What Does an Academic Coordinator Do?

Academic coordinators are responsible for managing the academic affairs of a school, college or university. They commonly oversee scheduling, course planning and curriculum development. In addition to these duties, they may also be responsible for overseeing student admissions, advising students on their major or minor, and other tasks related to student life.

Academic coordinators work closely with faculty members and administrators to ensure that all aspects of the institution’s academic programs are running smoothly.

Academic Coordinator Job Duties

An academic coordinator typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Monitoring student progress and making appropriate adjustments to ensure academic success
• Providing advice and guidance to students regarding their academic progress
• Coordinating faculty meetings, workshops, and other events that support student learning and development
• Creating and updating student records, including course schedules and class rosters
• Coordinating student activities such as homecoming festivities, alumni events, and student performances
• Managing the student advising program to ensure that students receive quality advising services that meet their needs
• Working with academic departments to develop course schedules and monitor student attendance in classes
• Reviewing course syllabi to ensure that they are aligned with departmental objectives
• Working with faculty members to ensure that classes have adequate staffing and materials needed for instruction

Academic Coordinator Salary & Outlook

Academic coordinators’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and location of the school or university.

• Median Annual Salary: $47,000 ($22.6/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $122,000 ($58.65/hour)

The employment of academic coordinators is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

Demand for academic coordinators depends largely on student enrollment and, therefore, on the demand for higher education. As enrollments increase, colleges and universities will need more academic coordinators to oversee the academic departments within their institutions.

Related: 25 Academic Coordinator Interview Questions and Answers

Academic Coordinator Job Requirements

The position of academic coordinator typically requires the following:

Education: Most academic coordinators have a master’s degree in higher education, education administration, educational administration or a related field. These programs teach academic coordinators how to develop and implement academic programs, how to manage faculty and staff, how to assess student learning and how to evaluate academic programs.

Training & Experience: Academic coordinators typically receive on-the-job training in the form of an orientation period with a new employer. During this period, they learn about the institution’s policies and procedures, including how to use the institution’s computer systems and software.

Certifications & Licenses: Though certifications are not often required for academic coordinator positions, they can be useful for candidates to show their dedication and commitment to the industry.

Academic Coordinator Skills

Academic coordinators need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication: Communication is the act of conveying information through speech, writing or other methods. As an academic coordinator, you may be responsible for communicating with faculty, students and other staff members. Strong communication skills can help you convey information clearly and answer questions.

Organization: Academic coordinators often have excellent organizational skills, which can help them manage their workload and stay on top of deadlines. Being able to prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities to others can also be a valuable skill for an academic coordinator.

Time management: Time management is the ability to plan and execute tasks in a timely manner. As an academic coordinator, you may be responsible for scheduling and overseeing the completion of multiple tasks each day. Having strong time management skills can help you complete your duties on time and ensure that you meet the needs of your team.

Problem-solving: As an academic coordinator, you may be responsible for overseeing the scheduling of classes, managing student enrollment and ensuring that all classes have the necessary faculty members. This can involve a great deal of planning and problem-solving to ensure that all of the necessary components are in place.

Teamwork: As an academic coordinator, you often work with many different people to ensure the success of your department. Being able to work with others and understand the importance of teamwork can help you be an effective leader.

Academic Coordinator Work Environment

Academic coordinators typically work in higher education settings, such as colleges and universities. They may also work in elementary and secondary schools, as well as in private industry and government. Many academic coordinators work full time and have regular office hours. Some coordinators, however, may work evenings and weekends to accommodate the schedules of their students and faculty. Many academic coordinators travel to attend conferences and meetings or to visit other campuses.

Academic Coordinator Trends

Here are three trends influencing how academic coordinators work. Academic coordinators will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

More Focus on Student Success

As the education system becomes more focused on student success, academic coordinators will need to adapt and focus their efforts on helping students achieve their goals.

Academic coordinators can utilize this trend by developing programs and initiatives that help students succeed in school. They can also work with teachers and administrators to create a positive learning environment for students.

More Use of Technology in the Classroom

The use of technology in the classroom is becoming increasingly popular as educators look for ways to make learning more engaging and interactive.

Academic coordinators can capitalize on this trend by becoming familiar with the latest technologies and how to use them in the classroom. This includes everything from using online tools for teaching to creating digital content for students to use outside of school. In addition, academic coordinators should be prepared to provide support for students who are having trouble using technology in the classroom.

Greater Emphasis on Diversity

Diversity has become an increasingly important topic in higher education, as institutions strive to create a more inclusive environment for all students.

As academic coordinators, you are in a unique position to help promote diversity in your institution. You can do this by promoting cultural awareness among faculty and staff, encouraging dialogue about diversity issues, and supporting student groups that are working to make your campus more inclusive.

How to Become an Academic Coordinator

An academic coordinator career can be a great way to get your foot in the door of academia. As an academic coordinator, you’ll have the opportunity to work with faculty members and students on a daily basis, which will give you a better understanding of how academia works. You’ll also gain experience in planning and organizing events, which is essential for any job in academia.

If you want to move up the ladder in academia, becoming an academic coordinator is a great first step. This role will give you the chance to learn about different departments within a university and develop relationships with faculty members and students.

Advancement Prospects

Academic coordinators typically have a master’s degree in education or a related field. Some jobs may require certification as a school counselor. Many academic coordinators start their careers as teachers or other school personnel. Some may advance to become principals or other school administrators. Some academic coordinators may move into related occupations, such as student affairs administration or educational consulting.

Academic Coordinator Job Description Example

The Academic Coordinator is responsible for the academic success of a caseload of students. The Academic Coordinator will develop and implement programs to improve student retention and graduation rates. The Academic Coordinator will also work with individual students to develop academic plans, monitor progress, and provide support. The Academic Coordinator will collaborate with faculty and staff across campus to ensure that students have the resources they need to be successful.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with students in an academic setting, experience developing and implementing programs, and experience working with data. The ideal candidate will also be organized, detail-oriented, and able to multitask.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all academic matters pertaining to students
• Monitor student progress and performance, intervening when necessary to ensure success
• Work with faculty to develop and revise curriculum, ensuring that it meets the needs of the students
• Serve on committees related to academic affairs, providing input on behalf of the students
• Advise students on course selection, degree requirements, and other academic matters
• Assist in the development and implementation of academic support programs
• Coordinate scheduling of classes, including classroom assignments and instructor assignments
• Maintain accurate records of student enrollment and performance
• Prepare reports on student progress and performance for administration
• Develop and implement policies and procedures related to academic matters
• Serve as a resource to faculty on matters related to student learning and success
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, counseling, or related field
• 3-5 years experience working in higher education, academic advising, or student services
• Demonstrated commitment to student success and retention
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience with student information systems and databases
• Familiarity with federal and state regulations affecting higher education
• Knowledge of best practices in academic advising and student support services
• Bilingual (Spanish/English)