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Chief Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Program Officer

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site +1

$140K - $190K/yr

Chief Program Officer ABOUT US CollegeSpring is the only national nonprofit providing teacher-led ... The CPO will lead a national program organization of 12 team members, including three Directors ...

$110K/yr

Position Title and Overview The Auberle Chief Program Officer CPO is a new C‑Suite position that ... Directly supervises program directors/managers, overseeing staff recruitment, professional ...

New

Position Title and Overview The Auberle Chief Program Officer CPO is a new C‑Suite position that ... Directly supervises program directors/managers, overseeing staff recruitment, professional ...

Chief Program Officer ABOUT US CollegeSpring is the only national nonprofit providing teacher-led ... The CPO will lead a national program organization of 12 team members, including three Directors ...

Position Title and Overview The Auberle Chief Program Officer CPO is a new C-Suite position that ... Directly supervises program directors/managers, overseeing staff recruitment, professional ...

The Auberle Chief Program Officer CPO is a new C-Suite position that reports directly to the COO to ... Directly supervises program directors/managers, overseeing staff recruitment, professional ...

CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$128K - $203K/yr

... Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Secretary for the Developmental Disabilities ... The Chief Program Officer (CPO) serves as a member of the executive leadership team and provides ...

The Auberle Chief Program Officer CPO is a new C-Suite position that reports directly to the COO to ... Directly supervises program directors/managers, overseeing staff recruitment, professional ...

The Program Director reports directly to Immerse's NW Arkansas Executive Director while also collaborating with and receiving consultation from Immerse's Chief Program Officer. POSITION ROLE ...

Showing results 21-40

Chief Program Director information

See salary details

$29.5K

$78.2K

$137K

How much do chief program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief program director in the United States is $78,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chief program director?

A Chief Program Director is a senior executive responsible for overseeing and managing all major programs within an organization. This role involves strategic planning, coordination among various departments, and ensuring that program goals align with the organization's mission and objectives. Chief Program Directors typically lead teams, manage budgets, and evaluate the effectiveness of programs to ensure they deliver desired results. They play a key role in decision-making and often report directly to the CEO or board of directors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief program director?

To thrive as a Chief Program Director, you need extensive experience in program management, strategic planning, and a relevant advanced degree such as an MBA or MPA. Familiarity with project management software, budgeting tools, and performance measurement systems is often required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities help you guide teams and foster collaboration across departments. These skills are critical for ensuring programs align with organizational objectives, deliver impactful results, and adapt to changing priorities.

How does a chief program director typically collaborate with other executive leaders to drive organizational goals?

A Chief Program Director works closely with other executive leaders, such as the CEO, CFO, and department heads, to align program strategies with the organization's overall mission and objectives. This often involves regular strategy meetings, cross-departmental planning sessions, and joint decision-making on resource allocation. Effective collaboration ensures that programs are well-integrated across the organization and that key initiatives receive the support and visibility needed for success. Building strong relationships with peers in leadership also helps to address challenges proactively and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Chief Program Director vs Program Manager?

AspectChief Program DirectorProgram Manager
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (e.g., Master’s), extensive experience in program leadership, and industry-specific certificationsUsually holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree with relevant project management certifications (e.g., PMP)
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple programs or departments, strategic planning, high-level decision makingManages specific projects or programs, focuses on execution and delivery
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in nonprofit, government, and large corporate sectorsWidely used across industries including healthcare, tech, and education

The Chief Program Director typically holds higher-level responsibilities, overseeing multiple programs and setting strategic direction, while the Program Manager focuses on managing individual projects within those programs. Both roles require strong leadership and project management skills, but the Chief Program Director operates at a broader, organizational level.

What cities are hiring for Chief Program Director jobs?

Cities with the most Chief Program Director job openings:

What states have the most Chief Program Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Chief Program Director jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Chief Program Director jobs?

For Chief Program Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Chief Program Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,196 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER

Baltimore, MD • On-site

State of Maryland - MDH Dev Disabilities Admin - Program Direction

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Direct the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the Community Pathways waiver program and Title VII State-funded services.

  • Provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for statewide program operations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  • Lead organizational initiatives to enhance program performance, streamline processes, and strengthen accountability in partnership with other agency leaders and community stakeholders.


Job description

GRADE

26\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

MDH Developmental Disabilities Administration, Baltimore MD\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Secretary for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), this senior leadership position functions as the Chief Program Officer. The Chief Program Officer (CPO) serves as a member of the executive leadership team and provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for statewide program operations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The CPO ensures that DDA's Community Pathways waiver program is person-centered, compliant with federal and State requirements, fiscally sustainable, and aligned with the Administration's strategic priorities.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe CPO directs the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the Community Pathways waiver program and Title VII State-funded services. The incumbent leads organizational initiatives that enhance program performance, streamline business processes, and strengthen accountability by working in partnership with DDA's Chief Operating Officer. The CPO plans, coordinates, and implements high-priority, cross-cutting policies that advance Maryland's mission and strategic goals. The position is public-facing and fosters a close partnership with other administrations within the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), other state agencies, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, non-profits, providers, and advocates to ensure program effectiveness and responsiveness to community needs.\r\n\r\n\r\nUnder the direction of the Deputy Secretary for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), the CPO serves as a senior executive responsible for providing strategic leadership, program oversight, and organizational direction for the Administration. The position advises the Deputy Secretary on complex policy, programmatic, and operational matters; ensures the effective administration of DDA's Community Pathways waiver program and services; and leads cross-functional initiatives that improve organizational performance, accountability, quality, and customer service. The CPO represents and acts on behalf of the Deputy Secretary, as assigned, to ensure continuity of leadership and decision-making while advancing the mission of the Maryland Department of Health to improve the health, safety, independence, and quality of life of Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities.\r\n\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and have at least ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience and demonstrated success leading large, complex human services, intellectual and developmental disabilities, Medicaid, or health care organizations, including extensive knowledge of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), Medicaid waiver programs, developmental disabilities policy, federal and State regulations, strategic planning, fiscal and grants management, organizational development, and performance improvement.\r\n

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for the Chief Programs Officer role is a seasoned senior executive with a proven record of leading organizational change, managing multidisciplinary teams, and driving operational excellence. In addition to the technical requirements, the candidate should possess exceptional leadership, communication, and consensus-building skills, with a deep commitment to advancing equity, person-centered services, and innovation. Experience working with executive leadership, the Governor's Office, the Maryland General Assembly, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), provider organizations, and advocacy groups is highly desirable. This individual will be an innovative, data-driven leader capable of building productive partnerships and integrating policy, operations, and fiscal stewardship into a cohesive statewide strategy to improve the quality of life for Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities.\r\n

SELECTION PROCESS

This is a Management Service position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority. A resume must be uploaded to the application.\r\nApplicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position.Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work.Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview).\r\nComplete applications must be submitted by the closing date.Information submitted after this date will not be added.\r\nIncorrect application forms will not be accepted.\r\nCandidates may remain on thecertified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.\r\n

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online,the paper application (and supplemental questionnaire) may be submitted to MDH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. Preston St., Room 114-B, Baltimore, MD 21201.Paper application materials must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted.\r\nIf additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload. If you are unable to upload, please fax the requested informationto 410-333-5689.Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time.\r\nFor questions regarding this recruitment, please contact theMDH Recruitment and Selection Division at 410-767-1251.\r\nIf you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 orApplication.Help@maryland.gov.\r\nAppropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: 410-767-1251 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.\r\nWe thank our Veterans for their service to our country.\r\nPeople with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.\r\nAs an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.\r\n

Employment Type: Full-Time