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Program Director Jobs in Escondido, CA (NOW HIRING)

Akua Mental Health

Program Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$130K/yr

Program Director Type: Salary, Full-Time, Exempt Compensation: Up to $130k per year * Base Salary: $104k per year * Performance Bonus: Up to $26k per year ($500/week based on census, earned weekly ...

Socket.dev

Program Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$104 - $121/hr

The Program Director ensures compliance with established policies and procedures of the overall program and the timely completion of respective reporting requirements. Schedule: Full-Time ...

NFI North, Inc.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

NFI North has an opening for a Program Director for our 10-bed Adult Program, located at 60 Ohio Street in Bangor, Maine. This program serves adults living with mental illness. Miller Terraces is a ...

MarSell Wellness Center

Program Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

Program Director Department: Family Services Location: San Diego Reports To: Regional Family Services Director FLSA Status: Exempt Remote Status: None Salary: $117,000 Sign on Bonus (New Hires Only ...

CorDx

Program Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

Program Director Location: Onsite - Atlanta/San Diego Job Overview: We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Program Director to lead cross-functional programs within our In Vitro Diagnostics ...

CorDx

Program Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

Program Director Location: Onsite - Atlanta/San Diego Job Overview: We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Program Director to lead cross-functional programs within our In Vitro Diagnostics ...

Govcio LLC

Program Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$180K - $190K/yr

GovCIO is currently hiring for a Program Director to manage a porfolio of federal IT contracts across the west coast region. This position will be located in San Diego, CA and will be a hybrid ...

Kitchell

Program Director

San Diego, CA

Kitchell seeks an experienced and dedicated Program Director to join our Southern California region based out of San Diego and build a long-term career at one of the most innovative and growth ...

KITCHELL

Program Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

Description Kitchell seeks an experienced and dedicated Program Director to join our Southern California region based out of San Diego and build a long-term career at one of the most innovative and ...

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Program Director information

See Escondido, CA salary details

$30.9K

$81.9K

$143.5K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Escondido, CA is $81,879.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $96,900.00 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.
More about Program Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Escondido, CA?

The most popular types of Program jobs in Escondido, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Escondido, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Escondido, CA are:

What cities near Escondido, CA are hiring for Program Director jobs?

Cities near Escondido, CA with the most Program Director job openings:

Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Escondido, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,879 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Program Director

San Diego, CA

AKUA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INC
See more jobs at AKUA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INCexternal

$130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Description

Program Overview

This program is a 14-bed Crisis Stabilization Mental Health Residential Facility serving high-acuity clients experiencing acute mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and other serious mental illnesses. Due to the complexity of the population served and the regulatory requirements of the California Department of Social Services (DSS) and the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), candidates with experience providing care to clients in crisis stabilization or acute mental health settings are strongly preferred.


Position: Program Director

Type: Salary, Full-Time, Exempt

Compensation: Up to $130k per year

  • Base Salary: $104k per year
  • Performance Bonus: Up to $26k per year ($500/week based on census, earned weekly, paid monthly)

Benefits:

  • Health Insurance: Medical, Vision & Dental
  • Paid Time Off: Sick & Vacation
  • Equity Shares

Key Responsibilities:

  • Training & Accountability: The Program Director ensures that all program staff are carrying out their daily functions and responsibilities through continuous monitoring, training, and accountability.
  • Staffing & Scheduling: The Program Director is responsible for ensuring that the program operates within its Staffing Guidelines and maintains adequate coverage on every shift, at all times (incl. Timekeeping).
  • Compliance: The Program Director ensures strict adherence to Akua's policies, regulatory standards, and licensing requirements, ensuring their program remains fully licensed, credentialed, accredited, and in good standing.
  • Employee Management: The Program Director actively participates in hiring, interviewing candidates within staffing guidelines, and oversees disciplinary actions and terminations, ensuring compliance with HR policies.
  • Emergency Management: The Program Director is responsible for promptly communicating and resolving any client issues/crisis.
  • Performance and Cost Management: The Program Director monitors key program metrics to drive performance improvements and ensures cost control by adhering to budgetary guidelines, including staffing, scheduling, and operational expenses.

Qualifications:

  • License/Credentials:  LAADC, MFT, PCC, CSW or functional equivalent (preferred) 
  • Education: Bachelor's Degree (required) or master's degree (preferred) in a relevant field (e.g. Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Psychology)
  • Experience: 3+ years of mental health experience and 1+ year(s) of management experience (required)
  • Additional: Valid CA Driver's License, Current Health Screen / Physical, TB Test Clearance, Current CPR/First Aid certificate, Able to Pass Live Scan (required)

Key Qualities:

  • Blend of clinical expertise and business administration skills
  • Strong sense of ownership and accountability
  • Compassion for clients and employees in all interactions
  • Emotional stability under pressure
  • Exceptional leadership skills and execution capabilities

Company Description:

Akua Behavioral Health is California's leading mental health and substance abuse treatment center. We provide our clients with individualized, compassionate treatment from Master's and Doctorate level clinicians across various levels of care at fully licensed and accredited facilities throughout Northern and Southern California. To give our clients the best chance at lasting recovery, we pioneered an integrative East-meets-West approach that combines Western evidence-based treatment with holistic Eastern traditions to treat the mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is to create an environment of healing and transformation for each client seeking change.

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