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Program Director Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

The Little Gym

Program Director

Middleton, WI · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

The Program Director plays a key leadership role in creating a fun, safe, and high-quality experience for kids, families, and team members. Responsibilities * Teach exceptional classes for children ...

Wisconsin

UW-Managed Program Director

Madison, WI

UW-Managed Program Director Job Category: Limited Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Dsgn&Con Proj Dlvry Dir (Inst) Job Duties: The UW-Managed Program Director directs, administers, and manages ...

Wisconsin

GME Program Manager

Madison, WI

This position will work closely with our Assistant Director of Education and Education faculty leadership in the administration of our ACGME-accredited training programs and will serve as the primary ...

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Program Director information

See Madison, WI salary details

$29.7K

$78.8K

$138.1K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Madison, WI is $78,804.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,400.00 and $93,200.00 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 Madison, WI? The most popular types of Program jobs in Madison, WI are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Program Director job openings:
Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Madison, WI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,804 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Program Director

The Little Gym of Middleton and Sun Prairie

Middleton, WI

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Competitive salary
  • Employee discounts
  • Free food & snacks
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development

The Little Gym is looking for an energetic, organized, and people-focused Program Director to support program quality, instructor development, and our customer experience.
The Program Director plays a key leadership role in creating a fun, safe, and high-quality experience for kids, families, and team members.
Responsibilities
  • Teach exceptional classes for children ages 4 months- 12 years
  • Support instructor onboarding, training, and evaluations
  • Coach team members on teaching skills, classroom management, and customer experience
  • Help maintain consistent program quality across both locations
  • Oversee execution of camps, birthday parties, Parent Survival Nights, and special events
  • Support team culture, gym organization, and daily operations
  • Partner with leadership to identify training opportunities and improve overall performance
Qualifications
  • Experience teaching, coaching, or leading childrens programs
  • Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
  • High energy and ability to lead in a fast-paced environment
  • Passion for child development and team development
  • Availability for evenings and weekends
  • Reliable transportation and willingness to travel between both locations
Preferred Experience
  • Gymnastics, dance, cheer, education, recreation, or youth fitness background
  • Leadership or staff training experience
  • Event coordination or customer service experience
What We Offer
  • Competitive pay based on experience
  • Bonus opportunities
  • Paid training and leadership development
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Fun, active, and supportive work environment
The Little Gym of Middleton and Sun Prairie are locally owned and operated and committed to helping kids build confidence through Seriously Fun experiences.