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Children Program Director Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Children's Program Cook

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$23.16/hr

Report to - Dan Hupala, Director of Preschool Work environment - Work is performed at the Friendly ... The Children's Program Cook will prepare breakfast, lunch, and snacks for 3 preschool classrooms.

Children's Program Cook

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$23.16/hr

Report to - Dan Hupala, Director of Preschool Work environment - Work is performed at the Friendly ... The Children's Program Cook will prepare breakfast, lunch, and snacks for 3 preschool classrooms.

Children's Program Cook

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$23.16/hr

Report to - Dan Hupala, Director of Preschool Work environment - Work is performed at the Friendly ... The Children's Program Cook will prepare breakfast, lunch, and snacks for 3 preschool classrooms.

After School Teacher

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$22.50 - $23.18/hr

With the support of the program director and coordinators, develop, post, and follow a written daily schedule for each group of children, according to their ages, interests, and abilities. * With the ...

After School Teacher

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$22.50 - $23.18/hr

With the support of the program director and coordinators, develop, post, and follow a written daily schedule for each group of children, according to their ages, interests, and abilities. * With the ...

With the support of the program director and coordinators, develop, post, and follow a written daily schedule for each group of children, according to their ages, interests, and abilities. * With the ...

After School Assistant Techer

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$21.50 - $22.15/hr

Immediately notify the Children's Program Director and Site Coordinator of any incidents, accidents, or other health and safety hazards immediately by following Children's Programs procedures and ...

Preschool Director

Beaverton, OR ยท On-site

$47K - $65K/yr

At Guidepost Montessori, we believe education should do more than prepare children for tests, it ... Experience as a School Director, Program Director, Admissions Director, Administrative Director, or ...

Preschool Director

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

At Guidepost Montessori, we believe education should do more than prepare children for tests, it ... Experience as a School Director, Program Director, Admissions Director, Administrative Director, or ...

Preschool Director

Beaverton, OR ยท On-site

$47K - $65K/yr

At Guidepost Montessori, we believe education should do more than prepare children for tests, it ... Experience as a School Director, Program Director, Admissions Director, Administrative Director, or ...

Preschool Director

Beaverton, OR ยท On-site

$47K - $65K/yr

At Guidepost Montessori, we believe education should do more than prepare children for tests, it ... Experience as a School Director, Program Director, Admissions Director, Administrative Director, or ...

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Children Program Director information

See Portland, OR salary details

$31.3K

$82.9K

$145.3K

How much do children program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for children program director in Portland, OR is $82,927.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,200.00 and $98,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a children program director do?

A Children Program Director is responsible for designing, managing, and evaluating programs and activities for children, often within educational, recreational, or community settings. They oversee staff, develop age-appropriate curricula, ensure the safety and well-being of participants, and coordinate with parents and community organizations. Their role involves budgeting, scheduling, and maintaining compliance with relevant regulations to create a positive and enriching environment for children.

What are some common challenges faced by a children program director, and how can they be effectively managed?

Children Program Directors often face challenges such as balancing diverse needs of children, managing staff, and ensuring program compliance with safety and educational standards. Effective management involves maintaining clear communication with team members, staying updated on best practices in child development, and fostering strong relationships with parents and community partners. Proactively addressing staff training and seeking regular feedback can also help create a positive, adaptable program environment.

What are the responsibilities of a Children Program Director?

A Children Program Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing children's activities and educational programs. They coordinate staff, ensure safety and compliance with regulations, and develop age-appropriate curriculum to promote children's development and engagement. Strong leadership, communication skills, and knowledge of child development are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Children Program Director vs Children Activities Coordinator?

Children Program DirectorChildren Activities Coordinator
Develops and oversees overall program strategies and policiesPlans and executes specific activities and events for children
Requires higher-level management skills and experienceFocuses on day-to-day activity coordination
Typically holds a bachelor's degree in education, recreation, or related fieldMay require similar certifications but less managerial experience
Works in community centers, schools, or religious organizationsWorks in similar environments, often under supervision

The Children Program Director focuses on strategic planning and program management, while the Children Activities Coordinator handles the execution of specific activities. Both roles require relevant certifications and work in similar settings, but the director has broader responsibilities and leadership duties.

