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Manager Academic Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$20.91 - $22.58/hr

... or academic program administration * Experience coordinating events or managing logistics ... Experience supporting accreditation, academic operations, or student services Physical Requirements

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Manager Academic Operations information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$62.6K

$116.9K

How much do manager academic operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager academic operations in California is $62,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a manager academic operations?

A Manager of Academic Operations oversees the administrative and operational aspects of an academic institution or department. Their responsibilities often include managing schedules, coordinating resources, ensuring compliance with academic policies, and supporting faculty and students. They play a vital role in streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and facilitating communication across academic units. This position requires strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Ultimately, they help ensure that the academic environment runs smoothly and effectively.

How does a manager academic operations typically collaborate with faculty and administrative departments to support institutional goals?

A Manager of Academic Operations regularly works with faculty to coordinate course scheduling, resource allocation, and policy implementation. They also collaborate closely with departments such as admissions, registrar, and student services to ensure academic processes run smoothly and align with institutional objectives. Effective communication and organizational skills are key, as this role often involves mediating between academic and administrative priorities. By fostering these collaborations, Managers of Academic Operations help create an efficient, student-centered learning environment and support continuous institutional improvement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manager academic operations, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manager Academic Operations, you need strong organizational skills, a background in education administration, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with student information systems, scheduling software, and data analytics tools is often required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities enable effective coordination among faculty, staff, and students. These skills are crucial for ensuring smooth academic processes, compliance, and the delivery of high-quality educational experiences.

What is the difference between Manager Academic Operations vs Academic Program Coordinator?

AspectManager Academic OperationsAcademic Program Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees academic processes, manages teams, develops policiesSupports program activities, coordinates events, assists with student services
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Education or related field, experience in academic administrationBachelor’s degree, experience in program support or administration
Work EnvironmentHigher education institutions, administrative officesAcademic departments, student services offices
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, educational organizationsEducational institutions, program offices

The Manager Academic Operations typically holds a higher-level role with broader responsibilities in managing academic processes and teams, while the Academic Program Coordinator focuses on supporting specific program activities and student services. Both roles are essential in educational settings but differ in scope and seniority.

What are the most commonly searched types of Academic Operations jobs in California?

The most popular types of Academic Operations jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Manager Academic Operations jobs in California?

For Manager Academic Operations jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Manager Academic Operations jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Manager Academic Operations jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Manager Academic Operations jobs?

Cities in California with the most Manager Academic Operations job openings:

Academic Program Coordinator, Academic Operations

USC Gould School of Law

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Academic Program Coordinator, Academic Operations

USC is a leading private research universitylocatedin Los Angeles-a global center for arts, technology, and international business. As the city's largest private employer, responsible for more than$8 billionannually in economic activity in the region, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic schools and units.

As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits andperkswhile becoming part of the Trojan Family-the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USCa great placeto work.

Opportunity to Join

The USC Thornton School of Music isseekinga highly organized, detail-oriented Academic Program Coordinator to provide administrative, financial, and operational support for academic and programmatic activities.For more information about the school, please visit us athttp://music.usc.edu/.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient coordination of curricular offerings, events, guest engagements, financial transactions, scheduling, and administrative operations. The position also supports the planning and coordination of recurring academic program activities and annual operational cycles to ensure the consistent delivery of programobjectivesin the Division of Contemporary Music. For more information about the program, please visit us athttps://music.usc.edu/departments/contemporary-music/.

The successful candidate will be a proactive problem-solver with exceptional customer service skills, strong financial and administrative experience, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. This role requires sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners. The successful candidate willdemonstrateinitiative and take ownership of recurring responsibilities and annual processes, ensuring projects are carried through to successful completion. The individual will serve as a proactive administrative partner byanticipatingneeds, monitoring critical deadlines,maintainingoperational continuity, providingtimelyreminders and follow-up, and contributing ideas that support program growth and excellence.

This position is 100% onsite at USC's University Park Campus.

Primary Responsibilities-Administrative & Program Support

  • Provide comprehensive administrative support for academic and departmental operations while working closely with the Program Chair to support the implementation of program priorities and ongoing academic operations.

  • Coordinate meetings, events, guest visits, and special projects.

  • Maintainand proactively manage calendars, schedules, program timelines, and recurring annual program activities.

  • Facilitate communication among faculty, staff, students, and external partners.

  • Manage document preparation, correspondence, and records.

  • Support onboarding activities for faculty, guests, speakers, and other visitors.

  • Provide reporting each semester on faculty teaching duties and assignment of students to faculty studios;monitorchanges in student enrollment in specified instructional activities.

  • Partner with the Program Chair toanticipateoperational needs, monitor critical timelines, and support strategic priorities through proactive planning, communication, and follow-through.

Financial & Budget Administration

  • Handle budget tracking, processing, and reconciliation.

  • Process purchase orders, requisitions, invoices, and reimbursements.

  • Coordinate vendor setup and payment processing.

  • Monitor expenditures andmaintainaccuratefinancial records.

  • Support travel arrangements and expense reporting.

  • Generate financial and operational reports as needed.

Event & Guest Coordination

  • Coordinatelogisticsfor meetings, events, and special programs.

  • Manage guest scheduling, travel arrangements, and campus visits.

  • Support both on-site and off-site activities asrequired.

  • Oversee event planning and coordinate operational resources and services, delivering day-of support to ensure events run efficiently and effectively.

Data Management & Reporting

  • Maintainaccuraterecords, databases, program documentation, and documentation of recurring annual processes to support continuity and consistent program operations.

  • Prepare reports and track key operational metrics.

  • Monitor deadlines and ensuretimelycompletion of assigned processes.

  • Support data collection and reporting initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Two or more years of progressively responsible administrative, operations, program coordination, or financial support experience.

  • Strong financial acumen, including budget tracking, invoice processing, and vendor management.

  • Advancedproficiencywith Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Workday, and other technology platforms such asSIS and Concur.

  • Strong organizational and project management skills.

  • Exceptional customer service orientation with a demonstrated commitment to responsiveness, professionalism, discretion, relationship-building, and deliveringa high levelof support to faculty, students, staff, alumni, guests, and external partners.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage projects and recurring annual processes through planning, execution, and follow-through.

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Experience in higher education, event coordination, business operations, or administrative services is preferred but notrequired.

  • Demonstratedability toanticipatestakeholder needs, exercise sound judgment, and take proactive action to support organizational goals and leadership priorities.

Additional Information

  • This position requires regular, on-site presence and is 100% on-site at USC's University Park Campus.

  • Scheduling flexibility isrequired, including occasional overtime,eveningand weekend work to support events and operational needs.

  • Due to critical business operations and peak activity periods, certain blackout periods for vacation and time-off requests may apply.

  • Candidates do not need a music background or performance experience to be successful in this role.

  • Demonstrated ability toidentifyopportunities for process improvement, operational efficiency, student engagement, and program enhancement, and to bring forward thoughtful recommendations.

Why USC?

USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family, retirement plans, tuitionassistance, professional development opportunities, and access to a vibrant campus community.

We pride ourselves on beinga great placeto work and offer:

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

  • Generous retirement benefits

  • Tuitionassistancefor employees and eligible family members

  • Professional development and career growth opportunities

  • Discounts to USC sporting events and campus activities

  • Access to a wide range of employee wellness programs

Salary Hiring Range:

The hourly base salary range for this position is $28.00 - $32.50 per hour.

When extending an offer of employment, USC considers factors including experience, education, skills, internal equity, applicable laws, and organizational needs.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 2 years
Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related professional experience in program specialization, e.g., counseling or teaching.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email atuschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this  USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:

https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$150471.htmld