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Program Director Jobs in Buffalo Grove, IL (NOW HIRING)

Outreach is hiring a Full-time Older Adults Program Director (with clinical licensure) at Outreach Carol Stream to serve as the clinical lead for senior services, providing direct clinical care ...

Program Director FLSA CATEGORY: Exempt STATUS TYPE: RFT PAY GRADE: 207 PAY RANGE: ($50,813-$60,975) WHO WE ARE At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to Doing the Most Good. We are made up of ...

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Program Director information

See Buffalo Grove, IL salary details

$30.3K

$80.2K

$140.5K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Buffalo Grove, IL is $80,193.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,400.00 and $94,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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-related area. Many roles also prefer or require a master's degree or higher, along with experience in leadership, project management, or the specific sector they oversee.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Buffalo Grove, IL?

The most popular types of Program jobs in Buffalo Grove, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Buffalo Grove, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Buffalo Grove, IL are:

What cities near Buffalo Grove, IL are hiring for Program Director jobs?

Cities near Buffalo Grove, IL with the most Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Buffalo Grove, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,193 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Bereavement Program Director

Pillars Community Health

Western Springs, IL • On-site

$32K - $37K/yr

Part-time

Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

** This is a part-time position. See schedule details below. **
SUMMARY
Responsible for oversight of all daily operations related to Buddy's Place: a bereavement program offering family-based support groups to grieving children, teens, and their families.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Assists in the completion of the Buddy's Place strategic plan.
  • Collaborates with staff to develop innovative programs and services that are congruent with the Buddy's Place program.
  • Collaborates with supervisor and Line of Service leaders regularly to address progress, growth, and challenges.
  • Provides reports on programming for key stakeholders and entities when needed.
  • Identifies key community partners/collaborators and conducts strategic meetings to expand reach to new audiences and network partners.
  • Ensures the quality and effectiveness of programming by adherence to the established curriculum and practice standards.
  • Ensures compliance with all ethical and legal rules and regulations for the support services provided within the Buddy's Place program.
  • Collaborates with the Quality Improvement Analyst to review the evaluations and look for trends and useful data points that can be used to refine the program and for grants or funding reports/opportunities.
  • Makes presentations about supporting grieving children and Buddy's Place as requested by outside sources, such as community groups, school staff, and others.
  • Organizes, coordinates, implements, and facilitates the group preparation for the 8-week sessions and monthly gatherings which provide family-based bereavement support groups for children and teens ages four (4) to eighteen (18).
  • Manages a group of volunteers. Assigns and monitors volunteers to ensure proper coverage.
  • Collaboratively assists in recruiting of, onboarding/training, professional development, and necessary documentation for volunteers.
  • Coordinates meetings with the volunteers and the HR department to complete required documentation and compliance requirements.
  • Attends weekly evening bereavement support groups during the 8-week spring and fall sessions. Attends monthly program gatherings.
  • Coordinates registration of families by conducting the phone intake, organizing, and processing paperwork. Makes referrals as necessary.
  • Follows up with families considering attending the program.
  • Coordinates with the external staff of the site(s) where monthly gatherings and 8-week sessions are held and coordinates scheduling and set up needs. Coordinates the contract approval and submission process and works to identify additional site locations, as needed.
  • Facilitates semi-annual meetings with volunteers.
  • Creates and updates the evaluations used for the programs to gather feedback and data.
  • Participates in non-clinical client-facing activities (Trim a Tree event, summer event)
  • Provide in-service trainings for staff, interns and Buddy's Place volunteers as requested.
  • Participates in agency, line of service, program, and leadership meetings, activities and events, or other meetings that are relevant for the program.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with a disability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Masters Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Clinical Social Work, or related field with a minimum of 2 years experience in the bereavement service area. Prior program coordination experience and experience managing volunteers is preferred. Training facilitation and presentation experience required. Ability to work as part of a team and collaborate with consumers, referral sources, and other community providers are essential.
SCHEDULE:
The Director will coordinate a gathering that occurs on the 2nd Monday evening of each month. Gatherings for held from 6:15 - 7:30 pm, with the Director and volunteers working on site from 4:00 - 8:30 pm
Each Fall and Spring, the Director coordinates an 8-week session, generally September through October and March/April through May. The 8-week sessions are on Tuesday evenings, typically running through 8:30 pm
The weekly schedule can be flexible and varies throughout the week. It would include 20 hours each week, with evening availability on Mondays and Tuesdays for the program gatherings and 8 weeks sessions. Outside of these timeframes, the regular hours are flexible.
PAY & BENEFIT INFORMATION
$32,500 - $37,500 *
* This is a part-time position based on 20 hours each week. Wage is based on one's experience, qualifications, and bilingual language skills as compared with our position requirements and other similar employees within the organization.
Benefits: Short/long term disability, life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, FSA, Employee Assistance Program, 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off for vacation, sick, personal time, holidays, & wellness day. Professional development membership to Relias Essential Learning. Reimbursement for position related clinical license and certifications.