Log InSign Up
Article

What does an Academic Director do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

An academic director is responsible for the educational programs and research conducted by a school or department within a university. They also oversee the faculty and staff who work within the unit.

Academic Director job duties include:

  • Overseeing the academic programs of the institution
  • Ensuring that the institution's academic programs are accredited
  • Working with faculty to develop new academic programs
  • Evaluating and improving existing academic programs
  • Hiring and supervising faculty
  • Planning and managing the budget for the academic department
  • Scheduling classes and assigning instructors
  • Approving course syllabi
  • Serving on committees and representing the institution at academic conferences

Academic Director Job Requirements

An Academic Director is responsible for the academic progress of the students in their program. They develop and implement educational plans and policies, oversee curriculum development, and evaluate teaching staff. They also collaborate with other departments to ensure that the students have the resources they need to succeed. The job requires a Master's degree in Education or a related field, as well as experience working in an educational setting. Certification as a teacher or administrator is also preferred.

Academic Director Skills

  • Leadership
  • Strategic Planning
  • Budgeting
  • Fiscal Management
  • Faculty Development
  • Program Development
  • Accreditation
  • Student Affairs
  • Enrollment Management
  • Marketing and Public Relations
  • Fundraising

Related: Top Academic Director Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Academic Director

The role of an academic director is to provide leadership and support for the teaching staff in a school or college. They are responsible for ensuring that the quality of teaching is high and that students are able to achieve their academic potential.

To become an academic director, you will need to have a strong track record as a teacher and leader. You will also need to have a deep understanding of the educational process and be able to articulate your vision for the institution you wish to lead.

If you are interested in becoming an academic director, the first step is to speak with your current supervisor about your aspirations. They will be able to provide you with guidance and advice on how to best pursue this career path.

Once you have decided that becoming an academic director is the right move for you, the next step is to begin networking with other leaders in education. Attend conferences and events, and reach out to those who you admire in the field. These connections will be invaluable as you begin your journey towards becoming an academic director.

Finally, it is important to remember that becoming an academic director is not a overnight process – it takes time, dedication, and hard work. But if you are passionate about education and committed to making a difference, it is a rewarding career that can have a lasting impact on the lives of students.

Related: Academic Director Resume Example

Related: Academic Director Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

Similar articles