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College Program Director Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

... Program Director and Dean of Instruction regarding the selection, training, scheduling, coaching, and evaluating of Nursing faculty and staff with respect to College and department expectations ...

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College Program Director information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$29.1K

$77K

$135K

How much do college program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for college program director in Milwaukee, WI is $77,042.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,200.00 and $91,100.00 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 cities near Milwaukee, WI are hiring for College Program Director jobs?

Cities near Milwaukee, WI with the most College Program Director job openings:

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

The candidate will work closely with the Pre-College Director and other members of the Pre-College Team to manage logistics, planning, and on-site coordination of events, as well as extensive case management of high school/college students. The Advisor will need to communicate and coordinate with both internal and external clients to ensure smooth and successful events that help portray a positive image to all visitors, sponsors, and community members. Additionally, this person will be a critical member of the Pre-College Team assisting with a variety of projects, activities and workshops, and other communications assignments, including social media.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Identify, recruit, and retain participants for programming, monitor participation and progress reports, and prepare reports based on outcomes and specified objectives
  • Facilitate participant engagement in individual and group settings
  • Provide extensive case-management services to program participants; administer participant assessments to determine student and parent needs related to program objectives; provide referral services as needed
  • Meet with students/parents monthly, provide advising, counseling, and mentoring in the areas of academic and personal success, healthier lifestyles, and civic/community engagement opportunities
  • Collection, oversight, and analysis in program documentation and data collection; maintain records as required by program/funder/agency, including but not limited to: student attendance and participation, student grades/standardized test scores, high school credits completed, graduation, and financial information
  • Create, schedule, and coordinate program activities such as college/career presentations, college tours/field trips, summer programs, parental workshops, and informational sessions for program participants
  • Build and maintain collaborative relationships with UCC Schools, area K-12 schools, higher education institutions, area business partners, and key stakeholders
  • Disseminate information to key stakeholders, including: students, parents, partners, schools, agencies, project sites, and community agencies on opportunities provided by department programs
  • Establish and maintain an ongoing, proactive relationship with students, families, and program partners
  • Facilitate and attend all meetings and training sessions as required by UCC, County, State, and/or program funder(s)
  • Deliver program curriculum in order to achieve established outcomes and objectives
  • Support department and agency special events and programming
  • Fulfill duties delegated by the director and all other miscellaneous duties as applied

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds
  • Knowledge and understanding of youth development best practices and frameworks
  • Knowledge and understanding of the college-going process
  • Experience advising students for higher education and the workforce
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams
  • Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, to varying stakeholders
  • Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and proactively manages tasks, projects, and schedules
  • Demonstrated computer literacy skills, including internet navigation, Microsoft Office Suite, Google applications, and other basic data systems
  • Ability to establish and maintain a good and effective working relationship with program partners, participants, parents, and other agencies
  • Ability to build collaborative relationships, internally and externally, while designing programs that will provide valuable experiences for program participants.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.
  • Bachelor's degree in social work, education, psychology, or related field
  • Experience or training in youth development and educational programming preferred
  • Effectively present information in one-on-one, small, and large group situations
  • Detailed experience with data collection and analysis
  • Excellent writing and communication skills
  • Ability to work in a multi-cultural and socio-economic environment
  • Demonstrated evidence of CPR, Concussion, and Mandated Reporter training will be required for the position (UCC will support certification)
  • Bilingual (Spanish and English) speaker highly desired

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position may require occasional work outside of normal business hours, including mornings, evenings, and weekends, particularly during project rollouts and special events. The employee may need to adjust their schedule to accommodate department and agency needs.

Must possess a valid WI driver's license, access to a vehicle, and demonstrate required automobile insurance minimums.

Work may be occasionally performed in classroom/school/recreational environments. Noise level in the work environment may be moderate to occasionally loud (ex., loud voices during activities in the classroom, recreational, or outdoor spaces).

The role may involve light physical activity, including lifting to 25 pounds and participation in recreational activities.

Ability to move around the school environment, including bending, kneeling, standing, walking, going up and down stairs, and sitting for extended periods of time.