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Program Director Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

Program Director

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$71K - $81K/yr

Clinical Program Director (Exempt) MAJOR DUTIES: The Clinical Program Director works closely with the Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and is responsible for the ...

Program Assistant

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$20.12 - $23.46/hr

Team Lead and Program Director MAJOR DUTIES: This support member to the team is responsible for organizing, coordinating and monitoring all nonclinical operations under the direction of the team ...

Keep the Program Director apprised of interactions. * Assist clients in accessing appropriate transportation (e.g., public transportation, staff vehicle, etc.). * Initiate emergency procedures when ...

Home Care Aide

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$22.30 - $27.18/hr

Keep the Program Director apprised of interactions. * Assist clients in accessing appropriate transportation (e.g., public transportation, staff vehicle, etc.). * Initiate emergency procedures when ...

RA Lead

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$23.30 - $26.50/hr

Residential Aide Supervisor and Program Director MAJOR DUTIES: The Lead works closely with the Program Director and Residential Aide Supervisor. The Lead is responsible for assisting with the ...

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Program Director information

See Bellingham, WA salary details

$30.7K

$81.3K

$142.4K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Bellingham, WA is $81,276.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,100.00 and $96,100.00 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 Bellingham, WA? The most popular types of Program jobs in Bellingham, WA are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Bellingham, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Bellingham, WA are:
What cities near Bellingham, WA are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Bellingham, WA with the most Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Bellingham, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,276 per year, or $39.1 per hour.
Program Director

Program Director

Lifeline Connections

Bellingham, WA • On-site

$71K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description


Lifeline Connections is a community-based behavioral health organization that specializes in providing confidential and compassionate care to individuals who experience substance use and/or mental health conditions.

Our Vision - As the premier provider of substance use and mental health services in the Pacific Northwest, we are respected and the most trusted resource for behavioral health treatment and whole-person care. We provide a comprehensive continuum of coordinated quality services, foster enduring relationships, and empower our communities to truly thrive.

Our Mission - Through superior customer service, high quality programs, and well-trained and dedicated staff, we inspire hope and support lifesaving changes for people affected by substance use and mental health conditions.


POSITION: Clinical Program Director (Exempt)

MAJOR DUTIES: The Clinical Program Director works closely with the Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and is responsible for the provision of clinical services to patients enrolled in their assigned programs. This position provides program oversight and clinical supervision for necessary clinical staff in their assigned programs including clinical service delivery, maintenance of patient records, contract compliance, financial management, public relations, and liaison with various government and private agencies and officials. This position is a member of the Management Team. In fulfilling these duties, the incumbent performs the following duties independently:

  1. Review Washington Administrative Codes (WACs) and Revised Codes (RCWs) and Federal regulations pertaining to substance use disorder and mental health treatment and develop and implement policies and procedures to comply with said codes and regulations;
  2. Ensure that continuous quality improvement addresses both patient needs and compliance with WACs, RCWs, CARF and Federal Regulations;
  3. Ensure that the agency treatment programs are maintained in such a way to be in substantial compliance with Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) ;
  4. Prepares and submits statistical reports to the CCO for program compliance with contract performance indicators;
  5. Provides clinical supervision of treatment services including case staffing, chart entries, case audits, and treatment plan reviews;
  6. Assist with Orientation of all new staff to their assigned region;
  7. Ensure compliance with all applicable Lifeline Connections contracts and policies and procedures;
  8. Prepare and present in-service training to staff in order to meet the needs of the changing trends in substance use disorder and mental health treatment;
  9. In conjunction with the CFO, ensure that assigned programs are financially stable;
  10. Provide direct services to patients as needed; and
  11. Other duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Active Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) Credential, meet the requirements of an approved supervisor per WAC 246-811-049 and bachelor’s degree required. A masters’ degree or further advanced degree in psychology, social work, counseling or related field from an accredited college or university is preferred.
  2. 3 years supervisory experience;
  3. Previous documented experience working with an understanding of statistical methods, managing budgets, supervision of personnel and program management.
  4. Current unencumbered driver license and proof of current car insurance may be required;
  5. Good verbal and written communication skills.
  6. Great attendance; and
  7. Ability to work well with others.

GUIDELINES:

The position requires that the incumbent maintain certification or qualification standards for the position. The incumbent relies on specialized training and/or equivalent experience in the field of substance use disorder and mental health treatment, DBHR, CARF, WACs and RCWs of Washington and the performance standards developed for the position.

COMPLEXITY:

The incumbent provides program oversight and supervision to patients who differ widely in age and socioeconomic status and who may possess a variety of chronic and serious social, behavioral and psychological problems. Further, s/he provides supervision for chemical dependency and mental health counselors, counselor interns, and students. Autonomy, clinical maturity, sound judgment, and creativity are required to help identify and monitor policies and treatment activities that will meet the complex needs of both patients and staff.

PERSONAL CONTACTS:

Contacts are with members of the treatment team, patients, significant others of the patients, Board of Directors/Advisory Boards, representatives of various community agencies specializing in the treatment of behavioral health and related community representatives including lawyers, probation officers, and other court officials. All personal contacts are carried out in accordance with federal and state laws dealing with the confidentiality of behavioral health patient records.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the essential functions of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, speak clearly, hear and use hands and fingers to manipulate writing utensils and keys on a keyboard. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands or arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or lift and/or move maximum of 25 lbs. The employee may be regularly required to effectively operate an automobile.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Most working hours are spent indoors in offices or meeting rooms. Occasional supervision of outdoor activities, visits to community agencies, and participation in staff retreats and staff development activities may be required.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Vice President of Clinical Services

Salary: $71,580.60 - 81,930.60/year DOE


Application Process:
To apply electronically for this position, please click "Apply Now" or visit our ADP career center. For more information on this and other positions, please visit our website at www.lifelineconnections.org

The Benefits:

Lifeline Connections strives to be your employer of choice by offering our regular/full-time employees a generous benefits package. Our plans cover 85% of medical, dental, and vision costs at the employee level and 75% for all dependent plans. The majority of out-of-pocket costs (i.e. co-pays, prescriptions, and deductibles) under our medical plans are also covered. We also offer other benefits, such as: employer paid Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, and supplemental coverage.

Our full-time employees and some part-time employees also qualify for our 401(K) plan that matches dollar for dollar up to 5%. On top of all that, our full-time employees receive approximately 4 weeks of paid time off during their first year of employment (accrual rates increase with years of service), as well as 1 personal holiday and 12 paid holidays per year!

There are many other supplemental benefits we are glad to offer such as tuition reimbursement and discounted cellular service amongst others.

Send us your resume and let's talk about you joining our team!