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Program Director Jobs in Chicopee, MA (NOW HIRING)

Director

Longmeadow, MA · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

Position Summary The Program Director is responsible for managing all aspects of a Playful Minds Learning Center, LLC (PMLC) program including building and supporting a strong team, implementing high ...

Working under the supervision of the Program Director, the Program Coordinator provides support in all administrative, outreach and marketing aspects of the MotherWoman Programs; including trainings ...

Program Coordinator

Hadley, MA · On-site

$20K - $24K/yr

Working under the supervision of the Program Director, the Program Coordinator provides support in all administrative, outreach and marketing aspects of the MotherWoman Programs; including trainings ...

Showing results 21-40

Program Director information

See Chicopee, MA salary details

$29.7K

$78.6K

$137.7K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Chicopee, MA is $78,603.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $93,000.00 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 Chicopee, MA? The most popular types of Program jobs in Chicopee, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Program Director jobs in Chicopee, MA? For Program Director jobs in Chicopee, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Chicopee, MA are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Chicopee, MA with the most Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Chicopee, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,603 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Program Director | Adolescent & Family Services

Gándara Center

Springfield, MA • On-site

$71K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Why Work for Gandara:

Explore the career pathways in Behavioral Health, Substance Use and Recovery, Community Based Clinical services, Adolescent and Family services, Adult Residential, Maintenance and Administration! Whether that is in an entry level or leadership role, Gandara will provide the tools and resources to better enhance your career growth. The opportunities are presented with the ability to transition your skills and experience in meeting the organizations mission. There is grand landscape of opportunities that supports the community we serve, so Join the Gándara team today!

Benefits:

  • Retirement Plan 403(b)
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Pet and Life Insurance
  • Paid vacations
  • Paid holidays
  • 8 discretionary days
  • Mileage Reimbursement

Salary:

  • Salary Range | $71,000 - $75,000

Additional Benefits:

  • Career Growth Opportunities
  • Culturally Diverse population
  • Student Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
  • Clinical Licensing Support

Job Title: Program Director

Work Location: Greater Springfield, MA

 

*Bilingual Candidates Encouraged to Apply 

*EOE M/F/D/V

*Union/Non-Union

Job Summary:

We are searching for a Program Director to provide leadership for the treatment team at the program, establishing open communication, support, and accountability among workers and consumers. To manage the day to day operations of the program which is designed to empower residents with the skills needed to achieve lasting recovery. The Program Director is accountable to the Senior Director, who is responsible for providing supervision and training. The Program Director is one who actively promotes the philosophy of the Rehabilitation and Supportive Services programs, and maintains a high level of commitment to the programs.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Client/Staff Services 

