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Program Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SPM is responsible for a positive student experience. • Implements all Think Together Program Design and other program expectations. • Implements a comprehensive curriculum, including lessons and ...

SPM is responsible for a positive student experience. • Implements all Think Together Program Design and other program expectations. • Implements a comprehensive curriculum, including lessons and ...

SPM is responsible for a positive student experience. • Implements all Think Together Program Design and other program expectations. • Implements a comprehensive curriculum, including lessons and ...

SPM is responsible for a positive student experience. • Implements all Think Together Program Design and other program expectations. • Implements a comprehensive curriculum, including lessons and ...

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Program Design information

See California salary details

$21.2K

$45.1K

$62.2K

How much do program design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for program design in California is $45,123.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,000.00 and $46,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Program Design vs Curriculum Development?

AspectProgram DesignCurriculum Development
CredentialsTypically requires degrees in education, instructional design, or related fieldsOften requires similar credentials, with emphasis on subject matter expertise
Work EnvironmentInvolves planning entire programs, often in educational or training institutionsFocuses on creating specific course content within programs
Industry UsageUsed in education, corporate training, and nonprofit sectorsCommon in academic institutions, training organizations, and e-learning
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare to understand scope and responsibilities of designing entire programsPeople compare to differentiate between creating courses versus entire programs

Program Design involves planning and structuring entire educational or training programs, focusing on overall objectives and outcomes. Curriculum Development concentrates on creating specific course content within those programs. While both roles require similar credentials and are used in related industries, Program Design has a broader scope, whereas Curriculum Development is more content-specific.

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

To thrive as a Program Designer, you need expertise in curriculum development, needs assessment, and project management, often supported by a background in education or instructional design. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), authoring tools like Articulate or Adobe Captivate, and relevant certifications such as CPLP or instructional design credentials are typical requirements. Creativity, collaboration, and strong analytical skills help Program Designers craft engaging and effective programs while adapting to stakeholder feedback. These competencies ensure that programs meet organizational objectives, engage learners, and achieve measurable outcomes.

What is program design?

Program design refers to the process of planning and structuring a set of activities, projects, or initiatives to achieve specific goals or solve particular problems. It involves identifying objectives, defining strategies, allocating resources, and outlining how the program will be implemented and evaluated. Effective program design ensures that all aspects of a program are aligned and that there is a clear roadmap for success. This process is essential in various fields, including education, nonprofit management, and business development.

Do instructional designers make a lot of money?

Instructional designers typically earn a median salary that varies by experience, education, and location, with many earning between $60,000 and $80,000 annually. Advanced skills in e-learning tools, curriculum development, and certifications can lead to higher salaries, especially in corporate or higher education settings.

Is AI replacing instructional designers?

AI is transforming aspects of instructional design by automating tasks like content generation and data analysis, but it does not replace the role entirely. Instructional designers still need to apply pedagogical expertise, create engaging learning experiences, and adapt content to diverse learner needs. AI tools are used to support and enhance their work rather than replace it.

What is the highest paying career in design?

In design, user experience (UX) directors and creative directors tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures, especially in large companies or tech industries. These roles require advanced skills in design, leadership, and strategic planning, and often involve managing teams and overseeing large projects.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Program Design, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Program Design often encounter challenges such as aligning stakeholder expectations, managing resource constraints, and ensuring program adaptability in dynamic environments. Effective communication with cross-functional teams and clear documentation can help address misalignment and keep everyone on the same page. Additionally, leveraging data and feedback for continuous improvement ensures that programs remain relevant and impactful. Adopting agile methodologies and fostering a culture of collaboration are also key strategies for overcoming these challenges.

What is the highest paid design job?

In the field of program design, senior roles such as Lead Program Designer or Director of Program Design tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures, especially in large organizations or tech companies. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills in project management and software tools, and sometimes certifications in design or management. Salary levels vary based on industry, location, and company size.
What are popular job titles related to Program Design jobs in California? For Program Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Design jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Program Design jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Program Design jobs? Cities in California with the most Program Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Design job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,123 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
Site Program Manager I

Site Program Manager I

Think Together

Anaheim, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Think Together rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 72 rated education support services


Job description

Job Title: Site Program Manager
Status: Full Time, Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

The Site Program Manager (SPM) is the on-site leader of a Think Together educational program conducted on a partner-school campus. The SPM oversees all aspects of the state-wide recognized after school program ensuring it meets educational and recreational requirements, operates safely and efficiently, and functions in accordance with policies and operational procedures. The SPM is responsible for student safety and site operations. Must ensure program quality to provide a positive student experience. Responsible to foster positive partner relationships through effective communication both internally and externally while aligning with school day to uphold program satisfaction. The SPM is responsible for meeting and maintaining the Average Daily Attendance (ADA) the site is funded/contracted for. This role requires an individual who can manage multiple components and funding streams and be available at varying times including, but not limited to, before school, after school, non-instructional days, and weekends. (Saturdays, summer, and winter)


The SPM supervises all Think Together Program staff and volunteers who work on site, ensures all administrative and documentation requirements are met, and is the primary contact and liaison between Think Together and students, parents, school administration, donors, visitors, and other collaborators.
The SPM ensures compliance with all the terms of the agreement between Think Together and the school district and manages adherence to program requirements established by the program model and any funding stipulations. The SPM position has two (2) job level roles as noted in the matrix below. The role qualifiers are differentiator attributes that guide job level titles per SPM and are general, not finite. (For example, numbers below are approximate, not explicit). Level 1 may perform role at dual sites.


