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Program Director Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

OCC Boy Scouts

Program Director

Orange, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Program Director Reports to: Camping Director Status: Full Time, Exempt Benefits: Health insurance, paid vacation, and sick time Supervises: Volunteers, Area Directors, and hourly instructors Salary ...

CBEM LLC

Program Director

Santa Ana, CA

$97K/yr

Program Director Location: Orange County, CA and surrounding cities (Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Orange, Garden Grove, Mission Viejo, and Newport Beach ...

Adventist Health

Program Director

Downey, CA

$351K - $405K/yr

The Program Director must ensure continuing accreditation of the program by comprehending and complying with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Institutional, Common and ...

CBEM LLC

Program Director

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$97K/yr

Program Director Location: Orange County, CA and surrounding cities (Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Orange, Garden Grove, Mission Viejo, and Newport Beach ...

Kiddie Academy

Program Director

La Verne, CA · On-site

Academy Director - Kiddie Academy Location: La Verne Type: Full-Time Kiddie Academy, a leader in educational child care, is seeking an exceptional Academy Director to lead our academy with passion ...

Kiddie Academy

Program Director

La Verne, CA · On-site

Academy Director - Kiddie Academy Location: La Verne Type: Full-Time Kiddie Academy, a leader in educational child care, is seeking an exceptional Academy Director to lead our academy with passion ...

Parsons

Program Director

Corona, CA

$157K - $283K/yr

Our Parsons Corona office is seeking to hire a highly experienced Program Director to manage and oversee projects or programs in the Southern California region. Solid experience in California and ...

Parsons Corporation

Program Director

Corona, CA · On-site

$157K - $283K/yr

Our Parsons Corona office is seeking to hire a highly experienced Program Director to manage and oversee projects or programs in the Southern California region. Solid experience in California and ...

Kiddie Academy

Program Director

La Verne, CA

Academy Director - Kiddie Academy Location: La Verne Type: Full-Time Kiddie Academy, a leader in educational child care, is seeking an exceptional Academy Director to lead our academy with passion ...

Parsons Corporation

Program Director

Corona, CA · On-site

$157K - $283K/yr

Our Parsons Corona office is seeking to hire a highly experienced Program Director to manage and oversee multiple transportation engineering projects in the Southern California region, supporting ...

Parsons

Program Director

Corona, CA

$157K - $283K/yr

Our Parsons Corona office is seeking to hire a highly experienced Program Director to manage and oversee multiple transportation engineering projects in the Southern California region, supporting ...

Moffitt

FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$208K - $782K/yr

The Program Director facilitates the fellows' ethical, professional and personal development through education and evaluation and provides supervision of the fellows that supports safe and ...

twenty80.io

Assistant Program Director

Irvine, CA

$125K/yr

Working under the supervision of the Nursing Program Director, the Assistant Program Director will help ensure compliance with state nursing education standards, maintain high-quality academic and ...

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All JobsProgram JobsProgram Director JobsProgram Director Jobs in Irvine, CA

Program Director information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$31.7K

$83.9K

$147.1K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Irvine, CA is $83,934.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,900.00 and $99,300.00 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 Irvine, CA? The most popular types of Program jobs in Irvine, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Program Director jobs in Irvine, CA? For Program Director jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Irvine, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Irvine, CA are:
What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Program Director job openings:
Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Irvine, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,934 per year, or $40.4 per hour.

Program Director

OCC Boy Scouts

Orange, CA • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Program Director
Reports to: Camping Director
Status: Full Time, Exempt
Benefits: Health insurance, paid vacation, and sick time
Supervises: Volunteers, Area Directors, and hourly instructors
Salary: $70,304.00, Exempt
MISSION:
The mission of Scouting America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
This position supports the mission and operations of Scouting America, Orange County Council, Ed Laird Scout Camp at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center, and Oso Lake Scout Camp. They are primarily responsible for the development, programming, staffing, delivery, and budget of high-quality programs. The Program Director should have a strong background in youth programming, camp operations, and Scouting America.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Minimum 25 years of age
• College degree in education, recreation, youth development, or relevant field is preferred. Degree required to become a commissioned professional.
• Currently registered with or willing to be registered with Scouting America.
• Hold a current BSA Camp Director and/or Program Director National Camping School certification or be able to earn and maintain certification within nine (9) months of hiring
• Maintain minimum certification in Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and
AED or similarly recognized training
• Has or can obtain within 60 days required trainings for the California Childcare Provider licensure:
o Preventive Health and Safety Training for Childcare Providers (8 hours)
• Pediatric CPR/First Aid course for Childcare Providers (8 hours)
• American Camp Association Camp Director Certificate (preferred)
• Minimum two (2) years management experience
• Minimum two (2) seasons of camp experience
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
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 may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must be able to spend significant time outdoors
  • Ability to lift, carry, and balance 50 pounds
  • Ability to exert on a regular basis 25 pounds of force
  • Constantly able to bend and scoop, sit, and stand, possess hand-eye-foot coordination, and perform good manual dexterity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Working in a camp environment includes providing customer service, solving problems, and cooperation with others, regardless of your title. It also requires a desire to develop and work with youth, which can occasionally lead to challenging interactions.
Scouting America, Orange County Council is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

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