1

Program Director Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities The Program Director assumes shared responsibility for leadership, vision, direction, and daily supervision of one or more program(s) designed to serve young adults through geriatric ...

Responsibilities The Program Director assumes shared responsibility for leadership, vision, direction, and daily supervision of one or more program(s) designed to serve young adults through geriatric ...

The Program Director assumes shared responsibility for leadership, vision, direction, and daily supervision of one or more program(s) designed to serve young adults through geriatric individuals with ...

Responsibilities The Program Director assumes shared responsibility for leadership, vision, direction, and daily supervision of one or more program(s) designed to serve young adults through geriatric ...

Ability to direct assigned operations including volunteer development, staff supervision, budget development and monitoring, marketing and public relations, and program development.Ability to ...

New

RI · On-site

$86K - $124K/yr

Program Management - Pharmacy Benefits is responsible for leading programs to successfully deliver and support complex product solution implementations. Solution is made up of components, delivered ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Program Director information

See Rhode Island salary details

$28.9K

$76.6K

$134.2K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Rhode Island is $76,578.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,900.00 and $90,600.00 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 Rhode Island? The most popular types of Program jobs in Rhode Island are:
What are popular job titles related to Program Director jobs in Rhode Island? For Program Director jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities in Rhode Island with the most Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Rhode Island as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,578 per year, or $36.8 per hour.
Program Director

Program Director

Elwyn

North Kingstown, RI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

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


Elwyn rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 234 rated social care providers


Job description

Overview

Join a Team That Changes Lives

For more than 170 years, Elwyn has been leading the way in supporting children, teens, and adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and behavioral health challenges. As a mission-driven nonprofit, we’re here to create real change – helping people lead meaningful, fulfilling lives.

Now, we’re looking for passionate team members to join us. Here, your work will change lives – including your own. You’ll make an impact every day, find purpose in what you do, and grow in a career that truly matters.

At Elwyn, we take care of you while you care for others. We offer:

  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision Benefit Packages
  • Earned Wage Access/On-Demand Pay
  • Paid On-the-Job Training
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Career Advancement Opportunities and Growth
  • Flexible Schedules
  • Retirement Savings Plan

Join us and be a part of something bigger. Apply today.

Responsibilities

The Program Director assumes shared responsibility for leadership, vision, direction, and daily supervision of one or more program(s) designed to serve young adults through geriatric individuals with chronic mental illness and co-occurring disorders. Ensures implementation of responsible clinical and management practice congruent with Agency mission, which result in a high-quality service to consumers and sound fiscal management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Recruiting and Staffing: Recruiting individuals who are best suited to perform specific jobs within the organization. Making effective staffing decisions by using systematic, objective, and fair evaluation procedures.
  • Decisiveness: The ability to make difficult decisions in a timely manner.
  • Quality Improvement: Assists with assessing all aspects of consumer care including, records/documentation, quality of service, outcomes, risk management and consumer surveys and assures all standards are met or exceeded. Continuously reviews the aforementioned and seeks to implement changes which will improve service delivery.
  • Professional Expertise: Knowledge of mental illness and co-occurring disorders including the behavioral aspects of the disease and medications used to treat these conditions. Practices crisis intervention techniques.
  • Developing Others: The ability to delegate responsibility and to work with others and coach them to develop their capabilities.
  • Oral Communication: The ability to express oneself clearly in conversations and interactions with others. The ability to ensure that information is passed on to others who should be kept informed.
  • Written Communication: The ability to express oneself clearly in business writing.
  • Building Collaborative Relationships: The ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with others inside or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support.
  • Managing Performance: The ability to take responsibility for one’s own or one’s employee’s performance, by setting clear goals and expectations, tracking progress against the goals, ensuring feedback, and addressing performance problems and issues promptly.
  • Work Organization/Time Management: Organizing one’s own work activities and using personal time management techniques to meet deadlines. Achieving work objectives in a systematic, efficient, and timely manner.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

  • * CLINICAL ADMINISTRATION (in conjunction with Regional Licensed Personnel)
  • Guides staff in the development, implementation, and evaluation of client treatment plans.
  • Monitors the delivery of service to consumers and evaluates the quality of services to ensure services are being delivered in a consistent, flexible and responsive manner.
  • Integrates the Prism Model for effective treatment of serious and persistent mental illness, into everyday practice and clinical intervention.
  • * SUPERVISION
  • Assures all staff participate in a thorough orientation as well as attend all necessary training and retraining.
  • Provides and documents regular clinical and administrative supervision to staff according program requirements. Escalates performance deficiencies through the progressive disciplinary process to medicate /resolve in timely manner.
  • Ensures all employment documentation, including credentialing and privileging paperwork is submitted to the Human Resources Department on a timely basis.
  • Prepares all payroll processing records on a timely basis.
  • Educates staff in topics of managing symptoms and stressors, psychiatric medications, co-occurring disorders, such as substance abuse (if needed), and skills and knowledge required to transition consumers to more independent living.
  • * FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE
  • Provides a safe environment for consumers, visitors, and employees.
  • Maintains and repairs facilities and equipment (if indicated).
  • * FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
  • Develops and maintains a balanced budget.
  • Monitors expenses and all internal financial systems.
  • * PROGRAM OPERATIONS
  • Ensures Programs are in compliance with all regulatory, licensing, accrediting and agency requirements.
  • Schedules and leads regular staff meetings, a minimum of once monthly.
  • Assists in the development of implementation of a program and regional strategic plan.
  • Ensures that program records (including clinical) are clear and thorough, and meet the reporting standards including timely submission, of the various internal and external regulatory agencies assuring all deadlines of the required documentation are met.
  • Maintains census as specified in the program's provider contract.
  • Ensures that the program is adequately staffed at all times.
  • Performs all job-related duties and individual performance goals as assigned by supervisor.

* = Essential job functions

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

PRE-EMPLOYMENT/EXPERIENCE EDUCATION:Master`s Degree in education--counseling, rehabilitative counseling, social work, clinical psychology or closely related discipline. Certain programs including but not limited to Intensive Community Residential Treatment may require enrollment and or completion of Master’s degree in a human services. VA crisis programs requires LCSW or LPC.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT WORK EXPERIENCE:Two year behavioral health experience in community support programs serving chronically mentally ill adults is required. Previous management experience is preferred. Computer literacy including past experience with keyboarding, email, internet and computerized health record systems is desired.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Elwyn is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Elwyn does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, pregnancy status, medical condition, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, sexual orientation or identity, age, national origin, citizenship, handicap status, marital or family status, mental or physical disability, perceived disability, military or veteran status, political activities or affiliations, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law, ordinance, or regulation.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at ADArequest@elwyn.organd let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal

#J-18808-Ljbffr

What Elwyn employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Elwyn logo

About Elwyn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are the leader in education, treatment, and support services to children and adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and related behavioral health challenges. Click below to learn about our Vision, Mission & Values; Our Approach; Our History; and Our Leadership Team. Continue reading for more on our unified commitment and national reach.

Industry

Individual, family and community social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Media, PA, US

Year founded

1852

Social media