Job Level Guide

 Job Level Guide

Level I

Level II

Student Attendance Goal

84 - 207

208 - 419

PL Oversight (Number of

Program Leaders)

4 -10

11 - 20

Site Level Complexities (qualifiers)

•     Headcount, Attendance Goal, Number of Services, hours of service


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Manages successful day-to-day site operations and program activities.
• Ensures that all program activities operate consistently and ethically within the mission and values of Think Together and align with the four core agreements:
1) Be responsible
2) Be respectful
3) Be safe and 4) Have fun
• Monitors and assesses the success of the Think Together program including participation levels, quality of activities, behaviors, and student achievement for continued quality improvement. SPM is responsible for a positive student experience.
• Implements all Think Together Program Design and other program expectations.
• Implements a comprehensive curriculum, including lessons and activities, which ensures the academic success of students.
• SPM is responsible for ensuring Program quality. SPM is responsible for training and coaching all staff to understand all routines, procedures, and program design. SPM must provide all staff with printed lessons, materials and supplies for implementation, and ensure student engagement.
• Effectively trains and supervises the site team on academic and enrichment instructional practices for student academic success and engagement. Provides ongoing coaching to all direct reports.
• Demonstrates a positive work environment and team ethic.
• SPM ensures a safe and healthy environment for students and staff daily. SPM to ensures implementation of all safety guidelines per Think Together/district policies and procedures. SPM is responsible for ensuring the implementation of school safety plans and with reporting all incidents.
• Interviews, recommends, supervises, trains, disciplines, and terminates Think Together site staff.
• Ensures sustainability of all funding sources by complying with mandatory goals set forth by funding source, e.g., attendance targets (ADA), grants, etc.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and timely records of all student enrollment data through student database. SPM is responsible for ensuring each site meets Average Daily Attendance (ADA) and follows all data and attendance policies.
• Ensures accuracy of data entry, attendance taking and confidentiality of student records.
• Maintains accurate program records and follows operational reporting procedures.
• Maintains a high-level of confidentiality and will not disclose any sensitive information or content related to the Program, the students, families, staff, etc.
• Ability to meet metrics and deliverables to ensure successful performance and goal achievement.
• Effectively implements student assessments and evaluations for student and program improvement.
• Meets regularly and communicates with school principal and faculty to collaborate and align on both school and Think Together academic goals and initiatives.
• Regularly, keep school administrators, school staff and parents informed on program activities and daily incidents.
• Provide excellent customer service to all internal and external stakeholders. Foster effective working relationships with all stakeholders and attend school meetings as required for partnership and alignment with school day.
• Creates and thrives on open communication between team members and stakeholders for continued self-improvement and skill development.
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with partners, staff, public officials, private sector officials, parents, and community leaders.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and written and demonstrate sensitivity to target audience.
• Manages site level budgets.
• Maintains and ensures the accurate approval of all timecards for their direct reports, according to pay practice policies.
• Implements other human resource policies and procedures.
• Attends SPM meetings in-person and/or virtually, and other meetings and training, as requested.
• Implements other plans or requirements related to the Program quality, customer experience and business needs.
• Manages and meets all deadlines established and as assigned.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
• Strive for self-improvement that includes knowledge and skill development.
• Ability to speak and write Standard English appropriate in a public-school setting.
• Excellent communication, time management and organizational skills.
• Comfortable with public speaking and providing direction.
• Strong time management skills.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience

Level 1

High School Diploma or G.E.D required. Bachelor's degree highly preferred.

Combination of education and experience related to position, with increasing responsibility, which may include but not limited to:

     > 1- 2+ years of experience working in education/youth programs.

     > At least 1+ year in a supervisory or leadership position is required and 2+ years highly preferred.

Internal Candidate:

     > Completion of Think Together Build the Bench Program for SPM preferred. 

Level 2

High School Diploma or G.E.D required. Bachelor's degree highly preferred.

Combination of education and experience related to position, with increasing responsibility, which may include but not be limited to:

     > 2- 3+ years of experience working in education/youth programs,

     > At least 2+ years in a supervisory or leadership position is required and 3+ years highly preferred.

     > AA or vocational certificate related to the position.

Internal Candidate:

     > Completion of Think Together Build the Bench Program for SPM preferred. 

• Previous classroom experience required.
• Strong ability to communicate with students, parents, school staff and faculty both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent program management skills, including demonstrated record of completing tasks on time and within budget.
• Bilingual / Bi-cultural (Spanish) may apply in some districts.
• CPR/First Aid certified or ability to obtain within first 60 days of hire.
• Satisfactory TB skin test.
• Passing background check (DOJ & FBI).

Compensation: $70,305
 
Think Together is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, religious creed, physical disability, mental disability, age for individuals age 40 and over, medical condition (as defined by state law (for example, cancer or genetic characteristics or HIV/AIDS), marital status, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.

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