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Assistant Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Program Director

CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

In their role, the Program Director ensures the highest level of brand standards are executed and core concepts are continuously demonstrated. Responsibilities * Oversee & assist in the creation and ...

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Assistant Program Director information

See California salary details

$27.6K

$69.2K

$107.1K

How much do assistant program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant program director in California is $69,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,300.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Program Director, you generally need strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills, often supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with program management software, budgeting tools, and reporting systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills help you motivate teams and foster effective stakeholder relationships. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring program goals are met efficiently and teams remain aligned and productive.

What does an Assistant Program Director do?

An Assistant Program Director supports the Program Director in planning, organizing, and overseeing the daily operations of a specific program or department. Their responsibilities often include supervising staff, coordinating schedules, managing budgets, and ensuring that program goals and standards are met. They may also assist with evaluating program effectiveness and implementing improvements. This role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

How does an Assistant Program Director typically collaborate with other departments or teams within an organization?

Assistant Program Directors often serve as a critical link between program staff, upper management, and other departments such as finance, marketing, and human resources. They regularly coordinate meetings, communicate program needs, and help resolve cross-departmental issues to ensure that program objectives are met efficiently. Building strong relationships and maintaining open channels of communication are essential, as the role frequently involves aligning program activities with organizational goals and integrating feedback from various stakeholders.

What is the difference between Assistant Program Director vs Program Coordinator?

AspectAssistant Program DirectorProgram Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in program managementBachelor's degree, administrative experience
Work EnvironmentOversees program operations, collaborates with leadershipSupports daily activities, handles logistics
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, education, healthcareNonprofits, community programs, education

The Assistant Program Director typically has more responsibilities in overseeing program strategies and staff, often requiring more experience. The Program Coordinator focuses on supporting daily operations and logistics. Both roles are essential in program management but differ in scope and seniority.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program Director jobs in California? The most popular types of Program Director jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Program Director jobs in California? For Assistant Program Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Program Director jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Program Director jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Program Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Assistant Program Director job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Program Director jobs in CA? For Assistant Program Director jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Assistant Program Director job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 44% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,202 per year, or $33.3 per hour.
Assistant Program Director

$70K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Salary Range: $70,000 - $76,000 annually (DOE)

Schedule: Monday - Friday l 9:00am - 5:00pm l On-call rotation

Location: 1470 E. Middle Ave, San Martin, CA 95046 (On-site)

The Assistant Program Director provides daily leadership and operational oversight for residential life and staff teams. Ensuring safe, structured, and developmentally appropriate programming for adolescents in a highacuity residential treatment setting. This role is responsible for the quality and consistency of student services related to dorm life, milieu management, recreation, and experiential activities, while supporting and developing direct care staff. As a key member of the residential leadership team, the Assistant Program Director partners closely with the Program Director and collaborates with admissions, academic, clinical, and medical departments. Maintaining seamless communication, coordinated care, and high standards of safety, compliance, and program excellence.

Join us at Embark at our Short-term Residential Treatment Program in San Martin, serving teen girls and boys (gender fluid) ages 12 – 17, experiencing and struggling with school refusal, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, suicidal ideation and other mental health issues. Pre-teens and teens reside at our Residential Treatment Center in our comfortable family-style residence, where community and interpersonal relationships are fostered and encouraged. 


  • Treatment planning: Assist in the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans for each resident, including coordinating services with external agencies and professionals as needed.

  • Program development: Contribute to and initiate programmatic troubleshooting, planning, evaluating, and creation of curriculum and programmatic design for the residential department.

  • Professional development: Participate in ongoing training and professional development activities to stay informed about best practices in youth care and related fields.

  • Staff supervision: Serve as direct supervisor for Facility Managers; aid and support the residential staff team by filling in and covering in a direct care capacity when necessary for coverage, mentorship, or training purposes.

  • Program evaluation: Participate in program evaluation efforts to assess the effectiveness of services, identify areas of improvement, and contribute to the development and implementation of quality improvement initiatives.

  • Hiring and onboarding: Participate in the hiring process, including interviewing, candidate assessment, and onboarding.

  • Administrative operations: Perform a variety of routine and consistent administrative duties such as maintaining documentation, tracking program outcomes, and participating in meetings and reporting within the residential department.

  • Family and community engagement: Facilitate communication and involvement between clients, their families, and the community, including organizing family meetings and events.

  • Crisis management: Assist in the management of crises and emergencies within the facility, including de-escalation techniques and ensuring the safety and well-being of clients and staff.


  • Minimum 3 years in a leadership role.
  • Experience working in behavioral health with adolescents navigating various mental health challenges
  • Must maintain current First Aid/CPR/AED certificate and Safety Care Training
  • Must obtain a valid State of California Driver's License
  • Must be at least 21 years of age or older
  • Must obtain at least a High School Diploma or equivalent GED

  • Paid Continued Development: Access to a Mastery Program that offers professional and financial opportunities for professional growth.
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance – Multiple plan options including PPO and HDHPs with HSA eligibility and company contributions.
  • Paid Parental Leave – Up to 6 weeks fully paid for exempt employees and 4 weeks for non-exempt.
  • Life & Disability Coverage – Company-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability; voluntary life and optional short-term disability available.
  • 401(k) with Company Match – Retirement savings with matching contributions after eligibility period.
  • PTO & Holidays – Competitive PTO accrual plans and paid holidays throughout the year.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential support for life’s challenges.

Embark is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to enriching the therapeutic and healing experience we offer through the diversity of our employees and community. We actively seek to recruit and support a broadly diverse staff who contribute to our excellence, diversity of viewpoints and experiences, and relevance in a global society.


Embark does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.