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Program Administrator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... Administrator-on-Call (Available/On Call Supervisor) with other program leadership on an as needed basis and provides program/floor coverage, when necessary. • Performs all other duties, as ...

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Program Administrator information

See California salary details

$35K

$89.4K

$135.2K

How much do program administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for program administrator in California is $89,443.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,200.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Program Administrator, you need strong organizational skills, project management experience, and a relevant degree in public administration, business, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software, budgeting tools, and reporting systems is often required, along with certifications like PMP being advantageous. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail help you manage diverse teams and stakeholders effectively. These skills ensure programs are executed efficiently, goals are met, and organizational standards are maintained.

What is the highest paying job in administration?

In administration, executive-level roles such as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) or Chief Operating Officer (COO) tend to be the highest paying, often earning six-figure salaries or more. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced degrees or certifications, and they oversee large teams and organizational functions.

How much do program administrators make in the US?

Program administrators in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $65,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Salaries can range from approximately $50,000 for entry-level roles to over $100,000 for senior positions or those with specialized skills and certifications.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Program administrators and other employers often find that Gen Z job seekers face challenges such as limited work experience, skills gaps, and high competition. Additionally, younger applicants may lack familiarity with traditional hiring processes or required certifications, which can hinder their employment prospects.

What does a program administrator do?

A program administrator manages and oversees specific programs within an organization, ensuring they meet goals, stay within budget, and comply with policies. They coordinate between teams, monitor progress, and handle administrative tasks using tools like project management software. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for this role.

What Is a Program Administrator?

A program administrator oversees the development and implementation of a program, such as an educational, community, or after-school program. Their main job duties are to coordinate staff, ensure all administrative issues—such as budgets and locations—are taken care of, and design assessment tools to determine the effectiveness of the program. Qualifications for this job include experience and skills, including leadership and time management.

What are some common challenges faced by Program Administrators when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Program Administrators often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges such as prioritizing tasks, coordinating resources across teams, and ensuring timely communication among stakeholders. Balancing deadlines and adapting to shifting project scopes requires strong organizational skills and flexibility. Effective use of project management tools and clear communication are essential to keep all aspects of the program running smoothly.
What are the most commonly searched types of Program Administrator jobs in California? The most popular types of Program Administrator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Program Administrator jobs in California? For Program Administrator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Administrator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Program Administrator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Program Administrator jobs? Cities in California with the most Program Administrator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Program Administrator jobs in CA? For Program Administrator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Assistant Program Administrator

Assistant Program Administrator

Department of Social Services

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$9.8K - $11K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

New


Job description

Under the direction of the Program Administrator (CEA A), the Assistant Program Administrator (LPM III) is directly responsible for the licensing and oversight activities of up to four (4) Adult and Senior Care Program (ASCP) Regional Offices. The LPM III provides operational direction to the Regional Managers, ensures uniform enforcement of regulations using statewide procedures and standards, and reviews and recommends appropriate administrative action against facilities violating statutes and regulations. The LPM III represents the Program with stakeholders and state and local agencies and provides input on issues related to field operations. The LPM III is responsible for the oversight of special projects regarding field operations. The LPM III visits the assigned Regional Offices to review both internal and external operations and to ensure compliance with applicable statutes, policies and procedures. The LPM III analyzes field operations data and provides reports and recommendations to the CEA A.
If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey.
Need help with applying for positions, taking an examination, or preparing for interviews? Our team is here to support you, reach out anytime at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov . For guidance on applying for a state job, visit Three Steps to a State Job
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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
This is a Statewide recruitment and may be headquartered in any Community Care Licensing Regional Office. Those offices include: San Diego, El Segundo, San Bruno, Oakland, Riverside, Santa Rosa, Orange, Fresno, San Jose, Sacramento, Monterey Park, Woodland Hills, Santa Barbara, Chico, and San Bernardino.
This position may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, which includes working remotely and physically reporting to the office. This position requires statewide travel to include overnights as necessary and may require working after hours to meet departmental emergencies.
This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order N-22-25 and at the sole discretion of the Department of Social Services under California Government Code Section 14200. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time. The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the CDSS policies. For positions advertised in more than one location, headquarter location may be designated on the selected candidate's primary residence location, and/or the closest CDSS location in accordance with operational need and available space. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.
Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER III
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-523930
Position #(s):
800-820-8220-003
Working Title:
Assistant Program Administrator
Classification:
LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER III $9,894.00 - $11,234.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals? Do you set high standards for yourself and enjoy a collaborative and challenging work environment? The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The vision of the California Department of Social Services is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive.
It is the mission of the Community Care Licensing Division to promote the health, safety, and quality of life of each person in community care through the administration of an effective, collaborative regulatory enforcement system. The Program Office, in part, ensures that statewide field operations fulfill this mission.
CDSS Guiding Principles
Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Accessibility. Belonging.
We ensure opportunities for everyone to participate in a meaningful way in fulfilling the mission and vision of CDSS.
Community Engagement
We prioritize the lived experiences of community members as a driving force behind the creation, implementation, desired impact, or change of programs and services.
Empowerment
We engage, operate, and advocate from the understanding that each community and person have desires and capabilities to lead in their own life.
Quality Services
We provide services that align intent and impact by ensuring that they are accessible, community driven, interconnected, and continuously improved.
Data Defined Outcomes
We equitably collect and analyze data, take data-driven action, and measure outcomes relevant to those we serve, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Special Requirements
  • The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified for this position.
Do not include any confidential information in any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.
General - App Items/Required Application Documents:
Applicants must also submit a "Statement of Qualifications" for this position. The Statement of Qualifications must be limited to two pages and address the candidate's experience in the following areas:
• Leading a statewide program with a diverse workforce
• Administration and implementation of state and federal statutes, regulations and policies
• Working with the client population served by the Adult and Senior Care Program
Applications received without the Statement of Qualifications addressing each of the stated areas will not be considered.
This position is designated under the Conflict-of-Interest Code.
This position is subject to fingerprinting clearance by the Department of Justice.
You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is inaccurate or incomplete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.
If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire.
Training and Development assignments may be considered based on the availability of eligible candidates and are subject to approval by the Hiring Authority prior to the appointment. Training and Development assignments are temporary in nature and shall not exceed twenty-four (24) months.
Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 7/20/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Attn: Classification & Pay Unit
P. O. Box 944243 - MS 8-15-58
Sacramento , CA 94244-2430
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Classification & Pay Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58
Sacramento , CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Statement of Qualifications - (SOQ) Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
• Ability to exercise initiative, good judgment, honesty, and make timely decisions while maintaining positive and trusting working relationships
• Ability to plan, organize, communicate, and adapt to changing assignments and priorities, and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines
• Excellent analytical skills with demonstrated ability to work independently, think logically and creatively, apply a range of analytical and research tools, identify gaps and opportunities for improvement, make sound recommendations, and develop business requirements based on the recommendations
• Experience with leading a diverse team with an emphasis on coaching and mentoring.
• Experience with leading teams to conduct investigations to determine compliance
Benefits There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.
TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT
• Public transit (mass transit) passes.
o 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
o 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
• Vanpool drivers and riders
o 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees!
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Ia Lo
(916) 263-4810
ia.lo@dss.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s)