1

Program Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Dir II- Programs

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$173K - $294K/yr

The Airborne Navigation Director II will own the end-to-end strategy, development, delivery, and ... Leading a team of program managers and supported by a cross functional organization of over 900 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Program Director information

See Iowa salary details

$27.7K

$73.4K

$128.7K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 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.
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 cities in Iowa are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,446 per year, or $35.3 per hour.
Program Director, Pre-College TRIO

Program Director, Pre-College TRIO

Indian Hills Community College

Ottumwa, IA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The Program Director will be responsible for supervising all aspects of the federally funded Upward Bound (UB) program and providing leadership for additional pre-college TRIO and college access initiatives as assigned. Responsibilities may expand to include oversight of Educational Talent Search (ETS) if funding is awarded. The director will oversee staff hiring, training, supervision, evaluation, and personnel relations for assigned programs and staff. They will be responsible for directing the implementation of program objectives and activities, conducting ongoing project evaluation, overseeing program budgets, meeting with school district and community partner staff, and completing all required federal reports. This person will work to ensure annual project objectives are achieved and the grants are implemented in compliance with all applicable federal, state and institutional regulations.

Vision

Indian Hills Community College will transform the future through education and empowerment.

Mission

Indian Hills Community College changes lives by inspiring learning, diversity, social enrichment, and regional economic advancement.

Core Values

Indian Hills Community College is committed to belonging, community, diversity, excellence, innovation, integrity, service and success.

Qualifications
  • Master’s degree required in education, counseling, curriculum development, student services or related field.
  • Must have the demonstrated ability to organize programs, conduct planning, assist with grant writing, develop and monitor local and federal budgets, and work effectively with external partners.
  • Ability to manage a student caseload and provide direct services to participants as program needs require.
  • Five years of related work experience, preferably in secondary or postsecondary education, teaching, counseling, or student services, is required.
  • Experience preferred in administering programs, teaching, proposal writing, evaluation techniques and familiarity with the needs of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Experience serving a culturally and/or ethnically diverse student body.
  • Experienced in database management, proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and electronic communication, and able to communicate effectively with students, faculty and fellow administrators.
  • Must be able to travel to required workshops, supervise field trips and work extended hours when needed.
Responsibilities
  • Oversee all aspects of the Upward Bound program and other assigned pre-college TRIO initiatives.
  • Supervise assigned Upward Bound and other pre-college TRIO program staff.
  • Ensure programs are implemented in compliance with all federal regulations, including the Higher Education Act and the Uniform Guidance.
  • Oversee the maintenance of program-related data in a TRIO data management software (StudentAccess/Blumen Online).
  • Ensure program staff maintain accurate participant files and documentation of grant services, activities and expenditures.
  • Review new participant recommendations from program staff, certify participant eligibility, make final decisions on participant acceptance, and maintain a participant caseload as needed to support program operations and student success.
  • Oversee budgets for assigned grant-funded programs, including tracking project expenditures on an ongoing basis and initiating and approving requisitions.
  • Write and submit required performance reports and other federal reporting documents for assigned grant-funded programs.
  • Work with the Grant Development & Compliance Office to develop successful grant applications.
  • Develop and conduct participant survey instruments, program evaluation procedures and co-curricular assessment plans.
  • Assist program staff with the development and delivery of educational, college readiness, career exploration, and parent engagement activities.
  • Plan and conduct staff orientation and training sessions.
  • Communicate with staff on a regular basis.
  • Communicate the goals and objectives of assigned pre-college TRIO programs with the college, target schools, community partners, and other stakeholders.
  • Coordinate the operations and functions of assigned pre-college programs within the Student Success division and collaborate with internal and external partners serving first-generation, low-income, and other underrepresented student populations.
  • Apply to and manage the Iowa Department of Education’s Summer Food Service Program for Upward Bound’s summer residential program.
  • Travel to required grant activities and trainings both in-state and out-of-state.
  • Supervise and travel with staff and students on field trips and work extended hours when necessary.
  • Design and update recruitment materials for assigned programs.
  • Participate in quarterly grant monitoring meetings.
  • Accept and perform responsibilities which may require work to be performed other than normal assigned hours.
  • Maintain a regular presence at both the Ottumwa and Centerville campuses and travel to target schools and community partner sites as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Responsible To

Dean, Academic Resources

Position Level

Program Director - Exempt, Grant Funding, at-will employment on a letter of employment

*This position is dependent on grant funding and subject to change based on availability of funds.

Employment Length

3.5 Term, Full Time, Benefits

Schedule

9 hrs/day, Monday – Thursday, with assigned evenings and weekends

#J-18808-Ljbffr