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Director Academic Operations Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Director of Academic Advising

Boston, MA

$45K - $55K/yr

The Director of Academic Advising provides strategic and operational leadership for the Student Success Advising (SSA) function within Wentworth's Integrated Advising Collaborative (IAC). The ...

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Director Academic Operations information

See Boston, MA salary details

$36.9K

$117K

$195K

How much do director academic operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for director academic operations in Boston, MA is $116,984.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,000.00 and $147,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of academic operations?

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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Academic Operations jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Academic Operations jobs in Boston, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Academic Operations jobs in Boston, MA?

For Director Academic Operations jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Academic Operations jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Academic Operations jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Director Academic Operations jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Director Academic Operations job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Academic Operations job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,984 per year, or $56.2 per hour.

Director of Academic Operations

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Salem, MA • On-site

$95 - $105/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Director of Academic Operations (260005MT)

Job Description

Director of Academic Operations - (260005MT)

Description

Under the direction of the Provost and Academic Vice President, the Director of Academic Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for core administrative functions within the Division of Academic Affairs. The Director leads cross-functional projects, develops and implements divisional operating systems, advises academic leadership on budgetary, facilities, and other administrative matters, and ensures that Academic Affairs operations are aligned with institutional priorities, including the university’s strategic plan. The position exercises independent judgment in coordinating complex initiatives, recommending process improvements, managing divisional workflows, and representing the Provost’s Office with internal and external stakeholders. The Director advances this work through shared administrative support, cross-functional leadership, and established Academic Affairs processes. The Director also leads annual planning and execution for Academic Convocation (September) and Commencement (May).

Salem State University is more than a workplace. It's a community with purpose. As the Commonwealth's Civic Engagement University, we're committed to building real, reciprocal relationships with the communities around us, and that starts with the people who work here. We're also a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution dedicated to serving all students, and that same commitment to access and equity extends to how we support our staff. Your work here directly contributes to student success and the vitality of the greater Salem community. We invest in our people the same way we invest in our students: with intention, respect and a genuine interest in your growth.

  • Master’s degree in higher education administration, business, or a relevant field.
  • Minimum of five years of progressively responsible administrative experience in higher education, with demonstrated knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of higher education.
  • Demonstrated experience in budget planning and management, financial analysis, and process improvement with the capacity to implement independently as appropriate.
  • Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional projects or operational portfolios.
  • Knowledge of necessary software applications, including advanced Microsoft Excel functions, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and PeopleSoft, with the ability to perform PeopleSoft inquiries related to job duties.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Seven or more years of progressively responsible administrative experience in higher education, with demonstrated knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of higher education.
  • Superior communication skills at all levels of the organization, including students, faculty, staff, and senior administrators, including demonstrated excellence in written communication.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and reprioritize as needed.
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, professionalism, patience, diplomacy, and discretion in complex or time-sensitive situations.

Working Location

This is an onsitepositionin Salem, MA with on-campus, in-person responsibilities,which may require occasional work on evenings and weekends.

Employment is contingent upon a completed background and CORI check satisfactory to the university.

This position is not eligible for H1B visa sponsorship.

The university considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salem State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Foraccommodation information or requests please email eo-hr@salemstate.edu .

Recruitment Agencies

Salem State University does not partner with or accept candidates from outside staffing agencies. All hiring is managed directly by our internal Talent Acquisition team.

Job Details
  • Job Posting: Aug 13, 2026, 9:31:37 PM
  • Number of Openings: 1
  • Salary: 95,000.00 - 105,000.00 Yearly
  • Primary Location: Salem, MA
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Shift: Day
  • Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: No
  • Agency: Salem State College
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