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Program Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Program Associate information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$51.7K

$89.3K

How much do program associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for program associate in California is $51,674.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $58,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Program Associates?

Program Associates are professionals who support the planning, implementation, and management of specific programs within an organization, often in nonprofit, educational, or philanthropic sectors. Their responsibilities can include coordinating program activities, tracking progress, managing data, preparing reports, and communicating with stakeholders. Program Associates often work closely with program managers and other team members to ensure that projects run smoothly and meet organizational goals. This role typically requires strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

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

To thrive as a Program Associate, you need strong organizational abilities, project coordination experience, and typically a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with project management software, CRM systems, and data analysis tools is often required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help Program Associates stand out. These abilities ensure efficient program execution, smooth stakeholder collaboration, and achievement of organizational goals.

What are some of the typical challenges a Program Associate might face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Program Associates often juggle several projects at once, each with its own deadlines, stakeholders, and reporting requirements. Balancing competing priorities while ensuring that every project receives adequate attention can be challenging. Effective time management, clear communication with team members, and proactive problem-solving are essential for success in this role. Regular check-ins with supervisors and utilizing project management tools can also help Program Associates stay organized and meet expectations.

What Is a Program Associate?

A program associate fills a variety of roles in nonprofits and professional associations, including that of office administrator, project manager, and strategic planner. In this career, you often work to sustain your organization by managing donor programs, fundraising, and enlisting support from a corporation or government agencies. Depending on your role and the organization, your job duties may include creating plans and budgets, tracking membership or partnerships, calculating donations or other expenditures, developing program literature, and researching or analyzing data. You need to plan and execute events seamlessly, so organizational skills are vital. Common qualifications for a program associate include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

More about Program Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in California? The most popular types of Program jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Program Associate jobs in California? For Program Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Associate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Program Associate jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Program Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Program Associate job openings:
Program Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Associate job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,674 per year, or $24.8 per hour.
Associate Program Director

Associate Program Director

Avalon Capital Group

La Jolla, CA • On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Associate Program Director (Vanuatu/Samoa)
Location: La Jolla, CA
Hours: Full-time
Compensation: USD $115,000 - 140,000
The Waitt Institute is a team of international experts working around the globe to protect the world's oceans and support coastal communities. The Waitt Institute is working with seven national and territorial governments to create sustainable ocean plans that help improve local livelihoods and economies while safeguarding marine life and ecosystems.
We are seeking an Associate Program Director to lead and coordinate country programs across Vanuatu and Samoa. The role supports program strategy, aligns technical workstreams, and ensures effective program delivery in line with institutional priorities. This position reports to the Vice President of Global Operations and involves significant international travel (up to 30%).
As a global team, the Waitt Institute is committed to being diverse, culturally competent, and inclusive, and we recognize that these core values enable our success. We seek to employ talented advocates for the ocean and coastal communities, and we welcome all applicants.
Responsibilities
  • Lead planning, coordination, and implementation of country programs in alignment with institutional priorities and country strategies.
  • Manage annual work plans, budgets, and program tracking systems.
  • Keep technical teams, partners, and in-country staff aligned, coordinated, and advancing priorities.
  • Identify roadblocks and solutions to maintain momentum and execution.
  • Maintain strong working relationships with partners from the government, NGOs, and the private sector.
  • Oversee program operations, including forecasting, reporting, and contracting.
  • Support the development of local teams and strengthen country capacity and ownership.

Professional Qualifications
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in program management, public policy, and international development, preferably across the Pacific region.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs involving governments, NGOs, consultants, and interdisciplinary teams.
  • Strong program management skills, including work planning, budgeting, reporting, and coordinating implementation across multiple workstreams.
  • Proven ability to build and maintain productive relationships with government officials, partners, donors, and stakeholders.
  • Experience working in politically and culturally complex environments, with the ability to navigate competing priorities and adapt to changing circumstances.
  • Understanding of marine policy frameworks, policy-making processes, and sustainable ocean planning in the small-island state context preferred
  • Master's degree in environmental management, international relations, public policy,

political science, economics, conservation management, sustainable development, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Professional Attributes
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trust across teams and partners.
  • Ability to engage and advocate effectively with government officials, partners, and stakeholders, including on politically sensitive issues.
  • A superb professional and pragmatic personal presence, with creative problem-solving skills and ability to navigate complex environments.
  • Experience with program management and tracking tools such as Asana or similar platforms.

Company Benefits
Unlimited Paid Time Off | Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision options | Health Savings Account | 401(k) match up to 6%

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