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Program Director Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

The Residential Program Director (PD) is responsible for the operation and oversight of multiple and varying residential living environments, supporting persons with intellectual disabilities. This ...

Program Director

East Hartford, CT · On-site

$53K - $128K/yr

Are you the Program Director we have been looking for? JRI's Community Based Services division provides care to ensure that families and their children with significant behavioral, emotional, and ...

Position Summary The Radiography Program Director leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of the School of Radiologic Technology curriculum, providing instruction and assessing student ...

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Program Director information

See Connecticut salary details

$28.1K

$74.4K

$130.3K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Connecticut is $74,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,400.00 and $88,000.00 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 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 jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Program Directors typically require a degree and experience, but roles like sales representatives, administrative assistants, or certain skilled trades can earn around $3,000 monthly without a degree. These jobs often rely on skills, certifications, or on-the-job training rather than formal education.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Connecticut? The most popular types of Program jobs in Connecticut are:
What cities in Connecticut are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities in Connecticut with the most Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Connecticut as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,386 per year, or $35.8 per hour.
Program Director

$84K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Community Systems Inc. is a four state, non-profit provider, offering supports to persons with disabilities. Our Mission is, "helping persons with disabilities to find happiness in their own homes, in their personal relationships and contributing members of their community."
General Responsibilities:
The Residential Program Director (PD) is responsible for the operation and oversight of multiple and varying residential living environments, supporting persons with intellectual disabilities. This would include, but not limited to, CLA, CRS, I.H.S. CCH, Shared Living, etc. The PD directly supervises up to seven (7) Residential Program Managers (PM) and/or Assistant Program Managers (APM), who have direct leadership responsibilities for Direct Support Staff. The PD, is responsible for the overall leadership and strategic direction of residential services; and will b) ensure that our Mission and Values (Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Compassion, Accountability and Perseverance) are constantly cultivated within the organization. The PD will practice the values and traits of a Servant Leader, provide each person supported opportunities to pursue their dreams, in order to find happiness in their homes, in their personal relationships and as contributing members of their community.
Educational Experience:
The Residential Program Director (PD) will have at minimum an undergraduate degree in human services, special education, or other relevant field, as well as four years of successful leadership in supporting adults with intellectual disabilities.
The PD will possess, exhibit and have shown successful leadership in:
  • Keen sense of leadership, with the ability to nurture and grow other leaders
  • Flexibility to adapt and change to current needs and the ability to effectively communicate such changes
  • Oversight experience and support in multiple community residential living environments, including but not limited to, licensed and non-licensed homes
  • Thorough knowledge of:
    • licensing and DDS / DSS funding requirements;
    • the Individual Plan (IP) process; from initiation to implementation;
    • positive behavior support concept and techniques;
  • Professional writing and communication skills commensurate with the position
  • Identification and growth of new leaders, via teaching, coaching, mentoring and onboarding
  • Identification, implementation and use of innovative concepts, practices and/or technology, in order to promote greater independence and happiness for the persons supported

We offer a great work environment with an attractive package of compensation and benefits, including, but not limited to, competitive pay, health, dental and life insurance, generous paid time off, longevity incentives, retirement plan and formal education reimbursement. Extensive paid on the job training is provided with the opportunity for personal growth and development.
Community Systems Inc. is:
  • An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, employer supporting workplace diversity; and
  • A four-state family of non-profit, tax exempt corporations whose Mission is:

"Helping persons with disabilities to find happiness in their own homes, in their personal relationship, and as contributing members of their community"
"All Mission, All the Time"
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.