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College Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

twenty80.io

Assistant Program Director

Irvine, CA

$125K/yr

Working under the supervision of the Nursing Program Director, the Assistant Program Director will ... Master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with coursework in nursing ...

Twenty80 llc

Assistant Program Director

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Working under the supervision of the Nursing Program Director, the Assistant Program Director will ... Master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with coursework in nursing ...

Turning Point Centers

Program Director III

Roseville, CA · On-site

$91K - $99K/yr

The Program Director plays a key role in staff support, member advocacy, clinical collaboration ... college or university with a master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field and ...

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All JobsCollege Program JobsCollege Program Director JobsCollege Program Director Jobs in California

College Program Director information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$77.2K

$135.2K

How much do college program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for college program director in California is $77,172.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,300.00 and $91,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a college program director do?

A College Program Director oversees the planning, development, and administration of specific academic or co-curricular programs within a college or university. They are responsible for curriculum development, faculty coordination, student advising, budget management, and ensuring that their program meets institutional goals and accreditation standards. Program Directors often collaborate with other departments, address student concerns, and evaluate program effectiveness to drive continuous improvement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a college program director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a College Program Director, you need expertise in academic administration, curriculum development, and higher education policies, often supported by a master's or doctoral degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), accreditation processes, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills are essential for managing faculty, engaging students, and driving program improvements. These competencies ensure effective program oversight, academic quality, and positive stakeholder relationships within the college environment.

What are some common challenges faced by college program directors when managing multiple academic programs?

College Program Directors often balance a variety of responsibilities, including coordinating curricula, supporting faculty, and ensuring that programs meet accreditation standards. Managing multiple programs can lead to challenges such as allocating limited resources, keeping up with changing academic requirements, and addressing the diverse needs of students and staff. Successful directors develop strong organizational and communication skills, and frequently collaborate with department chairs, faculty, and administrative staff to ensure each program runs smoothly and achieves its goals.

What is the difference between College Program Director vs College Academic Advisor?

AspectCollege Program DirectorCollege Academic Advisor
Required CredentialsBachelor’s degree; often master’s for leadership rolesBachelor’s degree in education, counseling, or related field
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, program planning settingsStudent services offices, one-on-one advising sessions
Employer & Industry UsageColleges, universities, educational institutionsColleges, universities, student support services
Primary FocusOverseeing academic programs and student success initiativesProviding academic guidance and support to students

The main difference is that College Program Directors focus on managing academic programs and strategic planning, while College Academic Advisors concentrate on guiding individual students through their academic journey. Both roles require relevant educational credentials and are integral to higher education institutions.

How much does a college program director make?

The average salary for a college program director is around $60,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and the institution's size. Senior or specialized roles can earn higher salaries, especially with advanced certifications or extensive management responsibilities.

What qualifications do you need to be a college program director?

A college program director typically needs a bachelor's degree in education, administration, or a related field, with many roles preferring a master's degree or higher. Relevant experience in education, program management, or student services is often required, along with strong organizational and leadership skills. Certifications in educational administration or project management can also be beneficial.

What are the most commonly searched types of College Program jobs in California?

The most popular types of College Program jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for College Program Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most College Program Director job openings:

College Program Director jobs near you

Program Director, Dental Assisting

American Career College

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$95 - $135/hr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Come care with us at American Career College! As a Program Director,DentalAssisting for a certified Great Place to Work, you willguide ourDentalAssisting students and associates to do more than change their own lives – you will help change the lives of every patient they treat throughout their career in healthcare. At American Career College you will have the opportunity to share your success story with the next generation ofdentalassistants!

You will make an impact by:

  • Managing, planning, and implementing the program in support ofCollegeand/or departmental goals in order to assure compliance with programmatic accreditation and/or licensure, internal consistency, and graduate outcomes to meet placement expectations.
  • Participating in curriculum development and coordination, determines teaching assignments using a blended instructional approach combining face-to-face instruction with on-line instruction (as applicable), selection of faculty, and selection/coordination of program specific external facilities and instruction.
  • Providing professional leadership and support for teaching faculty; serves as a mentor and facilitator for faculty assigned; and enables an environment which fosters creativity, responsiveness, and self-responsibility.
  • Possibly teaching up to a full-time teaching load in designated field based upon the needs and/or student enrollments in the program
  • Monitoring and analyzes student attrition and retention data and works with other college leaders to develop initiatives that can be implemented to improve retention
  • Attending at least one (1) professional development activity annually and two (2) in-service events annually.
Your Experience Includes
  • Three (3) years of full-time experience in a healthcare facility, with a minimum of one (1) year of direct patient care including 40 hours in an ambulatory healthcare setting.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE
  • Knowledge of state, federal and local laws/regulations relating to programs, governmental compliance and other regulatory standards such as Title IV, ABHES, BPPE, and other accreditation standards.
  • One (1) year of teaching experience in the subject areas taught or demonstrate prior training in instructional methodology and teaching skills from a formal teacher educational program or any comparable training program or formal in-house training program.
Education:
  • High School graduate or equivalent.
  • Baccalaureate degree preferred.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Must hold a valid, active, current license as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)/ Certified
  • Dental Assistant (CDA) and have been licensed for a minimum of two (2) years
  • Must possess a Certificate of Completion of a course in teaching methodology of at least 30 hours or must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.
  • Current CPR Card.

Do you want a career that allows you to make a difference in other people’s lives? Discover what it means to truly believe in the work that you do at American Career College.

For more than 40 years American Career College has had the privilege of educating students seeking careers in healthcare—guiding them through their transformational journey from student to caregiver. Our associates are united behind that purpose and share a deep commitment to our values of teamwork, collegiality, transparency, and a student-centric approach to all we do. This focus creates an aligned, nimble, and consensus-driven culture that is solution-oriented and supports our associates’ professional growth.

American Career College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.

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