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Graduate Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ontic

Program Management Graduate

Los Angeles, CA

Program Management Graduate Rotation Program Ontic, a leading licensor and manufacturer of complex engineered parts for the global aerospace and defense industries, is recruiting for its 2026 Program ...

Ontic

Program Management Graduate

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

Program Management Graduate Rotation Program Ontic, a leading licensor and manufacturer of complex engineered parts for the global aerospace and defense industries, is recruiting for its 2026 Program ...

VETS

Program Manager

Ventura, CA · On-site

Maritime Academy graduate OR 5 years Master/Chief Mate experience. Alternatively: Masters degree in related field OR Bachelors degree and 4 years of experience. USCG Master credential (>500 GRT ...

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All JobsGraduate Program JobsGraduate Program Manager JobsGraduate Program Manager Jobs in California

Graduate Program Manager information

See California salary details

$38K

$106.1K

$154.9K

How much do graduate program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate program manager in California is $106,053.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Graduate Program Manager do?

A Graduate Program Manager oversees the planning, development, and administration of graduate-level academic programs. They coordinate admissions, curriculum design, student support services, and program evaluation to ensure students have a positive and productive experience. Additionally, they often serve as the primary point of contact for students, faculty, and external partners, addressing concerns and ensuring compliance with university policies. Their role is crucial in maintaining the quality and reputation of the graduate program.

What is the difference between Graduate Program Manager vs Program Coordinator?

AspectGraduate Program ManagerProgram Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; often advanced degrees or certifications in management or related fieldsBachelor's degree typically sufficient; relevant experience valued
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing multiple programs, managing teamsAdministrative support, coordinating activities, handling logistics
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, corporate training, nonprofit programsUniversities, corporate offices, nonprofit organizations
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles in program managementLooking for support or administrative roles in programs

The Graduate Program Manager typically handles strategic planning, oversees multiple programs, and manages teams, requiring higher education credentials. In contrast, a Program Coordinator focuses on administrative tasks and logistics support. Both roles are common in educational, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, but they differ in scope and responsibilities.

How does a Graduate Program Manager collaborate with academic departments and external partners to enhance program outcomes?

A Graduate Program Manager frequently acts as a liaison between students, faculty, and external organizations to ensure the program meets educational and industry standards. They coordinate with academic departments to align coursework and research opportunities with current trends and employer needs. Additionally, they may develop partnerships with employers or alumni networks to facilitate internships, mentoring, and job placements for program participants. Effective collaboration requires proactive communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to balance diverse stakeholder interests.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Program Manager, you need expertise in program administration, curriculum development, and student advising, usually supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with student information systems, learning management systems, and compliance regulations is often required. Strong organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring effective program delivery, student satisfaction, and compliance with academic standards.
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 Manager jobs in California? For Graduate Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Program Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Program Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Program Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Program Manager job openings:
Graduate Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Program Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,053 per year, or $51 per hour.
Program Assistant

Program Assistant

University of California San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

$44K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

University Of California San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

204th of 560 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Involves managing or performing the administrative services or managing the full general operations of an academic or non-academic organization(s). Administrative services include activities in finance and human resources and may also include IT, facilities, or student services. General management activities include long and short range strategic planning in determining the mission and directing all activities of multi-disciplinary departments through subordinate management staff.

In consultation with Graduate Program Manager, the Tetrad Graduate Program Assistant uses professional concepts to coordinate, track and report student progress and assist with event coordination and logistics.

The Tetrad Graduate Program Assistant applies professional Student Services concepts, provides varied student services to students, faculty, and department / school / college management. Works on moderately complex issues. Receives assistance on more complex issues.

The Tetrad Graduate Program Assistant involves a range of student services duties and responsibilities for an academic department. Provides assistance to the program manager, faculty directors, faculty, and students in recruitment, admissions, student orientation and events, and related programs.

The Biochemistry & Biophysics Department is comprised of 26 faculty members and about 200 students and postdoctoral fellows pursuing a range of biological problems encompassing biochemistry, genetics, and cell, structural and developmental biology. The faculty are committed to graduate education and actively engaged in shaping the highly collaborative environment that makes UCSF a special place.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
  • Minimum 1 year of related experience
  • Ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns.
  • Solid communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff, faculty and students verbally and in writing.
  • Solid organizational skills and ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
  • Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.
  • Ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.
  • Knowledge of department, organization, and University policies, procedures, and directives.
  • Knowledge of department and school/college general and major course requirements.
  • Ability to work in diverse groups, including but not limited to students, staff, faculty, general public, and UCSF and external vendors.
  • Prior experience with undergraduate or graduate-level curricular affairs
  • Prior events planning experience
  • Prior experience with work/task management platforms for managing tasks and projects
     

% 

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

  

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

30

yesStudent Progression: Coordinates and track graduate student progression for Tetrad Graduate Program including qualifying exams, advancement to candidacy, thesis meetings, Thesis talks, rotation reporting and HIPAA/OSHA trainings. Under direction of Program Directors and Program Manager, participates in the development and revision of standard procedures and guidelines for tracking student progression. 

25

yesEvent Planning: Independently coordinate program-related events including poster sessions, research in progress seminar series, student-faculty talks, new student orientation, Tuesday Biochem seminar lunches. Assist with coordination of student recruitment events. Independently organize logistics including establishing and maintaining relationships with vendors and venues, space rental, room reservations, catering, facilities requests, remaining under budget with costs. Evaluate current and proposed related services.

10

yesConferences: Organize faculty planning committee and assist with the coordination of annual program conference including registration, housing, catering, scheduling speakers and transportation, and billing out conference attendees.

10

yes

Financial: Process fee offsets (PeopleSoft), reimbursements (MyExpense), purchasing and contracts (Bear Buy), departmental recharges and reconciliation related to program events and conferences.

Functions as a resource on issues such as researching complex financial discrepancies and provide guidance on personnel policies, serve as the point of contact for policy and problem resolution.

10

yes

Communications: Maintain student database. Maintain program website including updates to news and events, student publications, awards and honors, creating new pages as necessary. Prepare, maintain, e-mail and/or post promotional materials, including print or electronic brochures and posters.

10

yesSpecial Projects: Provide assistance with additional programmatic tasks as requested. These may include such diverse tasks as collating data for training grants and annual reporting, backup for student stipend payments, reviewing/analyzing student documents for CA Residency reclassification.

5

yesProgram Records: Maintain student databases; Gather and analyze data; prepare annual reports on faculty participation in student progress and program events

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