Enter a job title or keyword

Assistant Director Academic Programs


Job Location:

Boston, NH - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 60315 - 85192
Posted: 12 September 2026 (5 hours ago)
Application Deadline: 10 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

About the Opportunity

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Academic Programs creates and executes a strategic plan to grow and enhance the departments graduate programs. This role advises Master of Science (MS) and PhD students on their academic programs and serves as an integral partner to the Graduate and Undergraduate Faculty Committees in advancing initiatives and enhancing graduate education. Responsibilities include managing graduate admissions processes and data serving as a liaison between the department and the Graduate School overseeing course scheduling on a semester basis and for the departments five-year growth plan developing workshops and events that enhance the student experience managing course assessment activities related to accreditation providing guidance to faculty and PhD students regarding teaching assistant workload and support and facilitating academic projects through collaboration with partners across and beyond the college. This position is dedicated primarily to the departments graduate programs (MS PlusOne and PhD) with undergraduate-facing responsibilities managed by the Academic Coordinator supervised by this role.

This position follows a hybrid schedule with three days on site and two days remote each week.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Academic Program Operations and Recruitment

  • Manage department policies related to student matters.
  • Oversee course scheduling for each academic term and maintain the departments five-year teaching plan.
  • Oversee annual catalog submissions and catalog changes.
  • Manage TRACE scores and mid-year and annual reviews for PhD students and faculty.
  • Manage recruitment activities associated with MS PlusOne and PhD applications.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for program inquiries.
  • Coordinate and administer orientation programs welcome events Graduate Candidates Day and other graduate recruitment and onboarding activities.
  • Serve as a liaison between the college and department for student-facing events and matters.

Student Data Management

  • Manage tracking processes for PhD student milestones including qualifying examinations work-in-progress reviews proposal defenses and dissertation defenses.
  • Interact directly with graduate students and monitor timelines related to advisor assignments and reassignments committee formation qualifying examinations proposals and defense arrangements.
  • Serve as the primary contact for MS students with questions regarding course scheduling and academic timelines.
  • Manage student enrollment and tracking data and serve as the department contact for student-related data management.

Program Development

  • Manage processes related to the development of new MS programs combined majors and minors and new research concentrations for the PhD program.
  • Administer approval processes for new courses concentrations and academic programs.
  • Collaborate with faculty and administrators across departments and colleges to manage the development and implementation of new academic programs.
  • Document program changes approval processes and voting outcomes associated with new programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelors degree or equivalent.
  • Minimum of four years of experience supporting academic and administrative projects preferably in higher education with adult learners or in a high customer service environment.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills with keen attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
  • Effective interpersonal oral presentation and written communication skills.
  • Ability to balance multiple priorities and respond effectively to the needs of diverse constituencies.
  • Ability to consistently produce high-quality work under tight deadlines.
  • Professional presence and maturity when interacting with audiences internal and external to the university.
  • Positive proactive attitude with flexibility initiative and the ability to function effectively as a member of a team in a dynamic environment.
  • Demonstrated responsiveness to feedback commitment to continuous improvement and high integrity.

Preferred

  • Experience with academic coordination.
  • Masters degree.

Required Documents

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Position Type

Academic Administration

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical vision dental paid time off tuition assistance wellness & life retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit for more information.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race religion color national origin age sex sexual orientation disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

108S

Expected Hiring Range:

$60315.00 - $85192.50

With the pay range(s) shown above the starting salary will depend on several factors which may include your education experience location knowledge and expertise and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.


Required Experience:

Director


About Company

Company Logo

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global, experiential, research university built on a tradition of engagement with the world.

View Profile View Profile