  • Necessary to meet overall agency goals and provide services to program consumers.
  • Responsible for the quality and quantity of all services provided by the program.
  • Provides direct support, training and supervision to staff.
  • Oversees the supervision and training of all program staff.
  • Hires, terminates, promotes, evaluates and disciplines staff as needed.
  • Manages clients’ clinical services; overall management of treatment planning process.
  • Assures adherence to program treatment philosophy.
  • Acts as the principal referral contact for prospective clients, including overseeing referral requests, arranging for evaluative interviews and admission intakes, maintaining a log of all referral activities, as well as establishing and maintaining relations with all prospective referral sources.
  • Develops accountability systems for staff and clients.
  • Delivers services to any client in the program in the event that the assigned staff is unavailable.
  • Screens all referrals to the program for appropriateness.
  • Oversees and/or conducts client interviews and selection process.
  • Responsible for competent and complete shift coverage.
  • Ensures orientation is conducted with all new personnel on program operation, procedures and practices, and that all new employees attend New Employee Orientation.
  • Monitors case management as it relates to quality assurance.
  • Reviews and approves schedules for all house management issues, as well as for kitchen and maintenance personnel.
  • Regularly evaluates clinical services in the program and makes recommendations for revision to the Senior Director.
  • Prepares and submits monthly client attendance reports with proof of monetary contributions (client fees and food stamp submission) with accuracy and in a timely manner.
  • Provides direct care to all clients assigned to the program when necessary.
  • Promotes client’s empowerment with participation in activities, groups, peer support and advocacy process, and through the encouragement of members’ independence.
  • Develops strong supportive relationships with consumers.
  • Provides crisis intervention.
  • Provides for client care and safety, and adheres to all safety measures.
  • Acts as a client advocate.
  • Adheres to program and agency policies and procedures.
  • Helps facilitate client’s participation in the daily activities of the program (i.e., socialization groups, recreational groups, psycho-education, and any other group in which the client participates).
  • Assists members in planning, implementing and leading scheduled activities.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Senior Director.
  1. Program and Staff Development Services
  • Necessary to meet overall program and agency goals, and provide support to management and program staff.
  • Assists in annual program planning and report writing as it relates to the program.
  • Assists in the monitoring of personal effectiveness in implementing job functions.
  • Plans and oversees effective administration of the program, which includes but is not limited to, developing written procedures for the program, program monitoring, and program evaluation.
  • Prepares and reviews public relations information as it pertains to the programs.
  • Coordinates and partakes in SHA Quality Assurance Review.
  • Represents Agency in a professional manner.
  • Conducts long term planning of program’s goals and objectives.
  • Develops systems to assure that all services are effectively delivered.
  • Develops systems to monitor the quality of all program activities.
  • Works within processes and procedures of referral source.
  • Maintains relations with funding source, including the reporting and renewal of certificates, licenses and contracts.
  • Acts as an inter-Agency liaison.
  • Able to react positively to change and to handle other tasks assigned due to changing environments.
  • Necessary to meet administrative requirements of the job by government bodies, funding sources, agency policy, etc.
  • Facilitates and attends scheduled staff meetings.
  • Maintains client records in accordance with standard format and timetables.
  • Maintains program adherence to state license and regulation procedures.
  • Reviews and authorizes all vouchers, expenditures and billing.
  • Compiles statistical data and prepares reports in compliance with national/state/local surveys.
  • Disburses all requested and received funds (petty cash) and submits all vouchers, receipts or proof of expenditures to controller’s office in a timely manner.
  • Facilitates weekly case consultation meetings.
  • Plans, monitors and amends program budget.
  • Prepares monthly program reports.
  • Writes contract proposals.
  • Develops proposals for new program components as needed.
  • Facilitates employment practices of the program.
  • Supervises and evaluates the performance of all staff employed in the program as well as student interns and volunteers.
  • Attends scheduled supervisory meetings with Senior Director.
  • Conducts regular supervision meetings with subordinates and performs annual performance appraisals.
  • Maintains assigned financial record keeping and submits requests and/or reports accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Maintains and keeps accurate records of program budgets.
  • Accurately completes and submits timesheets weekly and in a timely manner.
  • Available to implement job functions both in and out of the Agency as needs require and/or Agency policy permits.
  • Maintains job related record keeping as prescribed by Agency policy
  • Attends all staff meetings, management team meetings, and in service trainings, when required.
  • Promoting Knowledge acquisition and skills development through various professional development opportunities
  • Assisting personnel in transferring the skill and knowledge obtained in the classroom to their work in the filed
  • Inputting data into the data management system
  • Using data collection tools and forms
  • Reading and interpreting reports
  • Using data to improve performance

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in Human Services and one (1) year of Management/ Supervisory experience.
  • Must have valid driver’s license
  • Must meet Agency requirements for driving history records; Pass Criminal and DCF Background Record Check
  • Ability to work effectively with other community Agencies (i.e., School Dept., DCF, Juvenile Court, EEC, etc.)
  • Excellent communication, record-keeping and organizational skills required.
  • Those who are Bilingual (English + Spanish) or Bicultural are encouraged to apply.

The Gándara Mental Health Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training