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Program Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Marks, an sgsco company

Programme Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Job Summary The Programme Director is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of projects within Marks. This role requires balancing creativity with ...

VML

Freelance Program Director

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Freelance Program Director (open to remote EST or CST) Who we are looking for: VML is seeking a Freelance Program Director, who will be responsible for overseeing the overall delivery stack, all ...

Skokie Park District

SPACE Program Director

Skokie, IL

$18 - $20/hr

Under the direction of the SPACE Program Manager, the SPACE Site Director is responsible for the planning, organization, coordination, management, and supervision of a well rounded before and/or ...

Makemarks

Programme Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120.98 - $130.98/hr

Job Summary The Programme Director is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of projects within Marks. This role requires balancing creativity with ...

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 ...

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All JobsProgram JobsProgram Director JobsProgram Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

Program Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.4K

$80.6K

$141.2K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Chicago, IL is $80,616.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,600.00 and $95,400.00 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.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,616 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Programme Director

Marks, an sgsco company

Chicago, IL • On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Marks, part of the Propelis Group, Marks is a consumer experience agency creating engaging moments across the entire brand spectrum-from brand design and packaging, to content and consumer connections. We are a collaborative global network of 1,900+ team members across 25+ studios and 20+ countries, partnering with some of the world's most recognized brands to solve complex business challenges through design, strategy, and craft.
Job Summary
The Programme Director is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of projects within Marks. This role requires balancing creativity with operational excellence to ensure projects meet client expectations, remain within budget, agreed margin, and are delivered on time. The ideal candidate will serve as the central point of contact for clients and internal teams regarding project delivery, fostering collaboration between designers, strategists, and account managers.
Key Responsibilities
  1. Project Leadership & Strategy

    • Responsible for effective delivery of work within a major CPG account ($5M+).
    • Owns all gates, risk and commercial controls to run the accounts they are accountable for, for best utilisation, workflows, and delivery.
    • Develop project scopes, timelines, and budgets in collaboration with clients and internal stakeholders.
    • Define project goals and ensure alignment with the client's vision and objectives.
    • Own and track margins and optimisation solutions for the accounts they are accountable for, ultimately delivering to the target VCM
    • Work hand in hand with their Client Services counterparts

  2. Team Management & Collaboration

    • Lead cross-functional teams to ensure smooth project execution.
    • Mentor and guide project managers and junior staff to develop their skills and ensure high performance.
    • Foster a collaborative and positive working environment that encourages innovation and accountability.

  3. Client Relationship Management

    • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, acting as their key point of contact for project delivery-related matters.
    • Proactively communicate project updates, milestones, and risks to ensure transparency and trust.

  4. Operational Excellence

    • Collaborate closely with the PMO to ensure projects align with organizational goals and governance standards.
    • Implement PMO methodologies and best practices throughout the project lifecycle to ensure consistency and quality.
    • Track project performance in partnership with the PMO, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
    • Manage project portfolios alongside the PMO, ensuring strategic alignment across all projects.
    • Maintain data integrity within project management tools like Workfront, ensuring accurate reporting and alignment with organizational objectives.
    • Drive continuous improvement by integrating PMO processes with day-to-day project execution and facilitating clear communication across teams.
    • Monitor project progress, ensuring deliverables meet quality standards and deadlines.
    • Manage project budgets, track expenses, and oversee resource allocation in collaboration with Ops.
    • Mitigate risks by identifying potential issues and implementing proactive solutions.
    • Monitor and report on project health to Portfolio Leads and Ops

  5. Process Improvement

    • Continuously improve agency workflows, tools, and processes to enhance efficiency and scalability.
    • Stay updated on industry trends, tools, and best practices to keep the agency competitive.

About Propelis: Propelis is a portfolio of global marketing services and technology companies with a combined legacy of 150+ years, 2,000+ clients, 9,000 employees, and operations across 30 countries. Propelis provides the scale and support of a global organization while preserving the unique culture and identity of each company in its portfolio.
For more information visit: www.MakeMarks.com
EEO Statement: We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. We offer equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.
We strive to make our employment website and application process accessible to all users and applicants. In doing so, we provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation or assistance completing the application process, please contact a member of our Human Resource Team.
Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The U.S. pay range for this position is $120,981 USD - $130,981 USD annually. Ultimately, in determining pay, we will consider the successful candidate's location, experience, and other job-related factors.
Group benefits currently include a selection of health care plans with prescription drug coverage, dental plan, vision plan, basic and supplemental life insurance, a flexible spending account for medical and dependent care expenses or a health savings account based on plan selection, short/long term disability and 401(k) Savings Plan.
#LI-SM1 #LI-DNP
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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