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Program Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Program Director

Crown Point, IN · On-site

$21/hr

The Program Director is responsible for but not limited to: managing program operation, development and growth, participant experience and satisfaction, member and staff retention and safety, staff ...

Crossroads YMCA

Program Director

Hobart, IN · On-site

$21/hr

Become our next Program Director leading sports, gymnastics, cheer, dance, and ninja. Apply Today! About the Role This is a high-energy, hands-on leadership role where you'll oversee sports ...

The Salvation Army

Program Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$72K/yr

Program Director LOCATION/DEPT: Adele and Robert Stern Red Shield Community Center PEOPLE MANAGER: Yes REPORTS TO (TITLE): Corps Officer FLSA CATEGORY: Exempt STATUS TYPE: RFT PAY GRADE: 209 PAY ...

LifeWise Academy

Program Director

Saint John, IN · On-site

What You'll Do As program director, you'll help lead and grow your community's LifeWise program by: Building Community Relationships * Develop positive partnerships with school leaders, parents ...

LifeWise Academy

Program Director

Highland, IN · On-site

What You'll Do As program director, you'll help lead and grow your community's LifeWise program by: Building Community Relationships * Develop positive partnerships with school leaders, parents ...

LifeWise Academy

Program Director

Portage, IN · On-site

What You'll Do As program director, you'll help lead and grow your community's LifeWise program by: Building Community Relationships * Develop positive partnerships with school leaders, parents ...

HIRE360

Assistant Program Director

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$75K - $85K/yr

CEJA Program Director Classification: Exempt Status: Full-time (Hybrid) Employee Type: W-2 Salary: $75,000 - $85,000 Who We Are: HIRE360 is an industry-led, workforce development nonprofit investing ...

Monks

Program Director

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

In this strategic hybrid role blending Marketing Operations, Analytics, and Program Management, you will oversee the setup, optimization, and measurement of global, regional, and local campaigns.

Monks

Program Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

In this strategic hybrid role blending Marketing Operations, Analytics, and Program Management, you will oversee the setup, optimization, and measurement of global, regional, and local campaigns.

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Program Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.4K

$80.6K

$141.1K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Chicago, IL is $80,553.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,600.00 and $95,300.00 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Program jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL? For Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Program Director job openings:
Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,538 per year, or $38.7 per hour.
Program Director

Program Director

Restoration Builders, Inc.

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Position Description: About Us: The Roofing School of Illinois and Public Adjuster Academy are specialized educational institutions that prepare students for state exams required to obtain Illinois roofing and Public Adjuster licenses. Our commitment is to deliver top-tier education and support, ensuring our students success and professional advancement.Job Description: We seek a dynamic Program Director to lead our educational programs at The Roofing School of Illinois and Public Adjuster Academy. The Program Director will manage a team of instructors, a sales enrollment specialist, and a program coordinator, driving sales and enhancing our programs' overall quality and success.Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership: Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for both schools, ensuring alignment with our educational goals and standards. Program Oversight: Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of our curriculum and educational content. Team Management: Direct and support the instructor team, sales enrollment specialist, and program coordinator to achieve excellence in their respective roles. Sales and Enrollment: Drive student enrollment and program sales, working closely with the team to increase program visibility and attract prospective students. Quality Control: Ensure the highest education standards are maintained, evaluating program effectiveness and student satisfaction. Industry Relations: Maintain active engagement with industry professionals and regulatory bodies to stay updated on licensing requirements and industry trends. Financial Management: Oversee the program budget, optimizing resource allocation for financial health and growth.Qualifications: Bachelors degree in education, Business Administration, or a related field. Significant experience in educational program management, preferably within the licensing sector. Demonstrated leadership capabilities and team management experience. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Familiarity with the roofing, construction, and public adjusting industries, including Illinois state licensing requirements. Sales and operations experience in the education sector is highly desirable.
$75,000.00 - $85,000.00 Annually

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