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Program Director Jobs in La Crosse, WI (NOW HIRING)

Director of Clinical Services Chileda is seeking a Director of Clinical Services to join our ... This position oversees the Aftercare program and ensures student and family involvement in ...

Director of Surgery

Winona, MN · On-site

$102.88 - $128.59/hr

Director of Surgery Surgical Specialty Services Admin 1.0 FTE, 80 Hours a Pay Period Days, Hours ... They are responsible for the overall operation of the surgery program and will evaluate new ...

Director of Surgery

Winona, MN · On-site

$102K - $154K/yr

They are responsible for the overall operation of the surgery program and will evaluate new ... Direct reports include the following positions: * NASSEC - Admin Secretary * ORAST - Surgical ...

Director of Surgery

Winona, MN · On-site

$102K - $154K/yr

They are responsible for the overall operation of the surgery program and will evaluate new ... Direct reports include the following positions: * NASSEC - Admin Secretary * ORAST - Surgical ...

Showing results 41-60

Program Director information

See La Crosse, WI salary details

$29K

$76.8K

$134.5K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in La Crosse, WI is $76,766.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $90,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in La Crosse, WI? The most popular types of Program jobs in La Crosse, WI are:
What cities near La Crosse, WI are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near La Crosse, WI with the most Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in La Crosse, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,766 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

Program Manager | General Surgery Services

Gundersen Health System

Onalaska, WI

$74K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Gundersen Health System rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

530th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Love + medicine is who we are, it's what we do, it's why people want to work here. If you're looking for a job to love, apply today.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

We're not just filling positions, we're building careers. At Emplify Health, we care for our teams, while they care for their communities. Whether you are just starting out or looking for a change, Emplify Health supports you now and into the future. Join us and find out how a little empathy changes everything.

Emplify Health is seeking a collaborative and results-driven Program Manager to support the ongoing growth, quality, and operational success of our General Surgery Service Line, with a primary focus on Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery and Obesity Medicine programs.

This highly visible role serves as a key partner to clinical leaders, and operational teams to ensure regulatory compliance, drive quality outcomes, support strategic initiatives, and optimize financial performance. The Program Manager will oversee MBSAQIP accreditation efforts, lead quality improvement initiatives, evaluate new program opportunities, and provide operational and financial insights that support exceptional patient care.

Major Responsibilities Include:

  • Will have a deep understanding of the MBSAQIP accreditation standards and will partner with the Medical Directors of Bariatric Surgery and Obesity Medicine.

  • Develops systems for financial analysis, variance reporting, dashboards/benchmarking, budgeting (cost centers, programs, new initiatives, outreach, charges/coding/RVUs) to enhance efficiency and planning

  • Completes business case analysis and return on investment for the General Surgery Service line's technology projects and programs as well as for additional staff due to process changes and/or growth

  • Operationalizes the General Surgery Service line's Project Management, GHS business initiatives as they relate to General Surgery Service line's business initiatives

  • Completes business analysis functions to ensure appropriate utilization of resources. Assures staff compliance with training, education, accreditation, and licensure data

  • Ensures compliance with regulatory standards (MBSAQIP, Joint Commission), policies and procedures, confidentiality standards practice guidelines, standards of care

  • Supports and implements GHS organizational and departmental mission and strategic plan

  • Fosters positive working relationships and promotes collaborative practice within the team and with other departments

  • Financially evaluates and conducts market research regarding the development of new programs and services

  • Pursues relevant educational opportunities to maintain or enhance professional knowledge and meet team/department needs

What's Available:

  • 1.0 FTE

  • Schedule: Monday-Friday Days typically 8:00am-5:00pm

  • Location: Onsite in La Crosse, WI Main Campus with some occasional support in Onalaska or other clinic locations as business needs permit.

  • Compensation: Starting at $74,000 with opportunity for higher pay based on relevant work experience

What You'll Need:

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Health related field

  • Experience: At least 5 years' experience in a healthcare organization with 3 years' experience in project management, regulatory compliance, or healthcare leadership

  • Prior experience in bariatric surgery program coordination and

    Experience with clinical registries or quality databases, preferred

  • License/ Certification: Licensed health care professional as required by regulatory body, required at time of hire.

  • RN, RD, or other clinical background relevant to bariatric surgery, quality, or perioperative care, desired.

  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.

  • Experience with data analysis, Microsoft Excel, PowerBI and SlicerDicer, preferred.

  • Ability to work onsite in La Crosse, WI required

In addition to the rewarding work, you'll receive:

  • A highly adaptable and mission-driven organization with a work environment that supports you personally and professionally and a work culture where you are valued and appreciated

  • Competitive Benefits: A comprehensive and generous benefits package (Medical, Dental, Life Ins, HSA/FSA) ensuring your comfort and well-being as a valuable team member

  • Substantial retirement contribution including a 401k match & annual discretionary base contribution

  • Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO) combines vacation, sick, and personal days into one balance to allow you the flexibility to use your time off as you need

  • Professional Development:Support for your career growth through Professional Development Opportunities, our Tuition Investment Program, and our Career Development Center

  • Additional Employee Discounts and PerksOther benefits include a Wellness program with incentives, employer-paid life insurance and AD&D, optional short-term and long-term disability coverage, an employee assistance program, identity theft protection, pet insurance, Inspire & Celebrate colleague recognition and rewards program, a discount program, and more!

If you are looking to be a part of a stable and mission driven organization, we welcome you to apply!

PRACTICES AND PROMOTES BEHAVIOR CONSISTENT WITH THE MISSION, VISION AND VALUES:

Mission:Together, we inspire your best life by relentlessly caring, learning and innovating.
Vision:Leading with love, we courageously commit to a future of healthy people and thriving communities.
Values:Belonging, Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Teamwork, Humility

Emplify Health, a partnership of Bellin Health and Gundersen Health System, is a leading not-for-profit, patient-centered healthcare network based in Green Bay and La Crosse, Wisconsin. With 11 hospitals and over 100 clinics, we serve 67 cities across Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and communities.

If you need assistance with any portion of the application or have questions about the position, please contact HR-Recruitment@gundersenhealth.org or call 608-775-0267.

We inspire your best life by relentlessly caring, learning and innovating. This is our purpose. Together with our values - belonging, respect, excellence, accountability, teamwork and humility - our pillars set our foundation and our future.

Equal Opportunity Employer


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About Gundersen Health System

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Gundersen Health System is an award winning, physician-led, integrated healthcare system employing nearly 900+ clinicians. Our mission is to distinguish ourselves through excellence in patient care, education, research and improved health in the communities we serve. A rewarding practice and an excellent quality of life awaits.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

La Crosse, WI, US

Year founded

1891