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If you’ve Googled “academic coordinator job description,” you’ve probably seen dozens of articles. But here’s the problem—most of them don’t actually help you attract a great academic coordinator.
Instead, they give you the same dry formula:
- Bullet points
- Buzzwords
- A vague list of responsibilities
The result? A job description that looks like every other one out there—and fails to stand out to top candidates.
The truth is, great job posts don’t just list duties. They inspire, connect, and reflect your institution’s culture. An academic coordinator plays a vital role in bridging administration, faculty, and students—so if your job description feels generic, you risk missing the very candidates who could make the biggest impact.
👉 If you haven’t read it yet, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. It explains why traditional job posts fail and gives you a proven framework for writing ones that resonate.
In this article, we’ll take those principles and apply them specifically to the role of Academic Coordinator.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
What an Academic Coordinator Actually Does (Simplified Definition)
An academic coordinator is the person who makes sure academic programs run smoothly behind the scenes. They support faculty, help organize courses and schedules, track student progress, and ensure that program standards are being met.
Think of them as the bridge between administrators, teachers, and students. While professors focus on teaching and students focus on learning, the academic coordinator ensures that everything around them is structured, organized, and efficient.
It’s not just an administrative role—it’s also about people skills. An academic coordinator often:
- Works with faculty to align course planning
- Assists students with academic guidance or program questions
- Coordinates exams, grading systems, or compliance requirements
- Keeps communication flowing across departments
In short, they keep the academic engine running. Reliability, attention to detail, and strong communication skills are just as important here as organizational ability.
Two Great Academic Coordinator Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1: Experienced Academic Coordinator
Job Title: Academic Coordinator at BrightPath University (Boston, MA)
📍 Location: On-site | Boston, MA
💼 Type: Full-Time
💲 Salary: $55,000–$68,000/year (based on experience)
🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
🎥 A quick word from our team:
Before diving in, hear directly from our Academic Programs Director about why this role matters to BrightPath University and how our team works together: [Insert Loom/YouTube link]
Who We Are
BrightPath University is a mid-sized, forward-thinking institution serving over 12,000 students. We pride ourselves on blending academic excellence with real-world learning opportunities. Our faculty and staff work collaboratively to ensure every student has the resources, guidance, and environment they need to thrive.
What You’ll Do as Academic Coordinator
As an Academic Coordinator, you’ll play a key role in keeping our academic programs running smoothly and ensuring students and faculty are supported. You’ll:
- Develop, monitor, and adjust course schedules each semester
- Work closely with faculty to coordinate syllabi, exams, and program requirements
- Track student progress and provide program guidance when needed
- Ensure academic compliance with accreditation and institutional policies
- Assist in managing academic events, orientations, and program meetings
What We’re Looking For
- 2–4 years of experience in academic coordination, student services, or related higher education roles
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Proficiency with academic software and databases (Banner, Blackboard, or similar)
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education or Administration preferred
Why Work With Us
At BrightPath, we believe in supporting not only our students but also our team. When you join, you’ll have access to:
- Competitive salary & health/dental/vision benefits
- Tuition remission for staff & immediate family members
- Generous paid leave (20 days/year + holidays)
- A collaborative culture where every staff member’s work is valued
📥 How to Apply
We value every applicant and believe in a respectful process. Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen link]
We’ll review every application carefully, respond within two weeks, and keep you updated at every step.
✅ Option 2: Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train Academic Coordinator
Job Title: Academic Coordinator (Entry-Level, Training Provided) – BrightPath University
📍 Location: Hybrid (Boston, MA)
💼 Type: Full-Time
💲 Salary: $42,000–$48,000/year
🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎥 Meet our team:
Watch this short video from our Student Success Manager on what it’s like to work at BrightPath and why we invest in staff growth: [Insert Loom/YouTube link]
About Us
At BrightPath University, we believe education is about opening doors. We don’t just teach students—we empower them to find their path. And we do the same for our team members. That’s why we’re open to training the right person for this role. If you’re organized, curious, and excited to work in higher education, this could be your next step.
