academic Program Specialists are professionals who support the planning, implementation, and administration of academic programs at educational institutions. Their responsibilities often include coordinating program logistics, advising students, tracking program outcomes, and ensuring compliance with institutional and accreditation standards. They work closely with faculty, staff, and students to enhance the quality and efficiency of academic offerings. Academic Program Specialists play a critical role in maintaining the smooth operation of educational programs and supporting student success.

How does an academic program specialist typically collaborate with faculty and administrative staff to support program goals?

Academic Program Specialists often serve as a bridge between faculty, administrative staff, and students to ensure the smooth operation of academic programs. They coordinate course scheduling, assist with curriculum updates, and help organize program events or assessments. Regular meetings with faculty members and administrators are common to discuss program needs, address challenges, and implement improvements. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential, as the role often involves balancing multiple priorities while supporting the academic mission.

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

To thrive as an Academic Program Specialist, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a bachelor's degree in education, administration, or a related field. Familiarity with student information systems, scheduling software, and database management tools is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration are key soft skills that help you interact effectively with faculty, students, and administrators. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring smooth program operations, compliance with academic policies, and a positive educational experience.

What is the difference between Academic Program Specialist vs Academic Advisor?

AspectAcademic Program SpecialistAcademic Advisor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; certifications varyBachelor's degree typically required; some roles prefer certifications in counseling or advising
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, program offices, administrative settingsColleges, universities, student services offices
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in academic administration to develop and manage programsUsed to guide students academically and support their progress

While both roles work within educational settings, Academic Program Specialists focus on developing and managing academic programs, whereas Academic Advisors primarily support students' academic planning and success. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in higher education.

What job categories do people searching Academic Program Specialist jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Academic Program Specialist jobs in Ohio are:

Infographic showing various Academic Program Specialist job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,898 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Academic and Program Leadership Positions College of Nursing

Samuelmerritt

Peninsula, OH โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide strategic and operational leadership for nursing programs or academic initiatives.

  • Support faculty development, curriculum quality, and regulatory compliance.

  • Advance enrollment growth, student outcomes, and workforce-aligned programming.


Job description

Description:
Job Description Summary:
Samuel Merritt University
Multiple Openings | All specialty areas
Locations: Oakland, Sacramento, Fresno, and Foster City (CA).
About Samuel Merritt University
Samuel Merritt University (SMU) is a private, non-profit health sciences university dedicated to educating compassionate, skilled, and culturally responsive health professionals who serve diverse and underserved communities. With campuses in Oakland, Sacramento, Fresno, and Foster City, SMU is deeply embedded in California's healthcare ecosystem and committed to health equity, interprofessional education, clinical excellence, and workforce development.
Position Overview
The College of Nursing invites applications for exceptional academic and program leaders to support strategic growth. This initiative reflects the University's priorities related to enrollment growth, program excellence, community-engaged practice, and preparation of the nursing workforce needed to serve California's diverse populations.
Appointments may be made at the assistant, associate, or full professor level depending on qualifications and institutional needs. Positions may be based at any SMU campus, with opportunities for collaboration across locations.
Duties and Responsibilities:

Areas of Appointment

Academic & Program Leadership Roles

(e.g., Program Directors, Associate/Assistant Deans, Specialty Track Leads)

Primary Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic and operational leadership for nursing programs or academic initiatives
  • Support faculty development, curriculum quality, and regulatory compliance
  • Advance enrollment growth, student outcomes, and workforce-aligned programming
  • Strengthen partnerships with clinical affiliates, health systems, and community organizations
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, equity, innovation, and continuous improvement

Preferred Expertise

  • Demonstrated academic, clinical, or administrative leadership experience
  • Experience with accreditation (e.g., CCNE), assessment, and program evaluation
  • Strong communication, organizational, and change-management skills

Minimum Required Qualifications (All Positions)

  • Earned graduate degree in nursing (doctoral degree preferred)
  • Active or eligible California RN licensure
  • Evidence of effective teaching, clinical excellence, scholarship, and/or leadership, as appropriate to role
  • Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence and health equity
  • Ability to work effectively in an urban, multi-campus, mission-driven academic environment

Why Join Samuel Merritt University?

  • Deep commitment to health equity and serving underserved communities
  • Strong clinical partnerships across Northern and Central California
  • Collaborative, student-centered faculty culture
  • Opportunities for interprofessional teaching, practice, and scholarship
  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package

Application Process

Applicants should submit:

  • Cover letter identifying area(s) of interest (pre-licensure, post-licensure, leadership) and preferred campus location(s).
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Statement of teaching philosophy and/or leadership approach

The annual salary for Academic and Program Leadership positions is determined based on the scope of the role, relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, geographic location, and other job-related factors. Depending on the position and candidate qualifications, salaries may range up to $160,000.

Employee Status:RegularExemption Status:United States of America (Exempt)Time Type:Full timeJob Shift:

Pay Range:

The annual salary for Academic and Program Leadership positions is determined based on the scope of the role, relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, geographic location, and other job-related factors.Samuel Merritt University currently provides base salary ranges for all positions-on job advertisements-in the United States based on local requirements. Individual compensation will ultimately be determined based on a variety of relevant factors including but-not limited to qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant skills.