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Graduate Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Program Director, Backpack to Briefcase Position Type: Full time Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 ... Graduate degree in a relevant field (Business Administration, Education, Counseling, etc.

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Graduate Program Director information

See California salary details

$34K

$70.9K

$112.5K

How much do graduate program director jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate program director in California is $70,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,300.00 and $88,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Program Director, you need a solid background in academic administration, curriculum development, and typically an advanced degree in your field. Familiarity with student information systems, accreditation processes, and learning management platforms is essential. Exceptional leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills help in managing faculty, supporting students, and fostering collaboration across departments. These competencies ensure the effective operation, growth, and academic quality of graduate programs.

What are some common challenges faced by a Graduate Program Director and how can they be managed effectively?

Graduate Program Directors often navigate challenges such as balancing administrative duties with supporting students and faculty, ensuring program accreditation standards are met, and mediating conflicts within the program. Effective management involves strong organizational skills, clear communication, and fostering a collaborative environment. Regularly soliciting feedback from stakeholders and staying updated on institutional policies can also help address issues proactively and maintain program excellence.

What are the responsibilities of a Graduate Program Director?

A Graduate Program Director oversees the administration and academic integrity of graduate programs within a department or college. Their responsibilities typically include coordinating admissions, advising students, managing curriculum development, ensuring compliance with university policies, and serving as a liaison between students, faculty, and administration. They also address student concerns, organize program assessments, and may contribute to recruitment efforts. Their role is vital in maintaining the quality and reputation of graduate programs.
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Program jobs in California? The most popular types of Graduate Program jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Program Director jobs in California? For Graduate Program Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Program Director jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Program Director jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Program Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Program Director job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,859 per year, or $34.1 per hour.
Program Director, Supplemental Instruction

Program Director, Supplemental Instruction

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA

$6.32K - $9.01K/mo

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

The Program Director for Supplemental Instruction provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a comprehensive academic support program serving diverse student populations. Reporting to the Senior Director for Educational Programs and Academic Support, this role is responsible for program development, assessment, and continuous improvement to enhance student success in high-risk courses. The position operates with a high level of independence, managing staff, collaborating with faculty, and ensuring compliance with national certification standards. This role has significant organizational impact by advancing student retention, academic achievement, and institutional effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead, develop, and oversee the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program, including strategic planning and program vision
  • Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate student staff and graduate assistants
  • Manage day-to-day program operations, including scheduling, payroll approval, and session oversight
  • Design and deliver specialized training and professional development for SI Leaders
  • Collaborate with faculty to align SI services with course needs and student learning outcomes
  • Develop and implement assessment tools; analyze program effectiveness and student outcomes
  • Prepare and present comprehensive qualitative and quantitative reports for certification and institutional use
  • Promote SI services through outreach, marketing, and campus engagement initiatives
  • Represent the program on campus committees and foster cross-functional partnerships
  • Ensure compliance with institutional policies, FERPA, Title IX, and certification requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Advanced knowledge of student support services, learning assistance, and advising practices
  • Understanding of learning theories, instructional strategies, and supplemental instruction models
  • Ability to supervise, mentor, and develop student staff effectively
  • Skill in program assessment, data analysis, and report preparation
  • Ability to collaborate across departments and build effective partnerships
  • Strong problem-solving, organizational, and project management abilities
  • Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse student populations
  • Proficiency in relevant computer applications and data management systems
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately

Required Qualifications

  • Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field plus upper division or graduate coursework in counseling techniques, interviewing and conflict resolution where such are job related
  • Four years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience which includes experience in advising students individually and in groups, and in analysis and resolution of complex student services problems
  • A master's degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work or a job-related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience. A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling, guidance or a job-related field may be substituted for two years of the required professional experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional, personal or career counseling

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in education, higher education, education administration, social work, psychology, or related field
  • At least 2 years with progressive responsibility in a higher education or learning assistance setting
  • Experience with supervision/guidance of student and/or staff employees

Compensation

Classification: Student Services Professional IV

Anticipated Hiring Range: $6,320/month - $6,834/month
CSU Salary Range: $6,320/month - $9,014/month
San Jose State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

  • Resume
  • Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: May 5, 2026, through May 20, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.
The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.
SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)
All San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San Jose State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San Jose State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San Jose State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.