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

To thrive as a Children Program Director, you need a background in education, child development, or a related field, often with a bachelor's degree and experience in program management. Familiarity with curriculum planning tools, child safety regulations, and management software is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you inspire staff, engage families, and respond effectively to challenges. These competencies are essential for creating enriching, safe, and effective programs that support children's growth and well-being.
What are popular job titles related to Children Program Director jobs in Portland, OR? For Children Program Director jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Children Program Director jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Children Program Director jobs in Portland, OR are:

Children's Program Cook

Friendly House Inc

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

$23.16/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description:

Job Title – Children’s Program Cook

FLSA Classification – non-exempt

Salary Grade – Regular, full-time 40 hours per week, $23.16 per hour

Benefits - Paid time off and paid sick leave prorated by FTE, 403b with a 4% match after 90 days of employment, 11.5 Holidays. Discounts on Preschool, After School, and Summer Camp. EAP program, fitness center on site.

Report to – Dan Hupala, Director of Preschool

Work environment – Work is performed at the Friendly House campus – This job is performed mostly in a kitchen in Friendly House’s Brentano and Crawford buildings, the preschool classrooms, and after school classrooms

Supervision – None

Schedule - 40 hours, five days per week in two kitchens, which includes 2 hours of meal planning and online supply ordering.

This position is union-eligible and is represented by ILWU Local 5.

Job Overview

The Children’s Program Cook is an essential member of the team at Friendly House. This position provides menu-planning, shopping, meal preparation, clean-up services, and toy sanitizing for our preschool and afterschool classes. The Children’s Program Cook will prepare breakfast, lunch, and snacks for 3 preschool classrooms. They will also prepare snacks for up to 5 after school classrooms. They must be able to quickly learn, and track meal preparation and sanitation guidelines as detailed by Childcare Licensing regulations. This position requires creativity, attention to detail, ability to be flexible, shopping and cooking on a limited budget, enthusiasm for children, and a dedication to serving diverse families from all walks of life.

Responsibilities and Duties

Essential Functions

  • In consultation with staff and supervisor, develop a four-week vegetarian menu cycle for 3-5-year-olds, with a focus on fresh produce, local ingredients, and nutritious, tasty food in compliance with USDA standards.
  • Create weekly snack menus for the after-school program, full day childcare days, and school-age camps.
  • Strong time management skills, and ability to maintain the schedule of meal services.
  • Order, purchase, and put away all food products for preschool and school-age programs.
  • Preparation, set-up, and clean-up after preschool meals and snacks.
  • Preparation of school-age programs snacks to be picked up and served by program staff.
  • Provide menus digitally and physically to program directors to post for families.
  • Clean and sanitize Brentano building kitchen daily.
  • Collect and sanitize toys from preschool classrooms daily.
  • Model positive and appropriate interactions with children and adults.
  • Maintain open and professional communication with staff and volunteers.
  • Contribute toward Friendly House’s goal of building community.
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements

  • At least 18 years of age.
  • At least one year of experience cooking for groups.
  • A current Food Handlers Card or be able to obtain within one week of hire.
  • Enrollment in the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care’s central background registry.
  • Competent in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Physical requirements, must be able to:
  • routinely lift 50 pounds,
  • bend, stoop, twist and sit on the floor.


Notice of Non-Discrimination

Friendly House values equity, diversity, and inclusion. People with lived experience in communities of color and other marginalized groups are encouraged to apply. It is the policy of Friendly House to treat all people with dignity and respect. The agency prohibits discrimination based upon race, sex, religion, color, gender identity, age, national origin, marital or familial status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, citizenship status, military service, veteran status, housing status, source of income, political affiliation, union affiliation, physical or mental disability or other protected status in accordance with applicable law. In addition, we shall not discriminate against minority-owned, women-owned, or emerging small business.

Requirements: