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Program Director Jobs in Hamden, CT (NOW HIRING)

American

Program Director

Washington, CT · Hybrid

The Program Director is responsible for the strategic design, performance optimization, and operational integrity of WAMU's live broadcast schedule. Reporting to the Chief Content Officer, this role ...

Dungarvin

Program Director

Bristol, CT

$64K/yr

As the Program Director you will have oversight and be responsible for coordinating and managing the overall assigned program or programs in relation to individuals with developmental disabilities ...

Dungarvin

Program Director

Bristol, CT

As the Program Director you will have oversight and be responsible for coordinating and managing the overall assigned program or programs in relation to individuals with developmental disabilities ...

Dungarvin

Program Director

Bristol, CT · On-site

$64K/yr

As the Program Director you will have oversight and be responsible for coordinating and managing the overall assigned program or programs in relation to individuals with developmental disabilities ...

oakhill

GILEAD - Program Director

Middletown, CT

Why This Role Matters Gilead I and II are Gilead's original programs. This is a unique opportunity to lead two highly valued, clinically rich coeducational adult programs thatdeliverhigh quality ...

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Program Director information

See Hamden, CT salary details

$29.3K

$77.7K

$136.2K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Hamden, CT is $77,741.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,700.00 and $92,000.00 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 Hamden, CT? The most popular types of Program jobs in Hamden, CT are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Hamden, CT look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Hamden, CT are:
What cities near Hamden, CT are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Hamden, CT with the most Program Director job openings:
Program Director jobs near you
Program Director

Program Director

American

Washington, CT • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Content Operations

Time Type:

Full time


Job Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Work Modality:

Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union:

Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

WAMU 88.5 is a public media station owned and operated by American University. WAMU is the source for local, regional and NPR news and original programs in Washington DC. Since 1961, WAMU has been amplifying voices and sharing stories from the many neighborhoods and communities in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

The Program Director is responsible for the strategic design, performance optimization, and operational integrity of WAMU's live broadcast schedule. Reporting to the Chief Content Officer, this role ensures that every hour of WAMU's broadcast reflects WAMU's Up Next content strategy, audience growth priorities, and brand standards.

Serving as the architect of WAMU's live listening experience, the Program Director shapes format flow, break structure, promotional cadence, and schedule cohesion across dayparts. This position ensures that WAMU's editorial vision and strategic priorities are consistently and clearly reflected in on-air and audio delivery.

Working closely with leadership across WAMU News, 1A, Broadcast Operations, Engineering, Membership, Marketing, and Digital, the Program Director translates content strategy into a cohesive, audience-centered broadcast product. The role operates through collaboration and influence, aligning multiple departments to strengthen WAMU's performance, sound, and audience impact.

Essential Functions:

1.) Live Broadcast Strategy and Format Optimization

  • Oversee the strategic design and execution of WAMU's daily broadcast schedule to ensure clarity, cohesion, and audience impact.

  • Ensure WAMU's Up Next content strategy is reflected in broadcast execution, including daypart rhythm, franchise visibility, promotional priorities, and overall audio presentation.

  • Evaluate and optimize break structure, segment length, promotional cadence, and format flow across dayparts to strengthen listener retention and engagement.

  • Partner with daypart leaders (WAMU Mornings, Midday/Weekends including The Politics Hour, and WAMU Afternoons) to align programming execution with strategic goals.

  • Maintain the integrity and consistency of WAMU's full-day broadcast sound.

2.) Traffic Log Alignment and Operational Coordination

  • Ensure the daily station log accurately reflects programming priorities and strategic decisions.

  • Collaborate with Traffic, Operations, and Engineering teams to support accurate scheduling and reconciliation of programming elements, including promotional announcements, legal IDs, Emergency Alert System requirements, and special coverage.

  • Maintain automation templates and support custom templates for pledge drives, special programming, and live news events.

  • Ensure programming metadata (RDS / PAD) is accurate and aligned with broadcast content.

3.) Audience Performance Strategy and Institutional Insight

  • Serve as WAMU's subject-matter expert on audience performance metrics, including Nielsen Audio ratings, streaming data, and related research tools.

  • Lead the analysis and interpretation of audience data to identify trends, retention opportunities, growth potential, and daypart performance insights.

  • Translate complex audience data into clear, actionable insights for leadership across WAMU News, 1A, Operations, Advancement, Marketing, and Digital teams.

  • Establish shared understanding across departments of how WAMU measures success, including key performance indicators for broadcast and live listening.

  • Partner with the Chief Content Officer to align programming strategy with measurable audience goals and long-term growth priorities.

  • Present audience performance findings in internal and board-level settings as needed.

  • Integrate terrestrial and digital listening data to provide a comprehensive, station-wide view of audience behavior.

4.) On-Air Promotions, Brand Voice, and Listener Experience

  • Collaborate with Editorial and Advancement teams to develop and strategically place on-air promotions supporting coverage, franchise content, and membership campaigns.

  • Contribute to the development and maintenance of WAMU's Sound + Style standards to ensure consistent tone, pacing, and writing across dayparts.

  • Partner with Membership to thoughtfully integrate fundraising messaging into the broadcast flow, balancing audience experience and revenue goals.

5.) Strategic Program Acquisition and Partnerships

  • Manage relationships with NPR and external programming partners.

  • Evaluate programming opportunities based on audience growth potential, strategic fit, and schedule cohesion.

  • Advise the Chief Content Officer on special programming decisions and schedule evolution.

  • Maintain awareness of national public media programming trends and performance benchmarks.

6.) Cross-Departmental Leadership and Influence

  • Lead regular coordination with News, 1A, Operations, Engineering, Membership, Marketing, and Digital teams to ensure alignment in broadcast execution.

  • Identify workflow improvements that strengthen broadcast execution and reduce friction between departments.

  • Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Chief Content Officer on live listening performance, broadcast evolution, and long-term audience growth.

7.) Regulatory Compliance and Broadcast Standards

  • Participate in cross-departmental efforts to ensure WAMU's broadcast operations comply with FCC regulations and public radio standards.

  • Collaborate with Operations and relevant leadership to ensure programming decisions align with regulatory requirements.

  • Contribute to maintaining clear documentation and consistent application of broadcast policies and procedures.

Competencies:

  • Prioritizing and Organizing.

  • Acquiring and Analyzing Information.

  • Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.

  • Collaborative Leadership.

  • Leading and Inspiring People.

  • Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.

  • Developing Plans.

  • Managing Talent.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

  • Full-time.

  • 35 hours per week.

  • Evening or weekend work may be required during pledge drives, breaking news coverage, or special programming.

  • Hybrid 1 work modality (3 - 4 days in office per week).


Salary Range:

  • $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 annually.

Required Educationand Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree.

  • 8 - 10 years of relevant experience.

  • Progressive experience in radio programming, broadcast operations, audience research, format strategy, or related fields.

  • Strong knowledge of FCC rules and regulations required.

  • Demonstrated experience interpreting audience data and applying insights to programming decisions.

  • Experience working collaboratively across departments in a live news environment required.

Preferred Educationand Experience:

  • 10+ years of relevant experience.

  • Public radio experience strongly preferred.

  • Experience aligning broadcast strategy with multiplatform content initiatives.

  • Experience presenting audience insights to executive leadership or boards.

  • Experience supporting listener-supported fundraising strategies.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

  • Excellent writing and editing skills for broadcast and digital platforms.

  • High attention to detail and operational rigor.

  • Strong understanding of trends in public and commercial audio.

  • Ability to lead in a fast-paced live news environment.

  • Demonstrated commitment to WAMU's mission and American University's values.

Other Duties:

  • Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package.Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

  • Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

  • Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

  • Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

  • American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log intoWorkdayand select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, emailtheworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

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