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Academic director vs student dean

The differences between academic directors and student deans can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an academic director and a student dean. Additionally, an academic director has an average salary of $122,669, which is higher than the $59,497 average annual salary of a student dean.

The top three skills for an academic director include professional development, curriculum development and student performance. The most important skills for a student dean are behavior issues, staff development, and crisis intervention.

Academic director vs student dean overview

Academic DirectorStudent Dean
Yearly salary$122,669$59,497
Hourly rate$58.98$28.60
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs12,42010,422
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age4747
Years of experience66

What does an academic director do?

The academic director is the person that leads the school or university in an active stance in education. The vitality of the level of education rests on the shoulders of the director. The academic director is also responsible for hiring faculty staff, working with teachers and professors to create and develop the school curriculum, work with the school administrator regarding student affairs and help in the administrative duties in line with the educational institution. Also included in the academic director's task is assessing incoming students, processing grades, and attending to students' needs and welfare.

What does a student dean do?

A Student Dean is focused on responding to students' needs at a college or university. They plan and direct university activities related to student services and campus life.

Academic director vs student dean salary

Academic directors and student deans have different pay scales, as shown below.

Academic DirectorStudent Dean
Average salary$122,669$59,497
Salary rangeBetween $78,000 And $191,000Between $32,000 And $109,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateOregonNew York
Best paying companyEmory HealthcareDawson School
Best paying industryTransportationEducation

Differences between academic director and student dean education

There are a few differences between an academic director and a student dean in terms of educational background:

Academic DirectorStudent Dean
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorBusinessEducational Leadership
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Academic director vs student dean demographics

Here are the differences between academic directors' and student deans' demographics:

Academic DirectorStudent Dean
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 47.9% Female, 52.1%Male, 61.2% Female, 38.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.0% Asian, 4.3% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 4.4% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between academic director and student dean duties and responsibilities

Academic director example responsibilities.

  • Manage and track individual sorority members monthly study hour requirements.
  • Devise process improvements that lead increased operational efficiency and persistence.
  • Lead project management team in development/execution of conferences and enduring CME -accredite programs.
  • Help in various fund raising activities for PTA
  • Develop and teach public lands policy seminar.
  • Provide advocacy services in attendance at local IEP meetings.
  • Show more

Student dean example responsibilities.

  • Implement recruitment efforts with local schools and colleges.
  • Assist with tours of various HBCU and non-HBCU colleges and universities.
  • Foster a positive school culture through oversight of social activities including talent shows, prep rallies and community meetings.
  • Provide comprehensive oversight and direction.
  • Foster positive campus climate for very diverse student population.
  • Work cooperatively with other administrators to promote student success and a positive campus climate.
  • Show more

Academic director vs student dean skills

Common academic director skills
  • Professional Development, 13%
  • Curriculum Development, 9%
  • Student Performance, 7%
  • Academic Programs, 7%
  • Staff Development, 6%
  • Academic Support, 5%
Common student dean skills
  • Behavior Issues, 9%
  • Staff Development, 7%
  • Crisis Intervention, 6%
  • Student Achievement, 5%
  • Progress Monitoring, 5%
  • Student Services, 4%

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