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How much do graduate program director jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate program director in the United States is $71,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $89,500.00 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.
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Graduate Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Program Director job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.
Graduate Program Director: Master of Education, Special Education

Graduate Program Director: Master of Education, Special Education

Concordia University Nebraska

Seward, NE

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

GRADUATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR: MASTER OF EDUCATION, SPECIAL EDUCATION

-College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences-

Concordia University, Nebraska, an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, believes, teaches, and confesses that the Holy Scriptures are the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God. As people called by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel to saving faith in Christ Jesus, the Word of God guides all we do in leading, teaching, and learning. Concordia equips students for lives of learning, service, and leadership in the home, church, and world.

Come and belong…join our team of passionate service leaders!

Concordia University is needing a Graduate Program Director for the Master of Education Special Education program who wants to be a part of this mission. The main campus (and this role) is located in Seward, Nebraska. If you thrive in a Christian atmosphere and community-driven environment, you will enjoy Concordia University's community feel. If you want to learn more about Concordia University, Nebraska, please visit www.cune.edu.

Position Description:

The primary responsibility of this position is to provide leadership of the Master of Education in Special Education program, including curriculum, faculty excellence, marketing and recruitment, admissions, student services, program assessment, and accreditation.
The program director will have an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit with the competitive desire to move the program forward with new ideas to create more differentiation in the Adult Undergraduate and/or Graduate markets. Concordia University expects program directors fully to espouse and model a Christ-centered education delivered in an academically rigorous, highly-relational environment.

Must be at least 19 years of age to apply.

Job Duties:

  1. Leadership: Develop a creative, practical, and holistic vision for the program and execute initiatives to align with that vision. Serve as the advocate for the program on all matters relating to graduate program operations within and outside of the university. Initiate and execute ideas for a culture of excellence, supportive community, and an impactful student experience.
  2. Curriculum: Design, implement, assess, and oversee rigorous curriculum in the Curriculum and Instruction program that address the standards and policies of CUNE, the LCMS, learned societies and state, and regional and national accrediting agencies. The director works closely with the Dean of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences to schedule courses.
  3. Faculty: Curate, hire, mentor, and evaluate instructors for the program. Cultivate new ideas for increasing the quality of the online learning experience.
  4. Marketing: Partner with the Marketing/Communications and Enrollment teams to identify appropriate target markets, create messaging to increase brand and program awareness, ensure currency of all advertising collateral for the program, and attend events as needed.
  5. Enrollment: Partner with Enrollment and Student Services teams to recruit, retain, and support students throughout the program that includes, but is not limited to designing compelling programs that are in demand, overseeing new-student orientation, and ensuring a supportive learning environment.
  6. Program Quality and Assessment: Complete the necessary procedures for program assessment and accreditation through data analysis, seeking input from internal and external stakeholders, and decision-making for program improvement.
  7. Scholarship and Professional Growth: Grow professionally through ongoing personal reading, research, and/or attendance at national, local, synodical and learned society meetings.
  8. Finance: Assist with the creation of the program's annual budget and manage, coordinate, and approve expenditure of program funds.
  9. Other duties as assigned.

Education:

  • Advanced degree in discipline or a discipline relevant to the program's curriculum from a regionally accredited institution. Doctorate preferred. Master degree with significant experience in the field accepted.
Experience:
  • Proven interest and demonstrated ability in accelerated, online adult education.
  • At least five years of experience in the field.
  • Higher education instruction experience.
Certifications:
  • Hold or previously held an endorsement or certificate in Special Education or comparable credential.
Proficiencies:
  • Proficient in the use of technology, software applications including Blackboard, Banner, and related applications, course management systems, databases, spreadsheets, and word processing necessary for program direction.
  • Excellent presentation, written, and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with University personnel.
  • Ability to juggle multiple tasks on sometimes short deadlines.

Special Position Requirements:

  1. Strong leadership skills, interpersonal proficiency, and the ability to mentor professionals effectively.
  2. Commitment to innovative, student-focused program delivery that explores, assesses and seeks ways to improve learning outcomes.
  3. Proficient in online curriculum development and delivery.
  4. Dedicated to advancing adult education.
  5. Able to communicate professionally with a diverse constituency both on and off campus.
  6. Committed to an environment of encouragement, teamwork, and excellence within a Christian University.
  7. Responsible for creating an environment that is consistent with the values of the University and fosters the development of students. This environment is one that is designed to build a positive character and foster Christian faith formation.
  8. Demonstrate character qualities of enthusiasm, courtesy, flexibility, integrity, gratitude, kindness, self-control, perseverance, and punctuality.
  9. Able to work within a culture of teamwork with emotional stability and positive words/actions.
  10. Be professional and courteous in dealing with students, families, faculty and staff, and the general public.
  11. Values and beliefs aligned with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
  12. Must follow security policies that correspond to the level of sensitivity of the data they handle.
  13. Should promptly report any security concerns or incidents to designated personnel.
  14. Maintain security and patching of personal devices connected to the institutional email.
  15. Maintain high standards for institutional, staff, faculty, employee, and financial data used for business operations.

To apply please complete:

  • An application,
  • Attach curriculum vitae/resume,
  • Attach a statement of educational philosophy,
  • Attach copies of graduate academic transcripts where degrees have been received. Upon hire, official graduate transcripts will be required.

Apply