What You’ll Do
You don’t need direct higher-ed experience—we’ll teach you. As a coordinator, you’ll:
- Support academic scheduling and program planning
- Help students with course enrollment and program-related questions
- Assist faculty with administrative needs (scheduling, materials, communications)
- Track academic records and help ensure compliance
- Contribute to events like orientations and program fairs
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree (any field) OR equivalent administrative experience
- Strong attention to detail, reliability, and communication skills
- Comfortable learning new systems and tools quickly
- A genuine interest in student success and academic operations
(Nice to Have) Experience in customer service, education, or administration
Why This Role is Worth Your Time
- Paid training & mentorship program for your first 6 months
- Clear path for advancement to Senior Academic Coordinator or Student Success Advisor
- Health, dental, and vision benefits + tuition remission
- Supportive team culture where learning and growth are encouraged
📥 How to Apply
Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen link]
We’ll review every application carefully and give all candidates a clear response. Selected applicants will also have the chance to meet the team virtually before any final decision.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Why These Academic Coordinator Job Descriptions Work
1. Clear, Specific Job Titles
Instead of a vague “Coordinator” or “Academic Staff,” both examples use “Academic Coordinator” and add context: the university name, location, and whether it’s entry-level or experienced. This instantly tells candidates who the role is for and sets clear expectations.
2. Warm, Human Introductions
Both posts open with a short video from a real leader (Academic Programs Director or Student Success Manager). This personal touch makes the role feel more authentic, showing that real people stand behind the job post—not just HR jargon. Candidates are far more likely to apply when they sense personality and leadership presence.
3. Transparent Salary & Perks
Each template lists salary upfront, which builds trust and attracts serious applicants. Benefits (health, dental, tuition remission, leave days) are included, making the role more competitive and reducing back-and-forth later in the hiring process.
4. Responsibilities with Impact
Rather than a boring task list (“manage schedules, track records”), the posts connect responsibilities to why they matter. For example: “You’ll help students with course enrollment and program-related questions” or “You’ll ensure academic programs run smoothly and support student success.” This framing helps candidates see the role’s importance.
5. Flexible & Inclusive Requirements
The entry-level version clearly distinguishes between must-haves (attention to detail, interest in education) and nice-to-haves (prior admin or customer service experience). This avoids scaring off strong candidates who might not have direct higher-ed backgrounds but could thrive in the role.
6. Respectful Hiring Process
Both templates emphasize transparency: “We’ll review every application carefully and respond within two weeks.” This signals respect for candidates’ time—something most job seekers rarely get and deeply appreciate.
7. Culture & Growth Opportunities
The experienced template highlights BrightPath’s collaborative culture, while the entry-level template emphasizes training and career growth. This gives candidates a reason to believe the role is not just a job, but a career path.
8. Human Tone That Connects
Notice the conversational style—phrases like “We believe education is about opening doors” or “You don’t need direct higher-ed experience—we’ll teach you.” This language feels approachable and encouraging, which helps attract mission-driven, people-focused candidates.
Example of a Bad Academic Coordinator Job Description (And Why It Falls Short)
Job Title: Coordinator
Location: Boston, MA
Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
We are looking for a coordinator to manage academic-related tasks. The candidate will support faculty and students in day-to-day activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain schedules
- Assist with administrative duties
- Support academic processes
- Provide student assistance when necessary
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required
- 3–5 years of administrative experience
- Must be organized and detail-oriented
How to Apply
Please send your CV and cover letter to hr@brightpath.edu. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Fails
- Generic, Lifeless Title
“Coordinator” says nothing about the role. Is it academic, administrative, program-based? It’s vague and could apply to hundreds of jobs. - Cold Introduction
The job summary is dry and transactional. There’s no sense of mission, no context about the university, and no attempt to show why the role matters. - No Salary or Benefits
By excluding compensation, the post feels outdated and less trustworthy. Many qualified applicants will simply move on to postings that are transparent. - Responsibilities Are Vague
“Maintain schedules” or “Support academic processes” are empty phrases. They don’t paint a picture of what the candidate will actually do, nor do they connect tasks to outcomes. - Exclusionary Requirements
The post demands 3–5 years of admin experience without explaining why. It shuts out strong entry-level candidates who might be perfectly capable of learning. - Dismissive Hiring Process
Saying “only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” makes the process feel impersonal and cold. It gives candidates zero confidence that their application will be valued. - No Culture, No Personality
There’s no mention of values, growth opportunities, or what it’s like to work at the institution. To candidates, this reads as “just another job” instead of a meaningful opportunity.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Academic Coordinator Job Post Stand Out
Even if you’ve nailed the basics, here are a few extras that can elevate your job description from good to exceptional—and show candidates you genuinely care about their experience.
