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Program Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Elevance Health

Technical Program Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$170K - $255K/yr

Technical Program Director Technical Program Director Location: This role requires associates to be in-office 3 days per week, fostering collaboration and connectivity, while providing flexibility to ...

Jobs for Humanity

Program Directors

Chicago, IL

$100K/yr

The Professional Education Institute PROGRAM DIRECTOR Since 1983 the Professional Education Institute has helped thousands of students build wealth, develop success and change their lives. Our ...

Elevance Health

Technical Program Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$170K - $255K/yr

Technical Program Director Location: This role requires associates to be in-office 3 days per week, fostering collaboration and connectivity, while providing flexibility to support productivity and ...

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All JobsProgram Director JobsProgram Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

Program Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$28.9K

$76.6K

$134.3K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Chicago, IL is $76,646.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,900.00 and $90,700.00 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,646 per year, or $36.8 per hour.
Program Director

Program Director

LifeWise Academy

Highland, IN • On-site

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

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, churches and community
    members
  • Serve as a trusted representative of LifeWise Academy in the local community
  • Communicate the vision and impact of the program

Leading Fundraising and Community Support
  • Coordinate local fundraising efforts and community giving campaigns
  • Lead donor communication, appreciation and stewardship
  • Conduct church presentations, fundraising events, sponsorship opportunities and
    community outreach initiatives
  • Encourage ongoing financial partnerships to help sustain and grow the program
  • Utilize the LifeWise Academy fundraising strategies

Leading and Supporting Team Members
  • Recruit, train, encourage and support team members
  • Foster a safe, welcoming, Christ-centered culture for students and families
  • Coordinate teams to ensure classes run smoothly and safely

Managing Program Operations
  • Oversee communication, scheduling, enrollment and basic administrative tasks
  • Assist with budgeting, fundraising coordination and stewardship ofresources
  • Maintain compliance with school policies and LifeWise Academy procedures

What Success Looks Like
  • Students receive excellent biblical instruction and experience the gospel as part of every class
  • Families are supported and are connected to the local church
  • Team members feel equipped and valued
  • Donors and community partners feel connected to the mission and impact
  • Schools experience professionalism and partnership
  • Churches unite around a mission that impacts the next generation
  • The program operates sustainably, with the funding,resources, systems and partnerships needed to grow and serve students for years to come

You Might Be a Great Fit If You:
  • Love building relationships and bringing people together
  • Are passionate aboutreaching public school students with the gospel
  • Enjoy leadership, organization and community engagement
  • Are comfortable inviting others to financially support a meaningful mission
  • Communicate clearly and professionally
  • Can manage details while keeping sight of the bigger mission
  • Thrive in ministry, nonprofit, education or community leadership settings
  • Are self-motivated, dependable and flexible

Experience in ministry, education, fundraising, administration, volunteer coordination or community
engagement is helpful, but a heart forthe mission is essential.
Why People Love This Role
  • Meaningful Impact: You'll help bring Bible education to students who may never otherwise hear the gospel
  • Flexible Part-Time Work: This role is ideal for someone seeking meaningful, mission-driven work while balancing family, ministry or other professional commitments
  • Strong Support and Training: You won't do this alone. LifeWise Academy provides systems,
    resources, coaching and ongoing support to help you succeed.
  • Be Part of a Growing Movement: LifeWise Academy is expanding rapidly across the country as
    more communities seek to bring released time religious instruction to local students

Position Details
  • Part-time position (approximately 15-20 hours per week)
  • Some daytime availability required during school hours
  • Occasional weekend, evening or community events

If you're excited about building something meaningful in your community and helping impact the next
generation, we'd love to talk with you. Apply today to learn more about joining the LifeWise Academy
mission.
Benefits
  • Retirement plan, including employer match

LifeWise Academy's hiring practices and EEO Statement are fully in compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the "religion"section of employment discrimination laws for religious
organizations and permitsthem to give employment preference to members of their own religion. LifeWise
Academy is in that category.
Classification: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Employment Type: Part-Time
Grid Level: 2a

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