ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Program Director Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProgram JobsProgram Director JobsProgram Director Jobs in Elgin, IL

Program Director information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$29.2K

$77.3K

$135.4K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Elgin, IL is $77,297.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,400.00 and $91,400.00 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.
More about Program Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Elgin, IL? The most popular types of Program jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Program Director job openings:
Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Elgin, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,297 per year, or $37.2 per hour.
Program Director- IL- Physician Assistant Studies

Program Director- IL- Physician Assistant Studies

Midwestern University

Downers Grove, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Midwestern University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

325th of 553 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Midwestern University’s College of Health Sciences, Downers Grove, Illinois invites applications for the position of Program Director, Assistant or Associate Professor, Physician Assistant Studies. The Program Director provides leadership for academic, clinical, and research activities within the PA program, promoting high standards in teaching excellence, clinical experiences, student success, and research productivity. The position requires a forward-thinking, innovative leader who can build capacity and manage a high-capacity team. The position is predominantly administrative, so teaching is limited. The Program Director reports directly to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences (CHS). This is a 12-month, full-time, tenure-track faculty appointment. Academic rank is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Responsibilities:

  • Perform all duties of the Program Director as described in the ARC-PA Standards.
  • Ensure the program is adhering to all ARC-PA accreditation standards, including preparing and submitting all required reports.
  • Provide supervision and mentorship to the medical director, faculty, and staff.
  • Oversee the curriculum, its delivery, and all assessments as governed by ARC-PA Standards.
  • Manage all resources and the annual operating budget.
  • Make recommendations annually to the CHS Dean regarding capital purchases and improvements.
  • Oversee the program’s marketing and admissions processes.
  • Align the program’s strategic priorities with the College and University’s strategic vision.
  • Prove oversight of the clinical team, nurture relationships with community partners, and foster new relationships with strategic outreach.
  • Support student success through the appropriate allocation of resources and services throughout the program.
  • Support faculty and staff development and ensure effective faculty and staff evaluations.
  • Engage in scholarship and maintain the program’s research agenda.
  • Review and approve all program-level grant applications.
  • Deliver high-quality teaching and learning experiences in the classroom.
  • Use effective communication skills to nurture relationships and facilitate change with faculty, staff, and students.
  • Promote a culture of collegiality and collaboration within the program and across the college.
  • Engage as an active member of the PA faculty, CHS Dean’s Council, and Midwestern University community.

Requirements:

  • Graduate-level degree in physician assistant studies.
  • Current or eligible for State of Illinois PA license.
  • At least three years of full-time higher education experience, with teaching responsibilities at the post-secondary level.
  • Demonstrated abilities in teaching, scholarship, service, and mentorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Doctoral degree in a related field.
  • Experience with ARC-PA, or other accreditation.
  • Evidence of visionary, dynamic leadership with high standards.
  • Demonstrated success in leading high-functioning teams through change.

Compensation:

The salary and benefits are commensurate with experience. Review of applications will begin February 15, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

About Midwestern University:

Midwestern University is an independent institution of higher education committed to the education of health care professionals. The Illinois campus is located on a spacious 105-acre campus in Downers Grove, 25 miles west of Chicago, and is home to the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Pharmacy-Downers Grove Campus, College of Dental Medicine-Illinois, Chicago College of Optometry, and College of Health Sciences-Downers Grove Campus. The PA program is housed in the College of Health Sciences along with Speech-Language Pathology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Behavioral Sciences.

Please submit your application packet through MWU's online job board at www.midwestern.edu. Your online application should include:

  • Cover letter (upload as an attachment)
  • CV (upload as an attachment)

Questions should be directed to: Sarah Radtke, Dean of the College of Health Sciences. sradtk@midwestern.edu. 630-515-7435

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.

What Midwestern University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply