ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Academic Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Indy Reads

Academic Operations Director

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Position Overview The full-time Academic Operations Director is responsible for support of Indy Reads' academic programs. Reporting to the Vice President of Community Impact (VPCI), the Academic ...

JJC Enterprises

Director, Academic Intervention

Campus, IL · On-site

$83.99K - $94.48K/yr

... operational efficiencies, and professional development for all Academic Intervention areas. Respond to immediate fiscal needs; develop long-term goals; identify/ recommend staffing and departmental ...

George Washington University

$76.92K - $111.60K/yr

The director will be responsible for program design and development and for ensuring that the ... operations of the core programs in Academic Commons and 3-4 data consultants who provide one-on-one ...

New

JJC Enterprises

Director, Academic Intervention

Joliet, IL · On-site

$83.99K - $94.48K/yr

... operational efficiencies, and professional development for all Academic Intervention areas. Respond to immediate fiscal needs; develop long-term goals; identify/ recommend staffing and departmental ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsAcademic Operations JobsDirector Academic Operations Jobs

Director Academic Operations information

See salary details

$34K

$107.7K

$179.5K

How much do director academic operations jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for director academic operations in the United States is $107,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

A Director of Academic Operations typically requires strong leadership skills, experience in academic administration, and a relevant advanced degree such as a Master's or Doctorate in education or administration. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), institutional data analytics platforms, and compliance regulations is crucial. Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills set top candidates apart in this role. These competencies are vital to ensure efficient academic program delivery, regulatory compliance, and effective collaboration across departments.

What are the main challenges faced by a Director of Academic Operations in balancing administrative tasks with academic goals?

A Director of Academic Operations often navigates the challenge of aligning administrative efficiencies with the institution’s academic mission. This role requires balancing resource management, compliance, and scheduling with supporting faculty and student needs. Effective Directors use strong communication and organizational skills to collaborate across departments, ensuring academic programs run smoothly while meeting institutional standards. Adapting to shifting priorities and regulatory changes is a frequent part of the job, making flexibility and proactive problem-solving essential.

What does a Director of Academic Operations do?

A Director of Academic Operations is responsible for overseeing the administrative and logistical aspects of an educational institution's academic programs. This role typically involves managing course scheduling, faculty assignments, academic policies, and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards. They work closely with faculty, staff, and leadership to streamline processes and support student success. Directors of Academic Operations often use data-driven strategies to improve efficiency and align operations with the institution's academic goals.

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

AspectDirector Academic OperationsAcademic Program Manager
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree; experience in education managementBachelor's or Master's degree; project management experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple departments, strategic planningManages specific academic programs, operational tasks
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, universities, online education providersColleges, universities, educational organizations
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in academic operationsManaging academic programs and day-to-day operations

The main difference is that the Director Academic Operations holds a higher-level leadership role overseeing multiple departments and strategic initiatives, while the Academic Program Manager focuses on managing specific programs and operational tasks within the academic environment.

More about Director Academic Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Academic Operations jobs? Cities with the most Director Academic Operations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Academic Operations jobs? The most popular types of Academic Operations jobs are:
What states have the most Director Academic Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Academic Operations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Academic Operations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Academic Operations jobs are:
Director Academic Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Academic Operations job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,680 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Associate Director - Academic Operations

Northeastern University

Boston, MA • On-site

$67.86K - $95.85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

About the Opportunity
About the Role
The Associate Director of Academic Operations provides high-level leadership and operational oversight for the College of Engineering's graduate academic portfolio, which includes 45 graduate programs across six departments and multiple global campuses. This role ensures the seamless execution of all graduate academic operations, governance, curriculum management, accreditation support, and regulatory compliance.
The Associate Director serves as a key liaison between the College of Engineering, the Office of the Provost, the Registrar, the Graduate Council, and other university stakeholders. This position oversees the full lifecycle of graduate programs and course governance through the CourseLeaf curriculum management system, ensuring that proposals progress efficiently, meet university standards, and align with college and institutional objectives. The role also leads the management and annual maintenance of the graduate academic catalog, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with college and university policies. This position supports accreditation efforts for all graduate programs and provides critical coordination and documentation for state and provincial licensure submissions. In addition, the Associate Director supports the development and launch of new online and on-ground graduate programs, playing a central role in planning, communication, and operational readiness.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
1. Graduate Program and Catalog Oversight
  • Provide leadership for the review, update, and maintenance of all College of Engineering graduate program pages in the academic catalog
  • Ensure curricular, policy, and accreditation-related updates are accurate, timely, and aligned with university standards

2. Curriculum and Course Governance
  • Oversee and manage all graduate course and program proposals through the CourseLeaf system
  • Monitor workflow, resolve issues, ensure policy compliance, and communicate feedback to departments and academic units

3. Graduate Affairs Committee Administration
  • Coordinate all activities for the Graduate Affairs Committee (GAC), including scheduling, agenda development, meeting preparation, communication, and minute drafting
  • Ensure committee actions are documented and routed appropriately

4. Assessment and Accreditation Support
  • Lead coordination of assessment efforts across graduate programs and partner with departments to ensure timely submission of assessment materials
  • Support accreditation processes and collaborate with the Provost's Office on requirements related to state and provincial licensure

5. Program Development and Launch Support
  • Provide operational support for the development and rollout of new on-ground and online graduate programs
  • Coordinate readiness activities, ensure documentation accuracy, and facilitate communication among academic and administrative stakeholders

6. Program Performance and Data Analytics
  • Access and analyze program performance data including enrollment figures, course offerings, and external market trends
  • Provide insights to support the continuous improvement of graduate programs

Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's degree in higher education administration, business, or a related field preferred
  • 3-5 years of professional experience in an academic or administrative higher education environment required
  • Knowledge of academic governance, curriculum management, and university academic policies
  • Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex workflows simultaneously
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, academic leaders, and central administrative offices

Documents Required
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Position Type
Academic Administration
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
109S
Expected Hiring Range:
$67,855.00 - $95,845.00
With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

Apply