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Program Director Jobs in Lockport, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Program Director information

See Lockport, IL salary details

$29.6K

$78.4K

$137.4K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Lockport, IL is $78,427.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,200.00 and $92,800.00 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 Lockport, IL? The most popular types of Program jobs in Lockport, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Lockport, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Lockport, IL are:
What cities near Lockport, IL are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Lockport, IL with the most Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Lockport, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,427 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Program Director, MS Physician Assistant Studies Program

TCS Education System

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 hours ago


Job description

Job Description:
ABOUT THE CHICAGO SCHOOL
The Chicago School educates the next generation of change-makers in innovative theory and culturally competent practice to strengthen the integrated health of individuals, organizations, and communities. We enroll over 6,000 students across 40+ academic programs culminating in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree or a professional certificate, and our unique approach to impact-focused education has made us a leading nonprofit university for over 45 years.
As an employee at The Chicago School, you can become a member of an inclusive community committed to excellence. At The Chicago School, we celebrate individuals of all backgrounds and identities for who they are and what they can contribute. We take pride in hiring and retaining the most dynamic, talented, and passionate professionals who will help us continue to innovate for decades to come.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Program Director is responsible for the development and launch of the MS Physician Assistant Studies (PA) program. They provide strategic vision, academic leadership, and overall administrative oversight to ensure the program's successful implementation and ongoing excellence. In alignment with the University's mission, values, and strategic plan, the Program Director ensures program compliance with Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) Standards and is accountable for program organization, administration, fiscal management, continuous review, and communication.
The Program Director provides leadership in accreditation readiness, curriculum oversight, faculty management, and program assessment to support student success and program quality. Participation in accreditation-related activities, including preparation for and execution of site visits.
The Program Director is a full-time, 12-month faculty appointment with at least 50% of effort dedicated to administrative responsibilities for the program. The position requires on-campus presence at the Chicago Campus location. Occasionally, travel may be required.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Leadership and Administration:
  • Provide strategic vision and leadership, in alignment with institutional goals and ARC-PA Standards, to develop and launch the PA program.
  • Ensure program organization, structure, and delivery meet all accreditation and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain continuous compliance with ARC-PA policies, including preparation for accreditation review and site visits.
  • Lead ongoing programmatic self-assessment, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement processes.
  • Establish and maintain effective communication across faculty, administration, students, and external stakeholders

Accreditation and Compliance:
  • Ensure adherence to all ARC-PA Standards and policies governing PA education.
  • Lead development, implementation, and maintenance of accreditation documentation and reports.
  • Oversee data collection, analysis, and reporting to support accreditation and program outcomes.
  • Coordinate and lead site visit preparation, including documentation, logistics, and stakeholder readiness.

Curriculum and Academic Oversight
  • Oversee design, implementation, and evaluation of didactic and clinical curriculum aligned with program learning outcomes.
  • Ensure curriculum meets professional competencies and accreditation expectations.
  • Monitor student learning outcomes and program effectiveness through data-driven assessment practices.
  • Support continuous curriculum improvement based on outcomes, feedback, and industry standards.

Personnel Management
  • Recruit, hire, develop, and evaluate program faculty and staff in alignment with institutional policies and program needs.
  • Supervise all individuals in the roles of medical director, principal and instructional faculty, and staff in activities that directly relate to the PA program.
  • Provide leadership, mentorship, and performance management for faculty.
  • Ensure faculty engagement in teaching, scholarship, and service activities.
  • Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing academic environment.

Student Success and Engagement
  • Ensure systems are in place to support student progression, retention, and timely degree completion.
  • Oversee processes for addressing student concerns, academic performance, and professional development.
  • Promote a student-centered environment that supports academic and professional success.
  • Oversee student selection/admissions processes in collaboration with program faculty.

Fiscal and Operational Management
  • Provide strategic leadership on enrollment, workforce, and program sustainability initiatives to ensure long-term growth, alignment with institutional priorities, and responsiveness to healthcare workforce needs.
  • Develop and manage the program budget in collaboration with institutional leadership.
  • Oversee resource allocation to support program quality and sustainability.
  • Ensure efficient day-to-day program operations, including scheduling and staffing.

Strategic Growth and External Engagement
  • Represent the program internally and externally to cultivate strategic partnerships, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and enhance the program's reputation and visibility.
  • Provide strategic leadership on enrollment, workforce, and program sustainability initiatives to ensure long-term growth, alignment with institutional priorities, and responsiveness to healthcare workforce needs.

Required Qualifications:
Education and Certification
  • Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant program.
  • Current or emeritus certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
  • Earned doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DHSc, DMSc, or related field) from a regionally accredited institution.

Experience:
Minimum of three 3 years of full-time higher education experience at time of appointment, with a preference for 5 or more years, particularly within a PA program setting. This experience must include:
  • Experience within an accredited Physician Assistant program.
  • Progressive leadership experience within a PA program (e.g., Assistant/Associate Program Director, Clinical Director, Academic Coordinator, or equivalent).
  • Direct experience with Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) processes, including participation in self-study preparation, accreditation reporting, and/or site visits.
  • Clinical practice experience as a Physician Assistant.
  • Demonstrated administrative leadership in an academic or PA program setting, including program planning, personnel management, budget oversight, and outcomes assessment.
  • Experience supervising, mentoring, and evaluating faculty.
  • Experience with program assessment, outcomes evaluation, and continuous quality improvement processes.
  • Experience working effectively and collaboratively as a member of an academic and/or leadership team.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience as a Program Director or in a leadership role within a PA program.
  • Experience leading accreditation reviews or site visits.
  • Evidence of scholarship and professional engagement.
  • Experience with curriculum development and program assessment.
  • Experience with hybrid education delivery.

The Chicago School offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. Some of our key benefits include: generous paid time-off, medical and dental coverage, company-paid life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts (FSA), tuition reimbursement, professional development, and regular employee appreciation events.
The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Company:
The Chicago School