1

Program Director Jobs in Cranston, RI (NOW HIRING)

Work in tandem with program director and 12-person multidisciplinary team serving mentally ill adults in the community. For more information please contact Andrew McKinney at Ext. 237 or regarding ...

Clinical Director

Fall River, MA · On-site

$82K - $111K/yr

The Old Colony Y Intensive Home Based Program is looking for a dynamic Clinical Director to join our IHB team! The Clinical Director will assist our consumers, staff, and Program Director in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Program Director information

See Cranston, RI salary details

$28.9K

$76.5K

$134K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Cranston, RI is $76,481.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,800.00 and $90,500.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Cranston, RI? The most popular types of Program jobs in Cranston, RI are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Cranston, RI look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Cranston, RI are:
What cities near Cranston, RI are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Cranston, RI with the most Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Cranston, RI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,481 per year, or $36.8 per hour.
Program Director I - Residential Services

Program Director I - Residential Services

Seven Hills Foundation

North Smithfield, RI

$27.99/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Seven Hills Foundation rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 236 rated social care providers


Job description

Overview

Pay: $27.99/hr

Sign-on Bonus: $2500

Are you looking to make a difference and promote healthy and happy lives? Do you have a passion for working with individuals with disabilities and significant life challenges helping them to achieve their fullest potential? If so, consider joining us here at Seven Hills Rhode Island where our CORE VALUES include Respect & Kindness, Integrity, Teamwork, Innovation, and Service to others.

The Residential Director is responsible for the oversight of day-to-day operations of the residential programs to which they are assigned. This position is responsible for staffing coverage, compliance with operational budgets and fulfillment of licensing regulations, supervision of employees including evaluations, payroll, hiring, and staff training compliance.  This position is responsible for the creation, implementation and on-going follow-up related to the Individualized Service Plan (ISP), Purchase Order (PO), and other annual planning tools for each resident receiving service. The Residential Director ensures that staff treat the individuals served with respect and listen carefully to them to best honor their choices, privacy, refusals and rituals while also providing appropriate safeguards.

Benefits for Full-time employees: 

  • Health and Dental Insurance: With generous company contribution.
  • Generous Accrued Paid Vacation
  • Vacation Cash-Out Option
  • Paid Personal Days, Holidays and Sick Time
  • Enhanced Retirement Plan: With Employer match
  • Student Loan Assistance: Consolidation, counseling, & limited employer contribution.
  • Tuition Assistance: Reimbursed or prepaid college coursework.

*Benefits are based on position and scheduled hours

Responsibilities

The Residential Director is responsible for planning, scheduling, staffing, coordinating, and monitoring services for participants. They ensure all staff are properly trained with current documentation / certifications on file and play an active role in orienting all new employees.  In this role you are responsible for the overall physical, psychological and emotional health and safety of the participants and work to identify and resolve any needs or concerns of the staff and participants.  The RD is responsible for the creation, implementation and on-going follow-up related to the Individualized Service Plan (ISP), Purchase Order (PO), and other annual planning tools for each resident receiving service. The RD provides supports  that may include personal care, physical lifting and therapeutic holds and implements and fosters the principles of self-advocacy which promote an independent lifestyle and respect for program participants.  This role actively promotes and positively role models philosophy, mission, and core values of the organization. Participation in an on-call rotation is required.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Commitment to assisting people with developmental disabilities to participate fully in the life of their community
  • Ability to work as part of a team: positive and constructive.
  • Prior management experience preferred
  • Basic computer literacy/proficiency preferred.
  • Associates degree preferred, High School diploma or equivalency required
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable driving history.
  • Able to communicate effectively verbally, non-verbally, visually, and in writing.
  • Basic budgeting and mathematical skills.
  • Proven ability to demonstrate tact, good judgment, and initiative in interactions with participants, peers, family members, the general public, and other stakeholders.
  • Physical demands: sitting, pushing, pulling, carrying, grasping, speaking, listening, stooping, crouching, bending, standing, twisting, crawling, walking, and climbing. Requires a normal degree of flexibility; ability to walk, run or shuffle, kneel on one or two knees and then stand up; to utilize upper and lower body strength within weight restrictions; may be required to lift up to fifty (50) pounds or more with assistance

The mission of Seven Hills Foundation is to promote and encourage the empowerment of people with significant challenges so that each may pursue their highest possible degree of personal well-being and independence.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Seven Hills Foundation employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom