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Program Director Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Direct Support Pro Lead

Columbia, SC · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Assists Residential Program Director in providing supervision to meet the needs and goals of the individuals according to their plans * Ensures each individual's training, behavior and support ...

Showing results 21-40

Program Director information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$24.1K

$63.9K

$111.9K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Columbia, SC is $63,850.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $75,500.00 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 Columbia, SC? The most popular types of Program jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Columbia, SC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,342 per year, or $34.8 per hour.

REPOST - ICF-IID Program Director: OIDD-Central Office

State of South Carolina

Cayce, SC • On-site

$92K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


State Of South Carolina rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Responsibilities *This position is being reposted. Previous applicants are still being considered and need not reapply.* Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives. Join our team at the South Carolina Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD) where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community

We are seeking an ICF-IID Program Director who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve long-term wellness. If you want to use your skills to build a healthier, more resilient community, we encourage you to apply. This is a senior leadership position responsible for program management, fiscal management, and oversight of five state operated Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs-IID) as well as the supervision of respective facility administrative personnel.

This position requires in-state travel on a recurring basis to support the facilities under their oversight. Provides guidance and supervision to Facility Administrators and personnel with responsibilities impacting facility operations. Ensures acumen of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) State Operations Manual provisions, federal and state rules and regulations pertaining to Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs-IID).

Proactively engages employees to build relationships that create trust, open dialogues, and full transparency; establish roles, responsibilities, and expectations with extraordinary clarity; motivate every single employee to take action and connect their duties in a compelling manner with OIDD's mission; assertively engages employees to drive outcomes and overcome adversity, obstacles, and resistance; creates a culture of clear accountability; and makes decisions that are based on productivity. Develops a deep personal responsibility for all subordinate activity in area of responsibility. Facilitates organizational and operational uniformity among all OIDD operated Regional Centers.

Proactively identifies specific improvement projects, develop specific guidance/parameters, specific milestones, final completion time, fix accountability for results, and effectively brief higher level managers periodically on status. Ensures state operated ICFs-IID comply with federal and state labor laws and Department of Labor (DOL) regulations to maintain full compliance of Bill 533. Ensures no individual with a disability is paid less than the federal minimum wage.

Matures therapeutic and non-work related activities for consumers unable to work. Explores and develops increased opportunities for self-advocacy, volunteerism and community inclusion as appropriate and based on consumer's strengths and desires. Establishes capacity within one or more OIDD operated Regional Centers to provide emergency care to individuals in crisis.

Serves as the Interim Facility Administrator at the ICFs-IID in the absence of a Facility Administrator. Performs special projects and other administrative duties as assigned by Deputy Director of Operations. Minimum and Additional Requirements Bachelor's Degree and at least five (5) years of leadership experience.

Licensed Nursing Home Administrator or Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP). A QIDP is an individual who possesses the following minimal qualifications: At least one (1) year of experience working directly with persons with intellectual disability or other developmental disabilities; and Is a doctor of medicine or osteopathy, a registered nurse or an individual who holds at least a bachelor's degree in one (1) of the following professional categories specified in 42 C.F.R. 483.430(b)(5) including, but not limited to: occupational therapy; occupational therapy assistant; physical therapy; physical therapy assistant; psychology; sociology; speech-language pathology or audiology; recreation; dietetics; or human services

Preferred Qualifications Progressive leadership experience in an ICF-IID, long-term care, or services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and/or demonstrated success overseeing multi-site ICF-IID operations or large, complex residential programs. Knowledge of an agency's mission, vision, and services. Working knowledge of the network of agencies contracting with OIDD to deliver services.

Knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to the operation 1915(c) home and community based waiver services, Medicaid state plan services, and services available through other state agencies. Ability to supervise and communicate effectively with and to personnel, both stationed and out-stationed. Ability to establish key performance indicators (KPI) for internal agency operations and other programs operated directly and indirectly by SC-OIDD.

Progressive leadership experience in ICF-IID, long-term care, or services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and/or demonstrated success overseeing multi-site ICF-IDD operations or large, complex residential program. Additional Comments Employment Contingency: Employment is contingent upon our receipt of the following required pre-employment screenings: medical screening - to include a drug screening; background record checks (to include fingerprinting), South Carolina Department of Social Services' Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry screening, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General "List of Excluded Individuals/Entities" screening; South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Driving Record check; and a review of transcripts verifying educational credentials

We reserve the right to rescind an offer of employment in the event minimum requirements are not met to include positions that require certifications and/or licensure, your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or our review of your background uncovers information, including opinions of previous employers and references, which cause us to conclude, at our sole discretion, that you are not suited for the position. Immunization: If this position requires the applicant to work directly with consumers of The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, tuberculosis (TB) skin or blood testing must be completed prior to beginning employment. All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, Varicella and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.

State Disaster Plan: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, employees of The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster. Employee Referral: The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities supports a Referral Incentive Reward and a Retention Bonus program. You may contact Human Resource for further information.

Supplemental Questions: Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education.

A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes: Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children.

Click here for additional information. 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year 15 days sick leave per year 13 paid holidays Paid Parental Leave S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C

Deferred Compensation) Retirement benefit choices* State Retirement Plan (SCRS) State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)


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About State of South Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of South Carolina is not a typical corporation, but the governing body of the US state of South Carolina, located in the capital city of Columbia. Its industry focuses on public administration, providing key essential services to ensure the efficient functioning of the state. These services range from public safety and environment protection to education, healthcare, and economic development. The state was founded in 1788, grounded in democratic principles meant to support the overall well-being of its citizenry. Its core values revolve around service, integrity, accountability, and transparency. The mission of the State of South Carolina is to improve the quality of life for all its people, with a focus on education advancement, economic growth, and improved healthcare.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, SC, US

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