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Program Director Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Inner Haven Wellness

Program Therapist

Neenah, WI · On-site

$49K - $65K/yr

Other duties as assigned by the Program Director or Executive Clinical Director within the general scope of this position. Qualifications and Experience: An equivalent combination of education ...

LifeWise Academy

Leadership Board Member

De Pere, WI · On-site

Providing input and direction to the program director as he/she manages the day-to-day operations of the program * Assisting with the 5 L's of operations: * Leadership: Recruit and onboard program ...

Wisconsin

Program Assistant II

Oshkosh, WI

$21/hr

Working closely with the School Director, program leadership, and university offices, this role supports daily operations of professional programs while ensuring compliance with University, State ...

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All JobsProgram JobsProgram Director JobsProgram Director Jobs in Appleton, WI

Program Director information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$28.8K

$76.3K

$133.6K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Appleton, WI is $76,262.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,700.00 and $90,200.00 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 Appleton, WI? The most popular types of Program jobs in Appleton, WI are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Appleton, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Appleton, WI are:
What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Program Director job openings:
Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Appleton, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,262 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Sweet Peas - Toddler Tumbling Program Director

Wisconsin Swim Academy

Green Bay, WI • On-site

$48K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Employee discounts
  • Paid time off
  • Company parties

Sweet Peas Preschool Gymnastics Program Director
POSITION SUMMARY
The Sweet Peas Program Director is responsible for ensuring that the Sweet Peas Educational Gymnastics programs and operations effectively carry out the Wisconsin Swim Academy's vision. The Program Director is accountable for the success and growth of the program. The Program Director is responsible for hiring, staffing, training, supervising, disciplining, recognizing, and promoting teachers and staff members within the Department. The Program Director creates and maintains class schedules that provide for student needs and program growth while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The Program Director ensures that curriculum is successfully implemented and that instructors effectively teach it, while also establishing and ensuring adherence to safety procedures.
This position offers an incredible opportunity for growth. Your compensation will be directly tied to the growth of the program, so what you put into it , you will get out of it! Beyond this, we offer consistent leadership development opportunities so you can continue to grow as a leader and a person.
Wisconsin Swim Academy the Parent Company of Sweet Peas Educational Gymnastics. Your leadership will stem from Wisconsin Swim Academy's Organizational Chart.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Gymnastics Experience
  • 5+ years participation in gymnastics as an athlete/performer
  • Superior knowledge of gymnastics skills, mechanics, technique, and form
Experience
  • 5+ years preschool gymnastics teaching experience
  • 2+ years preschool gymnastics administrative experience
Teaching
  • Exemplary teaching skills across multiple levels
  • Strong individual teaching ability
  • Excellent staff training aptitude
Leadership/Administrative
  • Strong leadership and staff management skills
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Strong administrative and software proficiency
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Values
  • Positive, optimistic attitude
  • Community Centered Leadership
  • Empathy and emotional self control
  • Honesty/Integrity
  • Safety
  • Ability to lead diverse groups
  • Strong teamwork and influence skills
General Health and Safety
  • Verified Background Check
  • CPR/First Aid Certification
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Relevant musical or artistic education/experience
  • Experience in child development or related fields
  • Special event planning experience
  • Second language preferred
  • Relevant bachelors degree

SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES
1. Hire, Train, and Inspire Staff
  • Recruit, interview, hire, and onboard staff
  • Conduct bi-annual and annual performance reviews
  • Provide ongoing coaching, observations, and feedback
  • Maintain training documentation and staff development plans
2. Student Growth and Development
  • Ensure high-quality curriculum delivery
  • Support staff mastery of lesson plans and developmental progressions
    Implement student evaluations and recognition systems
3. Class Scheduling
  • Build schedules that support growth and efficiency
  • Monitor enrollment and waitlists weekly
4. Enrollment Management
  • Track enrollment metrics weekly
  • Prepare monthly retention reports
5. Facilitate Program Growth
  • Develop systems and strategies to drive enrollment and retention
  • Communicate performance to staff
6. Special Events
  • Plan, promote, and execute events and performances