ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Program Director Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProgram JobsProgram Director JobsProgram Director Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Program Director information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$36.1K

$95.7K

$167.7K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Berkeley, CA is $95,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $113,300.00 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 Berkeley, CA? The most popular types of Program jobs in Berkeley, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Berkeley, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Berkeley, CA are:
What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Program Director job openings:
Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Berkeley, CA 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 $95,746 per year, or $46 per hour.
Education Program Director

Education Program Director

Certified Employment Group Job Openings

Concord, CA

$75K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Education Program Director
Location: Concord, CA
Employment Type: Direct Hire
Salary: $75,000 annually 


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Maintain high-quality classroom environments that support children’s learning, development, and safety.
  • Ensure curriculum and classroom activities align with program standards across education, health, nutrition, social-emotional development, and family engagement components.
  • Supervise classroom staff and daily center operations, including scheduling, coverage, and staff assignments to maintain appropriate ratios.
  • Provide coaching, feedback, and performance support to staff; assist in identifying training and professional development needs.
  • Support classroom organization and ensure learning environments are developmentally appropriate.
  • Conduct staff orientation, oversee onboarding of new staff and volunteers, and ensure compliance with site procedures.
  • Observe and support child development assessments, documentation, and individualized learning or support plans as needed.
  • Ensure timely completion of developmental screenings, assessments, and child progress documentation.
  • Maintain safe, clean, and organized indoor and outdoor program environments, including proper use and storage of materials and equipment.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, licensing requirements, and organizational policies.
  • Support recruitment, outreach, and enrollment of children and families in the program.
  • Engage families in program activities and encourage participation in classroom and center events.
  • Maintain accurate, up-to-date, and confidential records for children, families, and staff.
  • Utilize electronic systems to document program activities, attendance, and child development data.
  • Facilitate or support regular parent meetings and family engagement activities.
  • Participate in ongoing professional development and required training hours.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
  • 3–5 years of experience in early childhood education or a related field; supervisory experience preferred.
  • Experience overseeing staff and supporting program or classroom operations.
  • Knowledge of early childhood development and age-appropriate learning practices.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with children, families, and diverse teams.
  • Experience with administrative tasks, documentation, and recordkeeping.
  • Proficiency in basic computer systems and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
  • Bilingual ability preferred.
Education:
  • Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and ECE coursework.
Certified Employment Group logo

About Certified Employment Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Certified Employment Group started in San Francisco in 1963. Our cornerstone mission was, and remains, to provide ethical, caring service to each of our clients and employees. These values mean using technology to create efficiencies for our clients, expand our service offerings and enhance the level of service we can provide. As Northern California businesses have prospered, Certified has responded by opening branches to serve high-growth areas. We have expanded our services to include on-site management for major accounts, developing a web based interface and opening specialized divisions in Legal, Renewable Energy and Accounting. Certified remains independently owned, responsive, flexible and wholly committed to our original values. We believe this is the reason for our success. Industry rankings continually place Certified in the top ten percent based on sales!

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Emeryville, CA, US

Year founded

1963

View All Certified Employment Group Jobs

Apply