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Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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Clarvida - California

Program Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Description Position at Clarvida - California The Program Director at the Oasis Clubhouse in San Diego, CA , leads a recovery-oriented community designed for adults (ages 18 and older) living with ...

Clarvida

Program Director

San Diego, CA

$105K - $115K/yr

Description The Program Director at the Oasis Clubhouse in San Diego, CA , leads a recovery-oriented community designed for adults (ages 18 and older) living with serious mental illness. Combining ...

Apply Early

Clarvida - California

Program Director

San Diego, CA

$105K - $115K/yr

The Program Director at the Oasis Clubhouse in San Diego, CA , leads a recovery-oriented community designed for adults (ages 18 and older) living with serious mental illness. Combining clinical ...

Clarvida - California

Program Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

The Program Director at the Oasis Clubhouse in San Diego, CA , leads a recovery-oriented community designed for adults (ages 18 and older) living with serious mental illness. Combining clinical ...

Clarvida - California

Program Director

San Diego, CA

The Program Director at the Oasis Clubhouse in San Diego, CA , leads a recovery-oriented community designed for adults (ages 18 and older) living with serious mental illness. Combining clinical ...

Apply Early

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jul 2, 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 jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Program Directors in certain industries, such as healthcare, technology, or large nonprofit organizations, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. High-level executive roles like CEOs or CFOs often surpass this threshold, but they are not specific to the Program Director position. Compensation varies widely based on industry, organization size, and geographic location.

Is a Program Director higher than a program manager?

A Program Director typically holds a higher-level leadership role than a program manager, overseeing multiple projects or programs and setting strategic goals. Program managers focus on managing individual projects within a program, executing plans, and ensuring deliverables. The hierarchy can vary by organization, but generally, Program Directors have broader responsibilities and authority than program managers.

What is the role of a Program Director?

A Program Director oversees the planning, implementation, and management of multiple related projects within an organization to achieve strategic goals. They coordinate teams, allocate resources, monitor progress, and ensure programs meet deadlines and budgets, often requiring strong leadership and communication skills. The role may also involve reporting to stakeholders and ensuring compliance with policies and standards.

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 area. Many roles also prefer or require a master's degree or relevant certifications, along with experience in leadership, project management, or the specific program area.
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 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% 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

Program Director

Crestwood Behavioral Health

Vallejo, CA • On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Crestwood Behavioral Health rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 877 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Are you looking for a meaningful role in behavioral health and have the desire to work with an organization that puts people first? If you have a passion for helping others along their recovery journey, then we invite you to join our Crestwood family!
For more than 50+ years Crestwood has been committed to creating innovative recovery programs and developing compassionate communities that support each client in their journey. Our model of care focuses on a personal and self-directed process that empowers the people we serve and helps them to develop the skills to thrive!
Title: Program Director
Job Duties: 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 completion of respective reporting requirements.
Schedule: Full-Time
Qualifications:
  • Must have an active Community Care License (CCL).
  • Must meet regulatory educational standards.
    • Bachelor's degree in behavioral health or related field, which includes at least 24 semester college units in one or more of the following subject areas:
      1. Psychology
      2. Social Work
      3. Sociology
      4. Behavioral Sciences
      5. Psychiatric Nursing; and
    • Two (2) years of full-time work experience in a community program that serves clients who have a mental illness. Such experience must be in the direct provision of services to clients, of which one (1) year must be in the position of supervising direct care staff
  • As an alternative to the bachelor's degree and experience list above, a total of four years of experience in providing direct services in the community to persons with mental illnesses, of which 2 years must be in a position of supervising direct care staff, and graduation from high school or possession of a GED may be substituted.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of DSM-5, psycho-social rehabilitation, and recovery principles.
  • Familiarity with applicable regulatory requirements.

Crestwood Offers Comprehensive Benefits Packages to Full-Time Employees Including:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Sick Leave Buy Back
  • 401(k) Retirement
  • Scholarship Program
  • Qualifying Supervision for BBS Associates
  • Competitive Pay
  • Paid Holidays
  • Service Awards
  • Jury Duty Pay

About the Campus: Crestwood's program in Vallejo is based on a commitment to providing mental health clients with a continuum of care that puts them well on the road to recovery. Mental Health Rehabilitation Centers (MHRCs) provide psychosocial rehabilitation programs in secure, residential settings with a focus on brief lengths of stay. Our Residential Care for Elderly (RCFE) supports independence, while providing health and wellness programs, managing both physical and behavioral problems, and promoting integration into the community.
The salary range listed below represents the minimum and maximum base pay per hour at the time of posting. Final salary offered to the candidate selected for the position will be based on factors including but not limited to candidate's skills, experience, licensure, and program acuity.
Pay Range:
$80,000-$100,000 USD
It's About Growth! Our employees are our most valuable assets.
Did you know that at Crestwood you can gain experience at one of California's leading behavioral health service providers? We deliver industry leading education and training that allows our team members to succeed and continue to grow their careers with Crestwood.
Check out our Career Page to learn more about being a part the Crestwood Family and the benefits available. https://workatcrestwood.com/
Crestwood is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion, equity and diversity. We embrace all differences and are fully committed to fostering a sense of belonging for everyone. We also take affirmative action to offer employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to ability during the application or recruiting process, please talk with your hiring contact/recruiter or send a request to HR@CBHI.net.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.
Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), please review this link to provide information on how we collect and use your data.
Crestwood is required to participate in the E-Verify program. To learn more, please see: E-Verify Participation, Right to Work notices, or visit www.e-verify.gov.

What Crestwood Behavioral Health employees say

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Crestwood Behavioral Health logo

About Crestwood Behavioral Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Crestwood Behavioral Health, Inc., based in Sacramento, CA, US, is a recognized leader in the field of Behavioral Health. The company’s main offering includes a broad spectrum of services for adults with mental health needs, including campus-based services, day treatment programs, and community integration services. Established more than 50 years ago, Crestwood has a rich history grounded in a relentless pursuit of optimism, bravery, and an unwavering commitment to creating recovery-focused programs that uphold the rights and dignity of individuals living with mental health issues. Their mission is to provide a continuum of services that empower individuals living with mental health issues to realize recovery.

Industry

Offices of mental health practitioners

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Sacramento, CA, US

Year founded

1968

Social media

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