Educator & Education

Education Program Manager job description

An Education Program Manager designs and scales curricula, drives learner engagement, and optimizes academic initiatives. Learn what this rewarding role entails.

Published December 4, 2024Updated May 16, 2026969 likes

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Job brief

We are looking for a visionary Education Program Manager to lead our learning initiatives and drive impactful educational experiences for our participants. You will oversee curriculum development, optimize our use of educational technology, and mentor instructional staff to ensure academic excellence across our programs. This role is perfect for a mission-driven leader who wants to bridge the gap between complex training needs and tangible learner success. Join our team to shape the future of our educational ecosystem and deliver high-impact results in a collaborative, innovative environment.

Key highlights

Design and execute comprehensive curriculum roadmaps aligned with defined learning objectives and industry-specific competency frameworks.
Manage the implementation and optimization of Learning Management Systems (LMS) to track student progress and enhance digital accessibility.
Analyze student performance metrics and engagement data to identify gaps and iterate on instructional strategies for improved outcomes.
Ensure all educational programming maintains strict adherence to institutional accreditation standards, state regulations, and internal quality benchmarks.

What is a Education Program Manager?

An Education Program Manager is a strategic leader who oversees the design, implementation, and evaluation of educational curricula and professional development initiatives. By utilizing Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Canvas or Blackboard and adhering to pedagogical best practices, they ensure that instructional programs meet institutional or organizational goals. An Education Program Manager serves as the bridge between academic theory and practical application, ensuring that high-quality learning outcomes are achieved across diverse educational environments.

What does a Education Program Manager do?

An Education Program Manager coordinates the end-to-end lifecycle of academic programs, from initial needs assessment and content development to final assessment and reporting. They collaborate with instructional designers, subject matter experts, and faculty to integrate multimedia resources and digital tools into the curriculum. On a daily basis, they analyze learner performance data to iterate on instructional strategies, manage program budgets, and ensure all academic offerings remain compliant with accreditation standards and industry regulations.

Key responsibilities

Design and execute comprehensive curriculum roadmaps aligned with defined learning objectives and industry-specific competency frameworks.
Manage the implementation and optimization of Learning Management Systems (LMS) to track student progress and enhance digital accessibility.
Analyze student performance metrics and engagement data to identify gaps and iterate on instructional strategies for improved outcomes.
Collaborate with subject matter experts to translate complex topics into engaging, accessible, and structured educational content for diverse learners.
Ensure all educational programming maintains strict adherence to institutional accreditation standards, state regulations, and internal quality benchmarks.
Facilitate professional development workshops and training sessions to upskill faculty and support staff on new pedagogical tools and techniques.
Manage program-specific budgets, resource allocation, and project timelines to ensure educational initiatives are delivered on schedule and within scope.
Synthesize feedback from learners and stakeholders to produce monthly performance reports and strategic improvement proposals for organizational leadership.

Requirements and skills

Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a related field of study.
Minimum 4+ years of experience in program management, instructional design, or academic administration within K-12, higher education, or corporate training.
Proven proficiency in managing Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Canvas, Moodle, D2L, or Cornerstone OnDemand.
Deep understanding of instructional methodologies, including ADDIE, backwards design, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.
Demonstrated ability to use data analytics tools like Excel, Tableau, or Power BI to evaluate program efficacy and report on learner outcomes.
Professional certification such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) is highly preferred.
Exceptional ability to synthesize technical or complex academic requirements into actionable, clear communication for non-academic stakeholders.
Familiarity with ADA compliance requirements and WCAG accessibility standards in the design of digital learning materials.

FAQs

What does an Education Program Manager do daily?

An Education Program Manager spends their day balancing administrative oversight with strategic curriculum planning. Daily tasks include reviewing learner performance data, troubleshooting issues within the Learning Management System, collaborating with instructional designers on content modules, and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure educational goals are met. They also dedicate time to analyzing assessment metrics to ensure the instructional strategy is effectively driving the intended learning outcomes.

What qualifications are needed to become an Education Program Manager?

To become an Education Program Manager, you typically need a Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field. Employers look for significant experience in curriculum development, classroom management, or academic administration. Proficiency in educational technology, such as LMS platforms (Canvas, Blackboard) and data analysis tools, is essential. Professional certifications like the PMP or CPTD can further strengthen your qualifications.

Who does an Education Program Manager typically report to?

An Education Program Manager usually reports to an Academic Dean, a Director of Learning and Development, or a Chief Academic Officer. They function as a pivot point in the organization, working upward with senior leadership to report on program ROI and downward with faculty and instructional designers to ensure the ground-level execution of curricula. Their ability to influence these cross-functional teams is critical to the success of the programs they manage.

Why is the Education Program Manager role important?

The Education Program Manager is critical because they turn broad institutional missions into functional, scalable learning experiences. Without this role, curricula can become stagnant, learner engagement may decline, and programs may fail to meet accreditation or compliance standards. By continuously iterating on educational content and monitoring student performance, they ensure that the organization delivers measurable value and prepares learners for future success.