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Program Director Jobs in Lacey, WA (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Program Director - Childcare

Olympia, WA · On-site

$57K/yr

PROGRAM DIRECTOR POSITION SUMMARY: This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy ...

Clarvida - Washington

Licensed Program Director

Tacoma, WA · On-site +1

$82K - $96K/yr

This is your opportunity to lead a meaningful program that changes lives, while also developing your skills in program management, staff leadership, and community collaboration. In the words of a ...

Clarvida - Washington

Licensed Program Director

Tacoma, WA · On-site +1

$82K - $96K/yr

This is your opportunity to lead a meaningful program that changes lives, while also developing your skills in program management, staff leadership, and community collaboration. In the words of a ...

Clarvida

Licensed Program Director

Tacoma, WA · On-site +1

$82K - $96K/yr

This is your opportunity to lead a meaningful program that changes lives, while also developing your skills in program management, staff leadership, and community collaboration. In the words of a ...

YMCA

Aquatics Program Director

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$23.06 - $23.56/hr

As the Aquatics Program Director, you will be responsible for organizing, monitoring, supervising, and maintaining high quality member-focused aquatics programs. If hired, you will provide leadership ...

Clarvida - Washington

Licensed Program Director

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$82K - $96K/yr

This is your opportunity to lead a meaningful program that changes lives, while also developing your skills in program management, staff leadership, and community collaboration. In the words of a ...

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Program Director information

See Lacey, WA salary details

$32.1K

$85.2K

$149.2K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Lacey, WA is $85,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,700.00 and $100,700.00 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.
More about Program Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Lacey, WA? The most popular types of Program jobs in Lacey, WA are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Lacey, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Lacey, WA are:
What cities near Lacey, WA are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Lacey, WA with the most Program Director job openings:
Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Lacey, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,160 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Program Director - Childcare

YMCA

Olympia, WA • On-site

$57K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,987 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

569th of 769 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Join the South Sound YMCA team as a School Aged Childcare Program Director!
Job Description
PROGRAM DIRECTOR POSITION SUMMARY:
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. This position oversees the development and operations of the overall child care program and each child care site, ensuring the program meets its intended goals, including creating and maintaining an atmosphere that is character-centered and kid-focused.
OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become part of the Y family. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
Qualifications
PROGRAM DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in related field, or equivalent experience with a minimum of 47 college credit hours completed to meet Washington Administrative Code requirements
  • One to two years related experience preferred in youth development, afterschool programming, childcare, and/or out of school time education
  • Minimum age of 21.
  • Acceptable driving record, meeting standards to be added to the Y's authorized drivers list.
  • Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
  • Bilingual (English & Spanish) preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & 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.
  • The employee needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to safely supervise program activities.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
  • The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Directs and supervises program activities at assigned Y-care sites to meet the needs of the community and fulfill YMCA objectives.
  • Oversee and manage Y-care sites within a given region of Mason and/or Thurston Counties.
  • Recruits and hires diverse staff and volunteer teams across multiple dimensions of diversity. Onboards and develops them for success. Administratively, maintain staff schedules and labor hours, evaluate staff performance, and support the implementation of professional development training. Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals to meet a base level of a quality Y-care site.
  • Monitor enrollment and attendance for assigned sites to determine site capacities to support new enrollment at sites
  • Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information, may organize and schedule program registrations. May review and process program scholarship applications.
  • Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with staff, school administration at assigned sites, and community organizations.
  • Develops and monitors program budget to meet fiscal objectives.
  • Coordinates use of facilities for program activities and events.
  • Models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Responds to all members and community inquiries and complaints in timely manner.
  • Organizes or participates in Y activities, such as committees, special events, and fundraising.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:
Collaboration
Critical Thinking & Decision Making
Engaging Community
Program Management
Project/Time Management
Conflict Resolution
Ymca Careers
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