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College Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Position: Program Director Type: Salary, Full-Time, Exempt Compensation: Up to $126k per year ... college units in one or more of the following subject areas: (A) Psychology, (B) Social Work, (C ...

Program Director

Orange, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Program Director Reports to: Camping Director Status: Full Time, Exempt Benefits: Health insurance ... REQUIREMENTS: • Minimum 25 years of age • College degree in education, recreation, youth ...

The Work As Program Director you run a community college district's entire construction program. Not one building. Every capital project the district has going at once, plus the ones that have not ...

The Work As Program Director you run a community college district's entire construction program. Not one building. Every capital project the district has going at once, plus the ones that have not ...

The Work As Program Director you run a community college district's entire construction program. Not one building. Every capital project the district has going at once, plus the ones that have not ...

Program Director

Greenfield, CA · On-site

$75 - $110/hr

The Program Director is the senior program leader for an assigned district or geographic area. You ... Paraeducator competency (test, 48 college units, AA, or higher) * First Aid/CPR within 30 days of ...

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$71 - $88/hr

The minimum requirements to obtain a Program Director Permit are: * BA degree with 24 Early ... Must provide transcripts of college courses prior to beginning employment. * Must be fingerprinted ...

Job Overview Skanska is searching for a dynamic Program Director. This is a great opportunity to ... Bachelors or Masters degree from an accredited college or university in Construction Management ...

Job Overview Skanska is searching for a dynamic Program Director. This is a great opportunity to ... Bachelors or Masters degree from an accredited college or university in Construction Management ...

Job Overview Skanska is searching for a dynamic Program Director. This is a great opportunity to ... Bachelors or Masters degree from an accredited college or university in Construction Management ...

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College Program Director information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$77.2K

$135.2K

How much do college program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for college program director in California is $77,172.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,300.00 and $91,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a college program director do?

A College Program Director oversees the planning, development, and administration of specific academic or co-curricular programs within a college or university. They are responsible for curriculum development, faculty coordination, student advising, budget management, and ensuring that their program meets institutional goals and accreditation standards. Program Directors often collaborate with other departments, address student concerns, and evaluate program effectiveness to drive continuous improvement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a college program director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a College Program Director, you need expertise in academic administration, curriculum development, and higher education policies, often supported by a master's or doctoral degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), accreditation processes, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills are essential for managing faculty, engaging students, and driving program improvements. These competencies ensure effective program oversight, academic quality, and positive stakeholder relationships within the college environment.

What are some common challenges faced by college program directors when managing multiple academic programs?

College Program Directors often balance a variety of responsibilities, including coordinating curricula, supporting faculty, and ensuring that programs meet accreditation standards. Managing multiple programs can lead to challenges such as allocating limited resources, keeping up with changing academic requirements, and addressing the diverse needs of students and staff. Successful directors develop strong organizational and communication skills, and frequently collaborate with department chairs, faculty, and administrative staff to ensure each program runs smoothly and achieves its goals.

What is the difference between College Program Director vs College Academic Advisor?

AspectCollege Program DirectorCollege Academic Advisor
Required CredentialsBachelor’s degree; often master’s for leadership rolesBachelor’s degree in education, counseling, or related field
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, program planning settingsStudent services offices, one-on-one advising sessions
Employer & Industry UsageColleges, universities, educational institutionsColleges, universities, student support services
Primary FocusOverseeing academic programs and student success initiativesProviding academic guidance and support to students

The main difference is that College Program Directors focus on managing academic programs and strategic planning, while College Academic Advisors concentrate on guiding individual students through their academic journey. Both roles require relevant educational credentials and are integral to higher education institutions.

How much does a college program director make?

The average salary for a college program director is around $60,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and the institution's size. Senior or specialized roles can earn higher salaries, especially with advanced certifications or extensive management responsibilities.

What qualifications do you need to be a college program director?

A college program director typically needs a bachelor's degree in education, administration, or a related field, with many roles preferring a master's degree or higher. Relevant experience in education, program management, or student services is often required, along with strong organizational and leadership skills. Certifications in educational administration or project management can also be beneficial.

What are the most commonly searched types of College Program jobs in California?

The most popular types of College Program jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for College Program Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most College Program Director job openings:

Program Director

AKUA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INC

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$126K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description:

Position: Program Director

Type: Salary, Full-Time, Exempt

Compensation: Up to $126k per year

  • Base Salary: $90k-$100k per year
  • Performance Bonus: Up to $26k per year ($500/week based on census, earned weekly, paid monthly)

Benefits:

  • Health Insurance: Medical, Vision & Dental
  • Paid Time Off: Sick & Vacation
  • Equity Shares

Program Details:

  • The Program Director oversees day-to-day operations of a 30-Bed Mental Health & Substance abuse Residential Facility. This program will treat high acuity clients with mental health disorders such as: Bi-Polar, Schizophrenia, Depression, Anxiety, etc.
  • Due to the nature of the clients treated at this program, and the relevant governing body (DSS and DHCS) requirements, candidates with a background of treating mental health clients in a crisis setting are strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Training & Accountability: The Program Director ensures that all program staff are carrying out their daily functions and responsibilities through continuous monitoring, training, and accountability.
  • Staffing & Scheduling: The Program Director is responsible for ensuring that the program operates within its Staffing Guidelines and maintains adequate coverage on every shift, at all times (incl. Timekeeping).
  • Compliance: The Program Director ensures strict adherence to Akua’s policies, regulatory standards, and licensing requirements, , ensuring their program remains fully licensed, credentialed, accredited, and in good standing.
  • Employee Management: The Program Director actively participates in hiring, interviewing candidates within staffing guidelines, and oversees disciplinary actions and terminations, ensuring compliance with HR policies.
  • Emergency Management: The Program Director is responsible for promptly communicating and resolving any client issues/crisis.
  • Performance and Cost Management: The Program Director monitors key program metrics to drive performance improvements and ensures cost control by adhering to budgetary guidelines, including staffing, scheduling, and operational expenses.

Requirements

The Program Director of a certified Residential Treatment Program shall have the following Qualifications prior to employment:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work or any other major which includes at least 24 semester college units in one or more of the following subject areas: (A) Psychology, (B) Social Work, (C) Sociology, (D) Behavioral sciences (E) Psychiatric Nursing; and:
  • Two (2) years of full-time work experience in a community program that serves clients who have a mental illness. Such experience must be in the direct provision of services to clients, of which one (1) year must be in the position of supervising direct care staff, or
  • As an alternative to the Bachelor Degree and experience, a total of four (4) years of experience in a community program providing direct services to persons with mental disabilities, of which one (1) year must be in the position of supervising direct care staff, and graduation from high school of possession of a GED may be substituted.

Qualifications:

  • License/Credentials: LADC OR +, SUDCC-CS II OR +, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, or functional equivalent / appropriate license or certification (preferred).
  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree (required) or master’s degree (preferred) in a relevant field (e.g. Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Psychology)
  • Experience: 3+ years of mental health experience and 1+ year(s) of management experience (required)
  • Additional: Valid CA Driver's License, Current Health Screen / Physical, TB Test Clearance, Current CPR/First Aid certificate, Able to Pass Live Scan (required)

Key Qualities:

  • Blend of clinical expertise and business administration skills
  • Strong sense of ownership and accountability
  • Compassion for clients and employees in all interactions
  • Emotional stability under pressure
  • Exceptional leadership skills and execution capabilities

Company Description:

Akua Behavioral Health is California’s leading mental health and substance abuse treatment center. We provide our clients with individualized, compassionate treatment from Master’s and Doctorate level clinicians across various levels of care at fully licensed and accredited facilities throughout Northern and Southern California. To give our clients the best chance at lasting recovery, we pioneered an integrative East-meets-West approach that combines Western evidence-based treatment with holistic Eastern traditions to treat the mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is to create an environment of healing and transformation for each client seeking change.

Requirements: