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Digital Program Director Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

American University

Program Director

Washington, DC · On-site

Working closely with leadership across WAMU News, 1A, Broadcast Operations, Engineering, Membership, Marketing, and Digital, the Program Director translates content strategy into a cohesive, audience ...

AKQA

Program Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$3.6K - $4.4K/wk

With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and applications that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients. Program Directors ...

AKQA

Program Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$3.6K - $4.4K/wk

With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and applications that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients. Program Directors ...

Leidos

Program Director

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$154K - $278K/yr

This Key Program Manager position offers a career building, high-impact opportunity for the right ... digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees ...

New

AECOM

Program Director, Water/Wastewater

Washington, DC · On-site

Champion innovation, digital delivery, and continuous improvement across water and wastewater ... As Program Director, you will have the opportunity to lead a major initiative from strategy through ...

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Digital Program Director information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$69.8K

$98.4K

$133.4K

How much do digital program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for digital program director in Silver Spring, MD is $98,376.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $120,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Digital Program Director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the success of digital initiatives?

A Digital Program Director regularly works with cross-functional teams, including marketing, IT, design, and analytics, to align project goals and ensure seamless execution of digital programs. They facilitate communication between departments, manage timelines, and resolve any roadblocks that arise. By providing strategic direction and fostering a collaborative environment, they help ensure that all stakeholders are working towards shared objectives and that digital initiatives are delivered on time and within budget.

What is a Digital Program Director?

A Digital Program Director is a professional responsible for overseeing and managing digital initiatives within an organization. This role involves planning, executing, and optimizing digital programs such as marketing campaigns, online content strategies, or digital product launches. Digital Program Directors coordinate cross-functional teams, monitor project progress, and ensure that digital strategies align with the company's goals. They also track performance metrics and adjust strategies to improve outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Digital Program Director, you need expertise in digital strategy, project management, and leadership, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools (like Asana or Trello), analytics platforms (such as Google Analytics), and digital marketing systems is essential. Strong communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills help you lead teams and align projects with business goals. These skills ensure the successful execution of digital initiatives that drive organizational growth and innovation.

What is the difference between Digital Program Director vs Digital Marketing Manager?

AspectDigital Program DirectorDigital Marketing Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; often advanced degrees in business or digital fields; certifications in project management or digital strategyBachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or related field; certifications like Google Ads or HubSpot
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple digital projects and teams, strategic planning, high-level decision makingExecutes marketing campaigns, manages digital channels, focuses on marketing tactics
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large corporations, agencies, and organizations with complex digital initiativesCommon in marketing departments across various industries

The Digital Program Director focuses on overseeing multiple digital projects and strategic initiatives, while the Digital Marketing Manager concentrates on executing marketing campaigns and managing digital channels. Both roles require digital expertise but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Digital Program jobs in Silver Spring, MD? The most popular types of Digital Program jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What are popular job titles related to Digital Program Director jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Digital Program Director jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Digital Program Director jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Digital Program Director job openings:
Digital Program Director jobs near you
Program Director

Program Director

American University

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

American University rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 546 rated colleges and universities

Job description

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University
Department:
Content Operations
Time Type:
Full time
Job Type:
Regular
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Work Modality:
Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)
Union:
Excluded
Job Description:
Summary:
WAMU 88.5 is a public media station owned and operated by American University. WAMU is the source for local, regional and NPR news and original programs in Washington DC. Since 1961, WAMU has been amplifying voices and sharing stories from the many neighborhoods and communities in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
The Program Director is responsible for the strategic design, performance optimization, and operational integrity of WAMU's live broadcast schedule. Reporting to the Chief Content Officer, this role ensures that every hour of WAMU's broadcast reflects WAMU's Up Next content strategy, audience growth priorities, and brand standards.
Serving as the architect of WAMU's live listening experience, the Program Director shapes format flow, break structure, promotional cadence, and schedule cohesion across dayparts. This position ensures that WAMU's editorial vision and strategic priorities are consistently and clearly reflected in on-air and audio delivery.
Working closely with leadership across WAMU News, 1A, Broadcast Operations, Engineering, Membership, Marketing, and Digital, the Program Director translates content strategy into a cohesive, audience-centered broadcast product. The role operates through collaboration and influence, aligning multiple departments to strengthen WAMU's performance, sound, and audience impact.
Essential Functions:
1.) Live Broadcast Strategy and Format Optimization
  • Oversee the strategic design and execution of WAMU's daily broadcast schedule to ensure clarity, cohesion, and audience impact.
  • Ensure WAMU's Up Next content strategy is reflected in broadcast execution, including daypart rhythm, franchise visibility, promotional priorities, and overall audio presentation.
  • Evaluate and optimize break structure, segment length, promotional cadence, and format flow across dayparts to strengthen listener retention and engagement.
  • Partner with daypart leaders (WAMU Mornings, Midday/Weekends including The Politics Hour, and WAMU Afternoons) to align programming execution with strategic goals.
  • Maintain the integrity and consistency of WAMU's full-day broadcast sound.

2.) Traffic Log Alignment and Operational Coordination
  • Ensure the daily station log accurately reflects programming priorities and strategic decisions.
  • Collaborate with Traffic, Operations, and Engineering teams to support accurate scheduling and reconciliation of programming elements, including promotional announcements, legal IDs, Emergency Alert System requirements, and special coverage.
  • Maintain automation templates and support custom templates for pledge drives, special programming, and live news events.
  • Ensure programming metadata (RDS / PAD) is accurate and aligned with broadcast content.

3.) Audience Performance Strategy and Institutional Insight
  • Serve as WAMU's subject-matter expert on audience performance metrics, including Nielsen Audio ratings, streaming data, and related research tools.
  • Lead the analysis and interpretation of audience data to identify trends, retention opportunities, growth potential, and daypart performance insights.
  • Translate complex audience data into clear, actionable insights for leadership across WAMU News, 1A, Operations, Advancement, Marketing, and Digital teams.
  • Establish shared understanding across departments of how WAMU measures success, including key performance indicators for broadcast and live listening.
  • Partner with the Chief Content Officer to align programming strategy with measurable audience goals and long-term growth priorities.
  • Present audience performance findings in internal and board-level settings as needed.
  • Integrate terrestrial and digital listening data to provide a comprehensive, station-wide view of audience behavior.

4.) On-Air Promotions, Brand Voice, and Listener Experience
  • Collaborate with Editorial and Advancement teams to develop and strategically place on-air promotions supporting coverage, franchise content, and membership campaigns.
  • Contribute to the development and maintenance of WAMU's Sound + Style standards to ensure consistent tone, pacing, and writing across dayparts.
  • Partner with Membership to thoughtfully integrate fundraising messaging into the broadcast flow, balancing audience experience and revenue goals.

5.) Strategic Program Acquisition and Partnerships
  • Manage relationships with NPR and external programming partners.
  • Evaluate programming opportunities based on audience growth potential, strategic fit, and schedule cohesion.
  • Advise the Chief Content Officer on special programming decisions and schedule evolution.
  • Maintain awareness of national public media programming trends and performance benchmarks.

6.) Cross-Departmental Leadership and Influence
  • Lead regular coordination with News, 1A, Operations, Engineering, Membership, Marketing, and Digital teams to ensure alignment in broadcast execution.
  • Identify workflow improvements that strengthen broadcast execution and reduce friction between departments.
  • Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Chief Content Officer on live listening performance, broadcast evolution, and long-term audience growth.

7.) Regulatory Compliance and Broadcast Standards
  • Participate in cross-departmental efforts to ensure WAMU's broadcast operations comply with FCC regulations and public radio standards.
  • Collaborate with Operations and relevant leadership to ensure programming decisions align with regulatory requirements.
  • Contribute to maintaining clear documentation and consistent application of broadcast policies and procedures.

Competencies:
  • Prioritizing and Organizing.
  • Acquiring and Analyzing Information.
  • Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
  • Collaborative Leadership.
  • Leading and Inspiring People.
  • Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.
  • Developing Plans.
  • Managing Talent.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
  • Full-time.
  • 35 hours per week.
  • Evening or weekend work may be required during pledge drives, breaking news coverage, or special programming.
  • Hybrid 1 work modality (3 - 4 days in office per week).

Salary Range:
  • $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 annually.

Required Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • 8 - 10 years of relevant experience.
  • Progressive experience in radio programming, broadcast operations, audience research, format strategy, or related fields.
  • Strong knowledge of FCC rules and regulations required.
  • Demonstrated experience interpreting audience data and applying insights to programming decisions.
  • Experience working collaboratively across departments in a live news environment required.

Preferred Education and Experience:
  • 10+ years of relevant experience.
  • Public radio experience strongly preferred.
  • Experience aligning broadcast strategy with multiplatform content initiatives.
  • Experience presenting audience insights to executive leadership or boards.
  • Experience supporting listener-supported fundraising strategies.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:
  • Excellent writing and editing skills for broadcast and digital platforms.
  • High attention to detail and operational rigor.
  • Strong understanding of trends in public and commercial audio.
  • Ability to lead in a fast-paced live news environment.
  • Demonstrated commitment to WAMU's mission and American University's values.

Other Duties:
  • Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits
AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.
Other Details
  • Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
  • Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
  • Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
  • American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees
American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

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