1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice
Job seekers are increasingly cautious about scams and shady postings. Including a clear security notice builds instant trust.
💡 Example:
“We take the security and privacy of all job applicants very seriously. We will never ask for payment, banking details, or personal financial information during the hiring process.”
2. Mention Flex Days or Paid Time Off
Compensation isn’t just about salary—it’s also about rest. Highlighting leave days or flexible schedules makes your job post far more attractive.
💡 Example:
“Enjoy up to 20 paid leave days per year plus university holidays—because balance matters.”
3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Top candidates don’t just want a paycheck—they want growth. Make sure your job description reflects that.
💡 Example:
“We invest in growth. You’ll receive mentorship, professional development funds, and access to training programs to help you advance in higher education administration.”
4. Add a Short Loom/YouTube Video
A quick 1–2 minute video from the hiring manager or program director instantly humanizes your post. Candidates love seeing the people they might work with.
💡 Example:
- A welcome message from the Dean of Academic Programs
- A short “day in the life” video from a current coordinator
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
5. Showcase Real Employee Testimonials
Instead of claiming “great culture,” prove it by linking to authentic staff reviews or sharing a direct quote from an employee.
💡 Example:
“Working at BrightPath feels like being part of a team that actually listens. I’ve grown more here in two years than I did in my previous five.” — Current Academic Coordinator
Should You Use AI to Write an Academic Coordinator Job Description?
Lately, it feels like everyone is using AI to crank out job descriptions. Some applicant tracking systems (ATS) even offer one-click AI-generated posts. But here’s the truth: AI can help, but it can also hurt.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
If you just type “Write me an academic coordinator job description” into an AI tool, here’s what you’ll get:
- Generic, copy-paste text that sounds the same as every other job post online
- A bland checklist of duties and skills, with zero personality or context
- A post that fails to attract serious candidates, and instead attracts low-effort applicants who apply everywhere
Remember: a job post is often the first impression candidates get of your institution. If it feels generic or lifeless, you’ve already lost top talent.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
AI works best as a partner, not a replacement. Instead of letting it do all the work, feed it the right inputs and let it polish your content.
Here’s how:
- Provide Real Context: Tell AI about your university, your mission, and your team culture.
- Be Specific About the Role: Share what the coordinator will actually do, why it matters, and who they’ll work with.
- Include Values & Perks: Mention salary, benefits, and growth opportunities.
- Give AI Raw Notes: Draft bullet points or rough text, then ask AI to smooth it into a conversational, professional style.
💡 Example Prompt:
“Help me write a job post for our institution, BrightPath University. We’re hiring an Academic Coordinator to organize course schedules, support faculty, and guide students. Our culture is collaborative and student-focused. We want to attract organized, detail-oriented people who love education. We offer health benefits, tuition remission, and growth opportunities. Here are a few rough notes [paste notes] I’ve written—please polish them into a warm, engaging job post.”
👉 In short: AI can sharpen your job description, but it can’t replace your human touch. Use it to polish, not to generate from scratch.
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Academic Coordinator Job Description?
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Job Description
Job Title: Academic Coordinator – [Your Institution Name]
📍 Location: [City, State] | 💼 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] | 💲 Salary: [$X,000 – $Y,000/year]
🎥 Hear from our team: Watch a short video from our [Dean/Program Director] on what it’s like to work here: [Insert video link]
Who We Are
At [Institution Name], we believe education is about more than courses—it’s about shaping futures. Our faculty, staff, and students work together to create a supportive and inspiring learning environment.
What You’ll Do
As our Academic Coordinator, you’ll play a key role in keeping our programs organized and our students supported. You’ll:
- Coordinate course schedules each semester
- Support faculty with materials, exams, and program requirements
- Assist students with enrollment and program-related questions
- Track records and ensure compliance with academic policies
What We’re Looking For
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Bachelor’s degree (any field) OR equivalent admin experience
- Comfortable learning new systems and tools quickly
- (Nice to Have) Experience in education, administration, or student services
Why Work With Us
- Competitive salary & benefits (health, vision, dental)
- Tuition remission for staff and dependents
- Generous paid leave and flexible schedules
- A collaborative culture where growth is encouraged
📥 Apply now via this link: [Insert WorkScreen link]. We review every application and make sure all candidates receive a clear response.
✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format
Job Title: Academic Coordinator – [Your Institution Name]
📍 Location: [City, State] | 💼 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] | 💲 Salary: [$X,000 – $Y,000/year]
Job Brief
We are looking for a detail-oriented and organized Academic Coordinator to support our faculty and students. The role involves coordinating academic schedules, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with program requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and adjust academic course schedules
- Assist faculty with administrative tasks
- Track student records and monitor academic progress
- Organize academic events, orientations, and meetings
- Ensure compliance with institutional and accreditation policies
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Administration, or related field
- Excellent organizational and multitasking skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal abilities
- Familiarity with academic software and databases (preferred)
- Prior experience in academic administration (preferred but not required)
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive compensation & benefits package
- Tuition remission for staff and family
- Professional development opportunities
- Paid leave, flex time, and a culture of respect
📥 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen link]
Next Step: Let WorkScreen Help You Hire Smarter
Writing a great job description is just the first step. Once you’ve attracted candidates, you need a fair, efficient, and reliable way to evaluate them. That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
Here’s how WorkScreen helps you streamline the next phase of hiring:
🔎 Quickly Identify Your Most Promising Candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates applicants, scores them, and ranks them on a performance-based leaderboard—so you instantly see who stands out. No more wasting hours sorting through résumés.
🧪 Run One-Click Skill Tests
Assess candidates based on real-world ability, not just credentials. With WorkScreen’s one-click tests, you can see how applicants think, problem-solve, and communicate—helping you make more confident hiring decisions.
🚫 Eliminate Low-Effort & AI-Generated Applications
WorkScreen filters out low-effort applicants—including those who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
📊 Hire Smarter, Faster, and More Confidently
With real-time dashboards, structured evaluations, and transparent candidate scoring, WorkScreen empowers your team to make data-driven hiring decisions while providing candidates with a fair, respectful experience.
👉 Ready to streamline your hiring process?
FAQ
An academic coordinator focuses on the organization and administration of academic programs. They manage course schedules, support faculty, track student progress, and ensure compliance with institutional standards.
A classroom teacher, on the other hand, focuses directly on instruction—teaching students, grading assignments, and delivering the curriculum.
In short: Teachers handle teaching, while coordinators handle the structure and systems that make teaching and learning possible.
The salary for an academic coordinator varies depending on location, institution size, and experience level. On average in the U.S.:
- Entry-level: $40,000–$48,000/year
- Mid-level with experience: $50,000–$65,000/year
- Senior or specialized coordinators: $65,000–$75,000/year+
Universities and larger institutions often pay more than smaller colleges or community schools, and additional benefits like tuition remission can add significant value.
When hiring, prioritize candidates who demonstrate:
- Organizational skills: Ability to manage multiple schedules and deadlines
- Communication skills: Comfort working with faculty, students, and administration
- Problem-solving: Resourcefulness in handling academic or scheduling challenges
- Tech proficiency: Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), scheduling software, or student databases
- People skills: Patience, empathy, and the ability to support both students and staff
Most institutions require at least a Bachelor’s degree in education, administration, or a related field. Some prefer or require a Master’s degree in higher education administration or educational leadership. Prior experience in academic administration or student services is often considered a strong plus.
To stand out in a competitive hiring market:
- Be transparent about salary and benefits
- Highlight training and growth opportunities
- Showcase your institution’s mission and culture
- Respect candidates’ time with a clear, timely hiring process
- Use tools like WorkScreen.io to ensure fair evaluations and filter out low-effort applicants
