ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Graduate Program Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Tech

Graduate Advisor

Blacksburg, VA

Duties will include maintaining program resource documents, assisting the Graduate Director with recruitment and retention activities, program assessment, student and program data management ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsGraduate Program JobsGraduate Program Director JobsGraduate Program Director Jobs in Virginia

Graduate Program Director information

See Virginia salary details

$34.2K

$71.2K

$113K

How much do graduate program director jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate program director in Virginia is $71,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $88,700.00 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Graduate Program jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Program Director jobs in Virginia? For Graduate Program Director jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Program Director jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Program Director jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Graduate Program Director jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Graduate Program Director job openings:
Graduate Program Director jobs near you
Director of Graduate and Non-Degree Programs

Director of Graduate and Non-Degree Programs

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

University Of Virginia rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

92nd of 529 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia invites applicants for the role of Director of Graduate and Non-Degree Programs. The McIntire School of Commerce is a nationally recognized business school known for its excellence in undergraduate business education and specialized one-year master's degree programs. McIntire offers graduate degrees in the Management of Information Technology, Business Analytics, Commerce, Accounting, and Global Commerce. The Graduate and Online Programs Office, comprised of four full-time staff members (including the Director, with one team member based in Northern Virginia), supports the academic delivery, operations, and student success initiatives for McIntire's portfolio of one-year master's programs, as well as its asynchronous online learning platform, Commerce Essentials. The office collaborates closely with each program's Academic Director and partners across the McIntire School, the University, and Northern Virginia to deliver innovative, market-responsive graduate business education.
The Director of Graduate and Non-Degree Programs provides strategic, operational, and student-centered leadership for McIntire's full portfolio of graduate and online offerings, including both degree and non-degree programs. This portfolio may include master's degree programs, online and hybrid degree pathways, credentials (badges), and other non-degree programs designed to serve early-career professionals, working professionals, and lifelong learners.
The Director partners closely with faculty program directors and academic leadership to ensure that all programs-regardless of credential type or delivery modality-are delivered with academic rigor, operational excellence, and an exceptional student experience. The role balances strategic planning with hands-on execution and serves as a key integrator across academic departments, student success units, technology, and University partners. Must be flexible to work evenings and weekends as dictated by program needs and travel to the Washington, DC area for occasional classes is required.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Unit Leadership
  • Provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the Graduate and Online Programs unit, aligning unit priorities with McIntire School and University goals.
  • Build, lead, and develop a high-performing professional staff team; hire, supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff to ensure excellence in service delivery and operational effectiveness.
  • Develop and manage unit budgets, including forecasting, monitoring revenues and expenses, and ensuring responsible stewardship of financial resources.
  • Represent McIntire with internal and external stakeholders, including University partners, peer schools, vendors, and corporate or academic collaborators.

Student Success and Experience
  • Serve as a senior advocate for graduate and online students, ensuring that policies, services, and program delivery support academic success, engagement, and persistence.
  • Oversee student success functions for graduate and online programs, including onboarding, orientation, advising support, registration coordination, and milestone progression.
  • Partner with faculty program directors to monitor student performance, engagement, and well-being, addressing concerns proactively and holistically.
  • Collaborate with University offices (e.g., Registrar, Student Financial Services, Financial Aid, Veterans Affairs, IT, and Accessibility Services) to ensure students receive accurate, timely, and coordinated support.

Program Management
  • Provide comprehensive oversight of the planning, execution, and evaluation of graduate and online programs, including degree, hybrid, and asynchronous offerings.
  • Work collaboratively with faculty program directors to structure curricula, schedules, and delivery models that optimize learning outcomes and student experience.
  • Oversee all operational aspects of program delivery, including academic calendars, class sessions, residencies, online modules, special events, and commencement activities.
  • Ensure high-quality execution of courses across delivery modes by coordinating logistics, instructional resources, learning management systems, and academic materials.
  • Partner with faculty to support course development and delivery within learning management systems and emerging educational technologies.
  • Monitor program metrics, including enrollment trends, student progression, and operational performance, and prepare analyses and reports for school leadership.

Measures of Success
  • Effectiveness and consistency of graduate and online program delivery across modalities.
  • Quality of student experience, as reflected in satisfaction, engagement, retention, and outcomes.
  • Strength and effectiveness of collaboration with faculty, staff, and University partners.
  • Sound financial and operational management of programs and resources.
  • Continuous improvement driven by data-informed decision-making and stakeholder feedback.

Required Qualifications
Education
  • Master's degree

Experience
  • Minimum of 6-10 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, with significant responsibility for graduate, professional, executive, and/or online programs and 2+ years formal management experience required.

Preferred Qualifications
Education
  • Master's in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Education, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, or a related field.

Preferred Experience
  • Strong people management skills, including staff development, performance management, and team building.
  • Demonstrated experience leading complex academic or programmatic operations, including planning, delivery, and evaluation of degree and non-degree programs.
  • Proven experience collaborating closely with faculty leadership, academic administrators, and cross-functional university partners.
  • Strong judgment and diplomacy in addressing complex student, faculty, and policy-related issues.
  • Direct experience managing and supporting graduate or professional student populations, including advising, onboarding, progression, and student success initiatives.
  • Ability to use data and metrics (enrollment, retention, satisfaction, outcomes) to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
  • Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Experience with budget development, financial forecasting, and resource management.
  • Working knowledge of learning management systems (e.g., Canvas) and educational technologies.
  • High level of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and sound judgment.
  • Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
Anticipated Hiring Range: $100,000 - $110,000, commensurate with education and experience.
Anticipated Start Date: June 2026
Position Type & Work Location
  • This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits .
  • This position is based in Charlottesville, Virginia, and is eligible for a hybrid work schedule following completion of required in-person training and with supervisor approval. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as dictated by program needs and travel to the Washington, DC area for occasional classes is required.

About UVA and the Community
To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .
Additional Requirements
  • Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
  • This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply
Please apply online , by searching for requisition number R0081759. Complete an application with the following documents:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter - must be included to be considered. Cover letter should include your interest in the position and how your relevant experience pertains to this position.

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website . Review of applications will begin after April 14, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.
Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.
For questions about the application process, please contact Michele Jarman, Academic Recruiter.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

What University Of Virginia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

University of Virginia logo

About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

View All University of Virginia Jobs

Apply