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Program Director Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Program Director information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$29.1K

$77.1K

$135K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Elgin, IL is $77,062.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,200.00 and $91,200.00 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 is a program director?

A program director is a professional responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and evaluation of specific programs within an organization. They coordinate staff, manage budgets, and ensure program goals are met, often requiring leadership skills and relevant certifications. The role typically involves strategic decision-making and compliance with organizational policies.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Program Director can earn $10,000 or more per month, especially in large organizations or with extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and industry expertise. High-paying roles often require significant responsibility, strategic planning, and management skills, but may not always require a formal degree if supplemented by relevant experience and certifications.

What is the role of a program director?

A program director oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of specific programs within an organization. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, set goals, and ensure that program objectives are met efficiently and effectively, often requiring leadership, organizational skills, and relevant certifications.

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 Elgin, IL? The most popular types of Program jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Program Director jobs in Elgin, IL? For Program Director jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles 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
Program Site Director

Program Site Director

Northbrook Park District

Northbrook, IL • On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Join our amazing team as a Program Site Director. This position is responsible for supervising the day-to-day program operations of an assigned school, camp or youth recreation program. Provides supervisory oversight and direction to counselors or staff on duty to ensure the safety and engagement of participants and provides customer service and communication to program parents and guardians. Assigned areas include but are not limited to Before and after-school care programs, Adventure Campus, summer day camps, seasonal school break camps, school day off programs, special events, and other recreation programs as assigned. Assists with planning related programs as assigned. Demonstrates commitment to the Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles of the District.
Pay & Schedule:
Starting at $20.00 Per Hour
This is a IMRF part-time, non-exempt position.
Monday-Friday 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 2:15 PM - 6:00 PM (split shift), 8:00 AM - 3:15 PM during summer and days off school
Required to work occasional weekends and holidays
Anticipated Start Date: 8/3/2026
Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for oversight and planning of daily activities of an assigned school, camp or youth recreation program or event. Oversight includes daily program activities, snacks, homework, games, crafts, active play or quiet time.
  • Supervises children in a related program or event from arrival to dismissal. Supervises daily participant pick-up, ensuring only authorized persons transport the children/participants.
  • Ensures the safety of participants and staff and promotes an inclusive and caring environment.
  • Assists in developing program goals and coordinating implementation by planning activities required to achieve the desired results.
  • Creates, plans and implements activities for program participants.
  • Assists in establishing or improving operational procedures by making and implementing recommendations.
  • Tracks program participant attendance by accurately tracking attendance and conducting routine head counts routinely.
  • Plans and supervises engaging off-site activities for school day-off programs and other programs as directed.
  • Maintains open communication with parents regarding program updates and provides feedback on their child's progress. Seeks guidance and support from supervisor when addressing challenges or concerns.
  • Collaborates positively with internal and external customers, acting as a liaison between camp counselors, instructors, parents, and children and the direct supervisor.
  • Keeps worksite and program locations neat and clean and ensures all equipment and supplies are put away in the proper place.
  • Maintains an updated inventory of complete and undamaged items, determines supplies needed and assists in securing them.
  • Supervises counselors and staff in leading the program activities and interacting with program participants in an appropriate and safe manner.
  • Conducts staff performance evaluations as directed.
  • Conducts, attends and/or participates in staff meetings and trainings as required.
  • Diligently follows and adheres to all safety policies and procedures, policies in the Employee Handbook and related operations manuals issued by the Northbrook Park District.
  • Follows safe work practices.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • AFLAC Indemnity Plans
  • Defined Pension IMRF (Retirement, Disability, Life)
  • Deferred Retirement 457 Plan
  • Paid Holidays
  • PTO
  • Sick Days
  • Floating Holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Employee Recreation Benefits

To view job description, click here.
Must be at least 18 years of age and have two (2) years of experience working hands-on with children. Two years of prior youth program or summer camp program experience as a camp counselor or childcare worker or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, ability and skills are desired. Enrollment in, or completion of, a college degree in education, recreation or related field is highly desirable. A valid Illinois Driver's license is desired but not required.
Skills & Abilities
  • Plan, direct, and conduct activities (i.e., sports, games, arts/crafts, music and dance, and homework assistance) to meet program goals with or without staff assistance.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Strong time management and organizational skills
  • Communicate with co-workers and the public in a professional manner during stressful situations.

Knowledge
  • Possesses leadership capabilities to create an inclusive environment for children and staff while implementing recreational activities, including sports, games, arts and crafts, music and dance.
  • Hands-on experience working with children.
  • District safety policies and procedures
  • Microsoft Office or similar business systems
  • Within one week of hire, employees are required to complete the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) online Mandated Reporter Training
  • Within one week of hire, employees are required to complete CDC Concussion Awareness Training.
  • CPR/AED Certification or ability to obtain within three (3) months of hire.

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions will be implemented.
  • While performing the duties of this job the employee frequently is required to sit or stand for long periods of time.
  • The employee is required to talk or hear; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee is required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, couch, or crawl; and smell.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Working in teams will also allow workers to have assistance with heavier activities at various sites. Lifting also requires bending, stooping, carrying, and twisting.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job includes close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

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