ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Program Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The University Of Iowa

Program Director

Iowa City, IA

$68K/yr

The Program Director serves as a key strategic and operational partner to the Senior Vice Provost and provides leadership for the planning, coordination, implementation, and assessment of major ...

University of Iowa

Program Director

Iowa City, IA

$68K/yr

The Program Director serves as a key strategic and operational partner to the Senior Vice Provost and provides leadership for the planning, coordination, implementation, and assessment of major ...

University of Iowa

Program Director

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$68K/yr

The Program Director serves as a key strategic and operational partner to the Senior Vice Provost and provides leadership for the planning, coordination, implementation, and assessment of major ...

LifeWise Academy

Program Director

Oskaloosa, IA · On-site

The Program Director will serve in a part-time 15-20 hours per week capacity. Hours may be greater than 20 hours per week initially and may vary during the summer months. Job Responsibilities:

Healogics

Program Director

Waterloo, IA · On-site

The Program Director/Program Manager is also responsible for maintaining collaborative and consultative client relationships within and outside the hospital organization and for creating effective ...

Healogics

Program Director

Waterloo, IA · On-site

The Program Director/Program Manager is also responsible for maintaining collaborative and consultative client relationships within and outside the hospital organization and for creating effective ...

Sevita

Program Director

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$54K/yr

Program Director, IDD Services Have you been looking for a fantastic role to continue your career path in Social and Human Services? Look no further. This role is critical to our success and ...

Sevita

Program Director

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

$44K - $50K/yr

Program Director, IDD Services $44,000 - $50,000 Annually Depending on Experience Have you been looking for a fantastic role to continue your career path in Social and Human Services? Look no further.

LifeWise Academy

Program Director

Marshalltown, IA · On-site

What You'll Do As program director, you'll help lead and grow your community's LifeWise program by: Building Community Relationships * Develop positive partnerships with school leaders, parents ...

LifeWise Academy

Program Director

Inwood, IA · On-site

What You'll Do As program director, you'll help lead and grow your community's LifeWise program by: Building Community Relationships * Develop positive partnerships with school leaders, parents ...

LifeWise Academy

Program Director

Hudson, IA · On-site

What You'll Do As program director, you'll help lead and grow your community's LifeWise program by: Building Community Relationships * Develop positive partnerships with school leaders, parents ...

LifeWise Academy

Program Director

Rock Rapids, IA · On-site

What You'll Do As program director, you'll help lead and grow your community's LifeWise program by: Building Community Relationships * Develop positive partnerships with school leaders, parents ...

LifeWise Academy

Program Director

Dallas Center, IA · On-site

What You'll Do As program director, you'll help lead and grow your community's LifeWise program by: Building Community Relationships * Develop positive partnerships with school leaders, parents ...

LifeWise Academy

Program Director

Iowa City, IA · On-site

What You'll Do As program director, you'll help lead and grow your community's LifeWise program by: Building Community Relationships * Develop positive partnerships with school leaders, parents ...

LifeWise Academy

Program Director

Marion, IA · On-site

What You'll Do As program director, you'll help lead and grow your community's LifeWise program by: Building Community Relationships * Develop positive partnerships with school leaders, parents ...

LifeWise Academy

Program Director

Bloomfield, IA · On-site

What You'll Do As program director, you'll help lead and grow your community's LifeWise program by: Building Community Relationships * Develop positive partnerships with school leaders, parents ...

LifeWise Academy

Program Director

Iowa Falls, IA · On-site

What You'll Do As program director, you'll help lead and grow your community's LifeWise program by: Building Community Relationships * Develop positive partnerships with school leaders, parents ...

LifeWise Academy

Program Director

Des Moines, IA · On-site

What You'll Do As program director, you'll help lead and grow your community's LifeWise program by: Building Community Relationships * Develop positive partnerships with school leaders, parents ...

LifeWise Academy

Program Director

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

What You'll Do As program director, you'll help lead and grow your community's LifeWise program by: Building Community Relationships * Develop positive partnerships with school leaders, parents ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProgram JobsProgram Director JobsProgram Director Jobs in Iowa

Program Director information

See Iowa salary details

$27.7K

$73.4K

$128.7K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Iowa is $73,446.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,800.00 and $86,900.00 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 Iowa? The most popular types of Program jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Program Director jobs in Iowa? For Program Director jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Program Director job openings:
Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,446 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Program Director

The University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

$68K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The University of Iowa Office of the Provost is hiring a dedicated Program Director (100% appointment).

The Program Director serves as a key strategic and operational partner to the Senior Vice Provost and provides leadership for the planning, coordination, implementation, and assessment of major initiatives that fall under the portfolio of Senior Vice Provost. This position manages complex projects that span multiple academic and administrative units, facilitates collaboration among campus stakeholders, and ensures effective execution of priorities that advance the University's mission and strategic goals.

Working with a high degree of independence, the Program Director develops and manages processes that support institutional initiatives, monitors progress toward strategic objectives, prepares executive-level communications and reports, and serves as a liaison among university leadership, faculty, staff, and external partners. They will also have the opportunity to:

  • Develop and maintain processes to support efficient program operations

  • Lead the planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of strategic initiatives sponsored by the Senior Vice Provost

  • Develop project plans, timelines, deliverables, and performance measures to ensure successful achievement of objectives

  • Facilitate communication and collaboration among stakeholders involved in university-wide initiatives

  • Lead special initiatives assigned by the Senior Vice Provost, including projects related to academic affairs, faculty support, strategic partnerships, emerging institutional priorities, and organizational effectiveness

  • And More!

E-mail the contact listed below for a full job description.

About the Department: The Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost provides academic leadership to the University of Iowa.  Its fundamental mission is to champion innovation and excellence in teaching, research, creative production, and service.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Typically 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, program administration, strategic planning, project management, or a related field.

Competencies Required:

  • Demonstrated experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.

  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a highly collaborative environment.

  • Experience preparing reports, presentations, and executive-level communications.

  • Ability to foster a welcoming and respectful work environment for people from all types of backgrounds

Desirable Qualifications:

  • Master's degree.

  • Experience working in academic affairs, faculty affairs, or central administration within higher education.

  • Experience supporting executive leaders and managing institution-wide initiatives.

  • Knowledge of University of Iowa policies, procedures, and organizational structure.

  • Experience with strategic planning, assessment, and performance measurement.

  • Supervisory experience.

  • Development and implementation of strategic objectives.

  • High-level communication with university leadership and external stakeholders.

  • Management of multiple concurrent projects with broad institutional impact.

To Apply: To be eligible for consideration, applicants must upload BOTH of the following and mark them each as a "Relevant File" to the job submission:

  • a current resume

  • a cover letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the process. 

Work Modality: This position is on campus, located at Jessup Hall.

Compensation: $68,924 to commensurate with Competitive Benefits

 Reach out to Tracey Pritchard to learn more about benefits, compensation practices, and career development opportunities.

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.

Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution. Click here to learn more about why you should join UI!

Additional Information
  • Classification Title: Program Director
  • Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Work Modality Options: On Campus
Compensation
  • Pay Level: 6A
  • Starting Salary Minimum: 68924
  • Starting Salary Maximum: to commensurate
Contact Information
  • Organization: Provost
  • Contact Name: Tracey Pritchard
  • Contact Email: tracey-pritchard@uiowa.edu

What University Of Iowa employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply