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Program Director Jobs in Elmhurst, IL (NOW HIRING)

Outreach is hiring a Full-time Older Adults Program Director (with clinical licensure) at Outreach Carol Stream to serve as the clinical lead for senior services, providing direct clinical care ...

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Program Director information

See Elmhurst, IL salary details

$29.4K

$77.9K

$136.4K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Elmhurst, IL is $77,881.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,800.00 and $92,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 relevant certifications, along with strong leadership and organizational skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Elmhurst, IL?

The most popular types of Program jobs in Elmhurst, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Elmhurst, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Elmhurst, IL are:

What cities near Elmhurst, IL are hiring for Program Director jobs?

Cities near Elmhurst, IL with the most Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Elmhurst, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,881 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

Program Director of AAS in Surgical Technology Program

Chicago, IL • On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manage instructor hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation.

  • Oversee curriculum alignment with industry standards, accreditation requirements, and continuous improvement efforts.

  • Ensure compliance with accreditation standards, prepare documentation, and maintain records for accreditation reviews.


Job description

Description:


General Purpose


The Program Director of the Surgical Technology program provides leadership, oversight, and continuous evaluation of the program. This role ensures that the curriculum remains current and effectively prepares students for certification and career success. The Program Director is also responsible for maintaining compliance with accreditation standards established by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).



Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities


Management Responsibilities


· Interview, hire, onboard, and train instructors to teach Surgical Technology courses.

· Manage instructor schedules, teaching assignments, and workloads; assist with course scheduling and class logistics.

· Provide training, coaching, and mentorship to instructors regarding curriculum delivery and instructional methods.

· Observe and evaluate Surgical Technology instructors and laboratory assistants, documenting performance using established evaluation tools.

· Ensure instructors adhere to institutional policies and faculty performance standards outlined in the Faculty Handbook.

· Maintain teaching assignment(s) and/or serve as a substitute instructor as needed.

· Participate in Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and In-Service meetings to support institutional academic initiatives.


Curriculum & Instruction


· Ensure the curriculum aligns with industry standards, certification requirements, and accreditation expectations.

· Oversee didactic, laboratory, equipment, and instructional resources for the Surgical Technology program.

· Facilitate Program Review, Curriculum Review, and Occupational Advisory Committee meetings to support continuous program improvement and alignment with workforce needs.

· Evaluate curriculum effectiveness and recommend revisions based on accreditation requirements, certification outcomes, employer feedback, and industry trends.


Compliance


· Ensure the Surgical Technology program maintains compliance with all applicable CAAHEP and ARC/STSA accreditation standards.

· Prepare, maintain, and submit accreditation reports, documentation, and required outcomes data.

· Maintain accurate program records and documentation required for accreditation reviews and site visits.

· Ensure compliance with FERPA and institutional policies regarding student records and confidentiality.


Student Success & Continuous Improvement


· Monitor and evaluate student success metrics, including attendance, academic progress, certification outcomes, retention, and graduation rates.

· Develop and implement strategies to improve student retention, completion, certification success, and overall program outcomes.

· Monitor program outcomes to ensure established institutional and accreditor benchmarks are achieved.

· Coordinate co-curricular activities that support student success.

· If the benchmark changes, the job description becomes outdated.


Community Outreach


· Develop and maintain partnerships with healthcare employers, clinical education sites, vendors, certification organizations, and professional associations.

· Foster relationships that support student clinical education, employment opportunities, and program growth.

· Represent the Surgical Technology program at institutional, community, and professional events.


Other Duties


Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by senior leadership.


Requirements:



Education & Experience


Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities


· Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse student and employee populations.

· Strong organizational, time management, and attention-to-detail skills.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams.

· Ability to analyze data and prepare reports.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet recurring deadlines.

· Ability to establish and maintain positive professional relationships with students, faculty, staff, clinical partners, and employers.

· Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.


Documented Education or Experience


·Instructional methodology

·Curriculum design

·Program planning


Education


· Graduate of a nationally programmatically accredited Surgical Technology program required.

· Associate degree required; bachelor's degree preferred.

· Current national certification in Surgical Technology (CST) through an NCCA-accredited certification agency required.

· Minimum of five years of experience within the past ten years consisting of operating room scrub experience, teaching Surgical Technology, or a combination of both required.


Experience


· Prior experience as a Program Director, Clinical Coordinator, or Lead Instructor preferred.

· Experience with CAAHEP/ARC/STSA accreditation processes preferred. 

Benefits:


·401(k)

·Dental insurance

·Flexible spending account

·Health insurance

·Life insurance

·Paid time off

·Vision insurance

·Pre-tax amount for Transport