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Director Academic Operations information

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$34K

$107.7K

$179.5K

How much do director academic operations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 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 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 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:

Director Academic Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Academic Operations job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,680 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Director, Academic Progress and Retention

University of Illinois

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Position Summary: 

The Director of Academic Progress and Retention provides strategic leadership for the College's student success, retention, progression, and licensure readiness initiatives across all academic programs. This position develops and implements evidence-informed strategies that promote student achievement and academic excellence. The position provides leadership for early intervention efforts, student success programming, assessment, and continuous quality improvement while fostering collaboration among faculty, staff, and campus partners to improve student outcomes. The Director exercises broad independent judgment in developing policies, allocating resources, supervising staff, analyzing institutional data, and advancing strategic priorities that support student persistence, degree completion, and NCLEX success.


Duties & Responsibilities: 

  • Provide strategic leadership for student success, retention, progression, remediation, and licensure readiness initiatives across the College.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-informed strategies that improve student achievement, persistence, degree completion, and licensure outcomes.
  • Lead the assessment, analysis, and reporting of student success data to support strategic decision-making, accreditation, and continuous quality improvement.
  • Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development for student success personnel while fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
  • Provide strategic oversight of student success operations, systems, technologies, and resources to ensure effective and consistent service delivery across the College.
  • Collaborate with faculty, academic leadership, and campus partners to advance student success priorities and improve educational outcomes.
  • Ensure compliance with institutional policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.
  • Represent the College on committees and strategic initiatives and perform other duties as assigned.
  • Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
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About University of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Illinois, located in Urbana, Illinois, US, is a prominent entity in the higher education sector. Operating its official functions through its website uillinois.edu, the institution provides a range of educational programs and services. The University was founded in 1867 and has since grown dramatically both in size and reputation. Its core values are embodied in its mission to enhance the lives of its students and citizens in the state, nation, and world through leadership in learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development. The university boasts several notable achievements including producing Nobel laureates and Pulitzer prize winners. It is renowned for its research programs and is known for significant advancements across various fields including engineering, science, and humanities.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Urbana, IL, US

Year founded

1974

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