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Program Director Jobs in Columbus, MS (NOW HIRING)

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Program Director information

See Columbus, MS salary details

$28.8K

$76.4K

$133.9K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Columbus, MS is $76,413.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,800.00 and $90,400.00 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 Columbus, MS? The most popular types of Program jobs in Columbus, MS are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Columbus, MS look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Columbus, MS are:
What cities near Columbus, MS are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Columbus, MS with the most Program Director job openings:
Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Columbus, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,413 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

PREVENTION SPECIALIST

US Department of the Air Force

Columbus, MS • On-site

$52K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as Prevention Specialist at an Air or Space Force installation.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the basic requirement and specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for Social Sciences Series 0101 and Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions.
BASIC REQUIREMENT:
Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position. NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS.
OR
Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS.
OR
Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
GS-09: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-07 or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes performing limited duties relating to violence prevention and the multiple uses of systems and performing duties in behavioral, social science and/or public health practices.
OR
EDUCATION: 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS.
GS-11: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09 or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes performing delivery systems relating to violence prevention and the multiple uses of such systems; performing duties in behavioral, social science and/or public health practices, principles and theories relating to the prevention of violence; and training design, teaching and instructing individuals and groups.
OR
EDUCATION: 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. NOTE: YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS.
GS-12: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11 or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes performing delivery systems relating to violence prevention and the multiple uses of such systems; performing duties in behavioral, social science and/or public health practices, principles and theories relating to the prevention of violence; and training design, teaching and instructing individuals and groups.
GS-13: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12 or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes managing all aspects of a complex integrated prevention programs; leading duties in behavioral, social science and/or public health practices, principles and theories relating to the prevention of violence; and analyzing, planning, organizing, and directing work operations to meet program requirements and objectives with available resources; and mentoring, leading, and appraising the staff of an organization.
GS-14: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-13 or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes directing all aspects of a complex integrated prevention programs; directing complex duties in behavioral, social science and/or public health practices, principles and theories relating to the prevention of violence; and performing strategic planning, organizing, and directing work operations to meet program requirements and objectives with available resources; mentoring, directing, and appraising the staff of an organization.
GS-15: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-14 or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes directing all aspects of a complex integrated prevention programs; directing complex duties in behavioral, social science and/or public health practices, principles and theories relating to the prevention of violence; and performing strategic planning, organizing, and directing work operations to meet program requirements and objectives with available resources; mentoring, motivating, and appraising the staff of an organization.
For additional information on qualifications, please see, https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/social-science-series-0101/
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies as well as behavioral, social science and/or public health practices principles and theories relating to the prevention of violence.
2. Knowledge of a wide range of delivery systems relating to violence prevention and the multiple uses of such systems.
3. Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
4. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
5. Ability to analyze, plan, organize, and direct work operations to meet program requirements and objectives with available resources; mentor, motivate, and appraise the staff of an organization.
6. Ability to identify individual and community risk and protective factors to determine prevention and resilience activities to meet the needs of the base populace.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.Employment Type: OTHER

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