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$34.5K

$86.1K

$142K

How much do director academic innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for director academic innovation in the United States is $86,087.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Director of Academic Innovation do?

A Director of Academic Innovation leads efforts to improve and modernize educational programs within an institution. They identify emerging trends, integrate new technologies, and develop strategies to enhance teaching, learning, and student engagement. This role often involves collaborating with faculty, administrators, and external partners to implement creative solutions that support academic excellence and institutional goals. The Director also assesses the impact of innovation initiatives and ensures alignment with the organization’s mission and educational standards.

What is the difference between Director Academic Innovation vs Academic Program Manager?

AspectDirector Academic InnovationAcademic Program Manager
CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Education, Instructional Design, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Education, Administration, or related fields
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership in academic settings, focusing on innovation initiativesOperational management of academic programs, overseeing daily activities
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, educational technology companiesEducational institutions, program development offices
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding strategic roles in academic innovationManaging academic programs and initiatives

The Director Academic Innovation typically focuses on leading strategic initiatives to enhance teaching and learning through innovative methods, often requiring advanced degrees and strategic skills. In contrast, the Academic Program Manager handles the day-to-day management of academic programs, ensuring their smooth operation. Both roles are vital in educational settings but differ mainly in scope, responsibilities, and focus areas.

How does a Director of Academic Innovation typically collaborate with faculty and administrative staff to implement new educational initiatives?

A Director of Academic Innovation works closely with faculty, department heads, and administrative teams to identify opportunities for curricular improvement and to pilot new teaching technologies or instructional models. This collaboration often involves organizing workshops, gathering feedback on proposed changes, and supporting faculty through the adoption process. The director also coordinates with IT and assessment teams to ensure new initiatives are feasible and impactful, fostering a culture of open communication and continuous improvement across the institution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Academic Innovation, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Academic Innovation, you need expertise in curriculum development, educational technology, and a background in higher education leadership, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), instructional design tools, and data analytics platforms is typically required. Strong leadership, creative problem-solving, and effective communication skills help drive change and foster collaboration among faculty and stakeholders. These skills are essential for successfully implementing innovative practices that enhance student learning and institutional outcomes.
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Director Academic Innovation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Academic Innovation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,087 per year, or $41.4 per hour.
Director, Center for Academic Innovation & Transformation

Director, Center for Academic Innovation & Transformation

HUSTON-TILLOTSON UNIVERSITY

Austin, TX • On-site

$80K/yr

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY


Under direct supervision of the Director, Sponsored Programs and Title III, the Director for the Center for Academic Innovation and Transformation will provide mission driven leadership around faculty and staff professional development and all instructional design for the University. Further, the successful candidate will achieve the Universities stated goals and objective for the program as outlined in the Title III grant. Specific responsibilities include the provision of professional development in academic innovation and transformation for student learning. HT is looking for an individual that is innovative, dynamic, and who can communicate well with faculty and staff at all levels. The Director will work closely with academic and non-academic areas in the development and active engagement of their assessment plans. As a small institution, it is also very important that the director works with and collaborates will others to leverage resources as we meet the learning needs of our students.

TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Direct and lead application of instructional design in the design and delivery of high-quality online courses;
  • Provide strategic direction for faculty development and instructional technology that will enable the University to meet established goals and objectives;
  • Oversee the development of new online courses and assessment of existing courses;
  • Ensure that online courses are created and updated on schedule per recognized quality assurance standards;
  • Support full-time and adjunct faculty teaching online courses through the development of targeted trainings and workshops, offered in-person and asynchronously;
  • Orient new faculty to online teaching through workshops and peer mentoring;
  • Oversee the development and tracking of metrics for faculty help requests, professional development/training, and feedback, using data to improve services;
  • Evaluate and adopt new and innovative academic technologies, including criteria for ADA compliance;
  • Oversee LMS Administration and user support including third party integrations;
  • Directs ongoing faculty & staff development activities supporting the delivery of high-quality instructions and services to students.
  • Conducts needs assessments and outcomes assessments, creating plans to provide and expand faculty development offerings.
  • Develops and implements programs to enhance faculty skills.
  • Identifies and promotes best practices through partnerships with outside organizations, faculty, and administrators.
  • Teaches and/or mentors faculty on a variety of issues including instructional design, general orientation, use of technology, preparing meaningful course materials, the use of innovative and transformative instructional techniques, etc.
  • Engage faculty in innovative and transformative instructional practices while encouraging sustainability of use in the classroom.
  • Manage administrative staff.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

Three to five years' experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Master's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience to provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position is required. Doctoral degree in related field and higher education experience highly preferred. Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and proven expertise in instructional technology and the use of social media platforms including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

  • Knowledge and experience with assessment, accreditation, retention initiatives, and high impact practices.
  • Advanced degree in Instructional Design or Educational Technology, or, a closely related field.
  • Expert knowledge of LMS Blackboard or Canvas, including third-party integrations.
  • Experience developing, implementing, and supporting faculty development programs for online instruction.
  • Knowledge of and experience with using emerging technologies and open source educational materials.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of adult learning theory.
  • Experience managing individuals and teams.
  • Excellent written, oral, and communication skills.


SUPERVISION

  • This position reports to the Director of Sponsored Programs

SALARY

  • $80,000. This is a grant-supported position; continuation of employment is contingent upon continuous funding of the federal Title III grant. The position offers a competitive salary range and comprehensive fringe benefits package.

SETTING

Huston-Tillotson University evolved from Huston-Tillotson College which was founded in 1875 and is Austin's first institution of higher education. The University is an independent, liberal arts, church-related, historically black institution located on a 23-acre tree-lined campus near downtown Austin, Texas. The University is affiliated with The United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and the United Negro College Fund. Undergraduate, four-year degrees in business, education, the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences are awarded. Huston-Tillotson University is multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith, and welcomes students of all ages, races, and religions. While faculty members are engaged in a range of activities, their primary focus is teaching. The student-teacher ratio is 15 to 1, which allows an environment of personalized attention to students.

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