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Graduate Dean Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Dean information

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$18.8K

$75.5K

$126.8K

How much do graduate dean jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate dean in California is $75,499.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,300.00 and $90,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate dean?

Graduate Deans are senior academic administrators who oversee graduate programs at a college or university. They are responsible for setting policies, ensuring academic quality, supporting graduate students, and facilitating communication between faculty, students, and administration. Graduate Deans often work on program development, admissions standards, and funding opportunities. Their role is crucial in maintaining the integrity and reputation of graduate education at their institution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate dean, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Dean, you need advanced academic credentials (typically a doctoral degree), leadership experience in higher education, and a strong understanding of graduate program administration. Familiarity with university management systems, accreditation processes, and data analysis tools is commonly required. Exceptional communication, strategic vision, and the ability to foster collaboration set outstanding Graduate Deans apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring academic excellence, effective program oversight, and positive engagement with faculty, staff, and students.

What are some common challenges a graduate dean faces when balancing administrative duties with advocating for student needs?

A Graduate Dean often juggles the demands of overseeing academic policies, managing budgets, and fostering faculty development, while also ensuring graduate students receive the support and resources they need. Balancing these responsibilities can be challenging, as it requires strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to mediate between institutional objectives and student advocacy. Success in this role typically involves building collaborative relationships across departments, staying accessible to student concerns, and implementing initiatives that enhance both program quality and student experience.

What is the difference between Graduate Dean vs Academic Program Director?

AspectGraduate DeanAcademic Program Director
Required CredentialsTypically a doctoral degree in education or related field, extensive experience in higher education administrationMaster's or doctoral degree, experience in program management or academic administration
Work EnvironmentUniversity or college administration, overseeing multiple departments or facultiesSpecific academic department or program, managing curriculum and faculty
Employer & IndustryHigher education institutions, universitiesUniversities, colleges, academic institutions
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership roles in academia, overseeing academic policies and student affairsCompared for program management, curriculum development, and faculty coordination

The main difference is that a Graduate Dean oversees broader academic policies and student affairs at the institutional level, while an Academic Program Director focuses on managing specific programs or departments. Both roles require advanced education and experience in higher education, but their scope and responsibilities differ significantly.

How much do graduate deans make?

Graduate deans typically earn between $100,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on the institution's size, location, and their experience. Salaries may also include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and the role often requires advanced degrees and leadership skills.

What job categories do people searching Graduate Dean jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Dean jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Dean jobs?

Cities in California with the most Graduate Dean job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Dean job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,499 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Graduate Assistant - Dean of Students Office

Harvey Mudd College

Claremont, CA • On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

NOTE TO APPLICANT: Some positions require a resume, cover letter and/or other documents to be submitted with your application. Please submit these as one attachment in the My Experience section of the application under the "resume/CV" upload section. Once you submit your application, you will not be able to attach additional documents.
Job Posting Title:
Graduate Assistant - Dean of Students Office
Job Description:
Title of Job: Graduate Assistant - Dean of Students Office
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Dean of Students Office seeks a Graduate Assistant to support a variety of initiatives, programs, and operational functions across the Division of Student Affairs. Working closely with the Student Affairs Administrator/Special Projects Lead, the Graduate Assistant will assist with student engagement efforts, program development, assessment, communications, special projects, and departmental operations. This position provides valuable hands-on experience for graduate students interested in careers in higher education, student affairs, student development, and educational leadership. The Graduate Assistant will gain exposure to a broad range of functional areas within Student Affairs and contribute to initiatives that support student success, belonging, engagement, and well-being.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assist the Student Affairs Administrator/Special Projects Lead in coordinating projects across the division.
  • Support with student reimbursements and funding.
  • Create and distribute promotional materials, including flyers, presentations, newsletters, social media content, and other communication materials.
  • Assist with maintaining departmental communications, websites, and outreach efforts.
  • Support marketing and recruitment efforts for Student Affairs programs and initiatives.
  • Assist with data collection, assessment, and reporting efforts related to Student Affairs programs and services.
  • Maintain accurate records, documentation, and project materials.
  • Complete weekly updates and progress reports as directed by the supervisor.
  • Support divisional priorities and strategic initiatives as assigned.
  • Participate in cross-functional projects that support the goals of the Dean of Students Office and Division of Student Affairs.
  • Prepare transition documents and resource materials to support continuity of operations.
  • Provide support for departmental operations as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Education: Bachelor's degree and enrollment in a Master's degree program in Higher Education Administration, Public Policy, Education, or another related field.
Experience: Experience developing and maintaining positive and trusting relationships with members of various community organizations, schools, and outreach programs.
Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver's license and a driving record acceptable to the College's automobile insurance carrier.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Excellent interpersonal, writing, and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with HMC students.
  • Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment in decision-making.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple duties/tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to think strategically, plan effectively, and manage projects/events.
  • Personal integrity and demonstrated commitment to high standards and attention to detail.
  • Ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment and interact successfully with individuals with varying abilities, backgrounds, interests, and beliefs.
  • Ability to work weekends depending on programmatic needs.
  • Adept at using software such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Adobe Acrobat.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in an educational environment.
• Experience in managing a student program and working with students.
Remote Work Eligibility:
All staff positions, regardless of remote work eligibility, require an initial 30-calendar-day on-campus work period. Based on an evaluation by the Area Leadership Group (supervisor, area leader and area Cabinet member) and HR, this position is classified as Category A as defined in the College's Remote Work Policy, with no ad-hoc remote work flexibility. Your position is essential to on-campus operations and requires you to work exclusively on campus. Additionally, remote work is subject to the College's remote work policy. The College reserves the right to revoke or modify a remote work arrangement for any staff, at any time and for any reason, as articulated in the College's remote work policy.
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the staff member is regularly required to sit, stand, use hands and fingers and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The individual must regularly lift and/or carry up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Hours:
Regular office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, days and hours may vary due to the needs of the department or the College. A work schedule will be arranged at the start of each term and is expected to be followed for the duration of the term unless modified with prior approval.
Classification:
This is a non-exempt, part-time, temporary, up to 20 hours per week, non-benefits eligible position. The anticipated duration of this position is July 1, 2026 to May 29, 2027
Salary:
The anticipated starting salary is $17.50/hour. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Reports To:
This position reports to the Student Affairs Administrator/Special Projects Lead
Additional Information:
This job description defines the essential job duties of the position. Harvey Mudd College expects that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of the job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Regular employment at the College is for no specified period; conditions and status of employment (hours, pay, title, duties, etc.) are subject to change at any time. Employment is at-will and employees, and likewise the College, are free to end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without notice or cause, unless otherwise prohibited by law.
Harvey Mudd College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will be given consideration for employment without regard to age, race, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, protected veteran's status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Harvey Mudd College you must apply for each position for which you believe you are qualified.