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Program Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Program Director information

See Iowa salary details

$27.7K

$73.4K

$128.7K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 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 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,446 per year, or $35.3 per hour.
Department Chair and Program Director - Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

Department Chair and Program Director - Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

Des Moines University

West Des Moines, IA

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Department Chair and Program Director - Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

Apply now Job no: 492987
Work type: FT
Location: West Des Moines
Categories: Clinical Faculty and Staff

At Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU), you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of medicine and health sciences.

Des Moines University, in partnership with the national executive search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Department Chair and Program Director for the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology program.

This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative and collaborative academic leader to help shape and advance DMU's growing behavioral health and psychology education initiatives. The Department Chair and Program Director will provide strategic leadership, academic oversight, and operational direction for the PsyD program while supporting faculty development, student success, accreditation efforts, and institutional growth priorities.

Reporting to university leadership within the College of Health Sciences, this individual will play a key role in fostering academic excellence, advancing program development, supporting interprofessional education, and strengthening partnerships across the university and community.

Please note: This search is being conducted in partnership with Scott Healy & Associates. All candidate materials should be submitted directly to the search firm.

What You'll Do

  • Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program
  • Support program development, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Lead accreditation planning and compliance efforts consistent with APA standards and university expectations
  • Recruit, mentor, supervise, and evaluate faculty and staff
  • Foster a culture of academic excellence, collaboration, innovation, and student-centered learning
  • Support curriculum development and delivery aligned with current clinical psychology education standards
  • Collaborate with university leadership on strategic planning, budgeting, and program growth initiatives
  • Strengthen community partnerships, clinical training opportunities, and external engagement efforts
  • Promote scholarship, professional development, and interprofessional collaboration

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

  • Doctoral degree (PsyD or PhD) in Clinical Psychology from an accredited institution
  • Licensed psychologist or license-eligible in the State of Iowa
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in higher education, clinical training, or academic administration
  • Experience with APA accreditation standards and processes
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, and leadership skills
  • Commitment to student success, faculty development, and inclusive excellence

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience serving as a department chair, program director, associate director, or other academic leadership role
  • Experience developing or leading doctoral-level psychology programs
  • Record of scholarship, clinical practice, and professional engagement
  • Experience with strategic planning, assessment, budgeting, and faculty recruitment
  • Experience in interprofessional health sciences education environments

Total Rewards

Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution toward medical coverage, a 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding, wellness resources, and generous paid time off.

To learn more about DMU benefits and culture, visit:
www.dmu.edu/employment

About DMU

Founded in 1898, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is a premier medical and health sciences institution offering multiple graduate degree programs across the Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and College of Health Sciences.

In 2023, DMU relocated to a new 88-acre campus in West Des Moines, Iowa, featuring technology-rich educational spaces and expanded state-of-the-art research facilities designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

DMU's mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.

Application Process

All applications, nominations, and inquiries should be directed in confidence to:

Christopher S. Healy, President
Scott Healy & Associates
chris@scotthealy.com

Applications should include:

  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Contact information for three professional references

For full position details and application instructions, visit the Scott Healy & Associates search profile: Department Chair and Program Director - Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology | Scott Healy & Associates

Applications received by July 6, 2026 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Position Description

Advertised: 21 May 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close:

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