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Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Akua Mental Health

Program Director

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$126K/yr

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 ...

Akua Mental Health

Program Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$130K/yr

Program Director Type: Salary, Full-Time, Exempt Compensation: Up to $130k per year * Base Salary: $104k per year * Performance Bonus: Up to $26k per year ($500/week based on census, earned weekly ...

Bright Future Early Learning Center

Be Seen First

Program Director

Oakland, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

The Program Director will support strong daily operations, guide teacher development, strengthen family communication, and ensure compliance with California childcare licensing regulations. Bright ...

Clarvida Maine

Program Director

Tustin, CA · On-site

$105K/yr

Program Director Position at Clarvida - California About the Role Clarvida is hiring a Program Director to oversee clinical and administrative operations of one or more mental health program in ...

New

Socket.dev

Program Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$104 - $121/hr

The Program Director ensures compliance with established policies and procedures of the overall program and the timely completion of respective reporting requirements. Schedule: Full-Time ...

ADL

Program Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Program Director REPORTS TO: Senior Director, Programs SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May take on future supervision responsibilities LOCATION: Los Angeles, California Grade/Class: Grade G, Exempt, PSA ...

OCC Boy Scouts

Program Director

Orange, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Program Director Reports to: Camping Director Status: Full Time, Exempt Benefits: Health insurance, paid vacation, and sick time Supervises: Volunteers, Area Directors, and hourly instructors Salary ...

Crestwood Behavioral Health

Program Director

Angwin, CA · On-site

$104K - $130K/yr

The Program Director directs and coordinates the rehabilitation program. The Program Director ensures compliance with established policies and procedures of the overall program and the timely ...

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All JobsProgram JobsProgram Director JobsProgram Director Jobs in California

Program Director information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$77.2K

$135.2K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 is a program director?

A program director is an upper-management position found within organizations across almost all industries. Your primary job duties include coordinating, implementing, and overseeing all details of a company’s operation and programs. You monitor the budget, create community programs, supervise other managers, and develop better business practices. The exact job duties vary widely depending on industry and employer. Some program directors oversee the entire organization while others oversee specific departments. Though almost all industries utilize program directors, the two most commonly seen are business and healthcare.

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

To thrive as a Program Director, you need strong leadership, project management, and strategic planning skills, usually supported by a relevant degree and several years of management experience. Experience with budgeting software, project management tools like Asana or MS Project, and familiarity with compliance standards are often necessary. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution abilities are critical soft skills that set top Program Directors apart. These skills are crucial for aligning teams, driving program success, and ensuring organizational goals are consistently met.

What are some common challenges program directors face when overseeing multiple projects or initiatives?

Program Directors often encounter the challenge of balancing competing priorities across several projects, while ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic goals. Managing diverse teams, coordinating resources, and addressing unexpected obstacles—such as shifting stakeholder requirements or budget constraints—are common aspects of the role. Effective communication, adaptability, and strong organizational skills are essential for navigating these complexities and ensuring successful program delivery. Collaboration with senior leadership and cross-functional teams is also crucial for resolving issues promptly and maintaining program momentum.

What is the difference between Program Director vs Project Manager?

AspectProgram DirectorProject Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree; often prefers PMP or similar certificationsRequires a bachelor’s degree; PMP or CAPM certifications are common
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects within a program, strategic focusManages individual projects, tactical focus
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in nonprofits, corporate, government sectors for large initiativesCommon across industries for specific project execution

The Program Director focuses on overseeing multiple related projects to achieve strategic goals, while the Project Manager handles the planning and execution of a single project. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What degree do you need to be a program director?

A program director typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business, management, or a specific industry-related area. Many roles also prefer or require a master's degree or relevant certifications, along with strong leadership and organizational skills.
More about Program Director 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 Director jobs in California?

For Program Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Program Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Program Director job openings:

Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,172 per year, or $37.1 per hour.

Program Director

AKUA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INC

San Diego, CA

$130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description

Program Overview

This program is a 14-bed Crisis Stabilization Mental Health Residential Facility serving high-acuity clients experiencing acute mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and other serious mental illnesses. Due to the complexity of the population served and the regulatory requirements of the California Department of Social Services (DSS) and the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), candidates with experience providing care to clients in crisis stabilization or acute mental health settings are strongly preferred.


Position: Program Director

Type: Salary, Full-Time, Exempt

Compensation: Up to $130k per year

  • Base Salary: $104k 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

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.

Qualifications:

  • License/Credentials:  LAADC, MFT, PCC, CSW or functional equivalent (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.

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