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Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Crestwood Behavioral Health

Program Director

Angwin, CA · On-site

$95K - $110K/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 ...

PROGRESS FOUNDATION

Program Director

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

The Program Director is the clinical and administrative leader and is responsible for ensuring compliance with all Progress Foundation policies and procedures and that services are provided in ...

Clear Behavioral Health

Program Director

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

As the Program Director, you will lead our outpatient program, ensuring alignment with our mission and standards of excellence. This role demands proactive communication, managerial acumen, and a ...

tmn

Program Director Location: Greater Minneapolis/St. Paul (Twin Cities), MN, with regular travel to St. Cloud Full-Time | Growth & Operations Leadership Role Clinical background in PT, OT, or Speech ...

tmn

Program Director Location: Greater Minneapolis/St. Paul (Twin Cities), MN, with regular travel to St. Cloud Full-Time | Growth & Operations Leadership Role Clinical background in PT, OT, or Speech ...

Clear Behavioral Health

Program Director

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

As the Program Director, you will lead our outpatient program, ensuring alignment with our mission and standards of excellence. This role demands proactive communication, managerial acumen, and a ...

DIAMOND HOUSE DETOX

Program Director

Sacramento, CA

$85K - $100K/yr

The Program Director provides strategic and operational leadership across all programs, with direct oversight of Program Manager(s) and indirect oversight of Counselors and Behavioral Health ...

W3Global Inc.

Program Director

Thousand Oaks, CA

$75K - $90K/yr

Program Director Location: Overseeing Gardena, Agoura Hills and Santa Barbara offices Type: Full-time Expected Hours: 40 per week Company Overview: My client is a small, professional, innovative, and ...

PATHWAY SOCIETY INC

Program Director

San Jose, CA

The Program Director provides comprehensive oversight of all areas of client support during clinical treatment. The Director works closely and in tandem with the Clinical Supervisor toward ensuring ...

i9 Sports

Program Director

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

The Program Director manages the day-to-day operation of the local sports franchise including marketing, coach recruitment, supervision of game-day operations, and customer service. In their role ...

Crestwood Behavioral Health

Program Director

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/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 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 Jun 11, 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 are Program Directors?

Program Directors are professionals responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing specific programs within an organization. They manage budgets, coordinate staff, evaluate program effectiveness, and ensure goals align with the organization’s mission. Program Directors often work in fields such as education, healthcare, nonprofit, and media. Their leadership ensures that programs run smoothly, meet objectives, and deliver value to stakeholders.

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 a program director?

A program director is a professional responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and evaluation of specific programs within an organization. They coordinate staff, manage budgets, and ensure program goals are met, often requiring leadership skills and relevant certifications. The role typically involves strategic decision-making and compliance with organizational policies.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Program Director can earn $10,000 or more per month, especially in large organizations or with extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and industry expertise. High-paying roles often require significant responsibility, strategic planning, and management skills, but may not always require a formal degree if supplemented by relevant experience and certifications.

What is the role of a program director?

A program director oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of specific programs within an organization. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, set goals, and ensure that program objectives are met efficiently and effectively, often requiring leadership, organizational skills, and relevant certifications.

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 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 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 higher, along with experience in leadership, project management, or the specific sector they oversee.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,172 per year, or $37.1 per hour.

Program Director

Phoenix House California

Victorville, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

***** This position has a signing bonus of $15,000. The signing bonus will be payable of $4,750 after ninety days of service, $4,750 after six months of service and, $5,500 after twelve months of service *****
What does PHCA do?
At Phoenix House California, we are dedicated to helping young people, women and men overcome substance and alcohol use disorder to live extraordinary lives in recovery. Since 1979, we have been a leader in the field of substance use disorder treatment, providing addiction, behavioral health and family services to anyone who needs our help, often offering the only chance of recovery to the underserved and uninsured in our community. Annually, over 44,000 individuals - including family members, parents, teachers and students in California - receive our life-saving services: residential and outpatient treatment, continuing care, recovery support, school-based prevention and mental health services, and in-custody substance use disorder treatment and mental health services for male adolescents and adults.
What's it like to work at PHCA?
At Phoenix House California, we take a holistic approach to drug addiction and mental health disorders that focuses on the power of being both proactive and reactive: prevention, early intervention, and recovery services. Understanding the health and safety risks of alcohol and drug misuse is the first step to reducing the risk of addiction. It starts with knowing the facts. We reach almost 32,000 students, parents, and teachers annually, through our school-based prevention and early intervention programs.
PHCA Benefits
  • 15 Paid Holidays for eligible employees
  • Pet, Life, Travel, Legal Coverage
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement and Continued Education Assistance

Position Details
Reporting to the Vice President, Clinical Director, the Program Director leads and directs the overall management, organization, strategy, and operations of the residential and outpatient services. The Program Director is responsible the effective delivery of trauma-informed, evidenced-based services to patients and family members, providing leadership, management and clinical supervision to staff in the delivery of direct service to patients, and ensuring the successful integration of treatment and educational services. The Program Director is responsible for ensuring pillar outcomes are met; People, Quality & Performance. Employee exercises independent judgment and discretion and reports to the VP, Clinical Director.
A Day as a Program Director might look like the following:
  • Defines programs success indicators/measures and engages in data-based reviews of programs performance against indicators/measures. Prepares and/or manages monthly statistical reporting of program services and other reports required.
  • Ensures the delivery of a continuum of services.
  • Ensures the safety and wellbeing of patients by developing and maintaining a therapeutic milieu.
  • Responsible for all quality assurance, quality record-keeping using an electronic health record, and health and safety of unit and patients and staff. Documentation utilizing an electronic health record system is required.
  • Oversee and coordinate efforts to ensure the program meets or exceeds performance standards as established by the agency, regulatory bodies (CCL, CARF), contractors, and other agency stakeholders.
  • Observing and interacting with staff, patients, and other individuals, as necessary, to ensure the quality of care for patients and program services.
  • Adheres to the professional ethics and conduct of standards as established by professional licensure, the policies of Phoenix House, and legal, funding, and regulatory requirements.
  • Provides leadership to the programs and directs the overall management, organization, and operations of all services and related activities for San Bernardino programs.
  • Develops and monitors annual operating plan and budget for all assigned programs, in coordination with Finance. Manages the fiscal operation of these programs to meet or exceed annual budget expectations; participates in the preparation of annual budget projections or adjustments; monitors expenditures; provides input and coordinates with staff to ensure adherence to budget.
  • Ensures each program meets billing expectations.
  • Participates as an active, engaged member of the Sr. Leadership team focusing leadership, strategic thinking/planning, sustainability, evaluation, and development of the organization's philosophy.
  • Be present, along with the Chief Executive Officer, or a designee, at all board of directors' meetings during which the operation or the policies of the short-term residential therapeutic program are discussed.
  • Participates, co-leads, and/or coordinates, as needed, on appropriate committees or teams in support of the organization's mission, implementation of strategic plan and direction. Actively participates in the organization's policy assessment, development, implementation, and review.

To be successful as a Program Director, you will want to have:
  • Have a master's degree in health care administration or related field from an accredited college or university, plus a minimum of two years of leadership experience in a residential treatment facility or a similar setting
  • LCSW, LMFT, or LPCC Required.
  • Must obtain TB test clearance and update on a yearly basis.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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