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Program Director Jobs in Merrillville, IN (NOW HIRING)

CEJA Program Director Classification: Exempt Status: Full-time (Hybrid) Employee Type: W-2 Salary: $75,000 - $85,000 Who We Are: HIRE360 is an industry-led, workforce development nonprofit investing ...

Freelance Program Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Freelance Program Director (open to remote EST or CST) Who we are looking for: VML is seeking a Freelance Program Director, who will be responsible for overseeing the overall delivery stack, all ...

Freelance Program Director (open to remote EST or CST) Who we are looking for: VML is seeking a Freelance Program Director, who will be responsible for overseeing the overall delivery stack, all ...

Freelance Program Director (open to remote EST or CST) Who we are looking for: VML is seeking a Freelance Program Director, who will be responsible for overseeing the overall delivery stack, all ...

Program Directors

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K/yr

The Professional Education Institute PROGRAM DIRECTOR Since 1983 the Professional Education Institute has helped thousands of students build wealth, develop success and change their lives. Our ...

Showing results 21-40

Program Director information

See Merrillville, IN salary details

$28.9K

$76.7K

$134.4K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Merrillville, IN is $76,705.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $90,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 relevant certifications, along with strong leadership and organizational skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Merrillville, IN?

The most popular types of Program jobs in Merrillville, IN are:

What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Merrillville, IN look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Merrillville, IN are:

What cities near Merrillville, IN are hiring for Program Director jobs?

Cities near Merrillville, IN with the most Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Merrillville, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,705 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

Assistant Program Director

HIRE360

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Assistant Program Director
Department: Workforce Development
Work Location: Chicago
Reports to: CEJA Program Director
Classification: Exempt
Status: Full-time (Hybrid)
Employee Type: W-2
Salary: $75,000 - $85,000
Who We Are:
HIRE360 is an industry-led, workforce development nonprofit investing in the communities that call Illinois home. We bring together the largest construction unions, general contractors, and developers to create opportunities in construction for everyone.
Position Summary:
The Assistant Program Director supports the delivery and long-term success of the Climate Works program by providing operational, financial, and strategic leadership. This role assists in ensuring program effectiveness, compliance, and sustainability while advancing statewide workforce development goals. The Assistant Director plays a key role in coordinating, implementing, and overseeing workforce programming across the state to ensure alignment with Climate Works objectives, policies, and funding requirements.
Working closely with the Program Director, the Assistant Program Director supports day-to-day operations, monitors performance outcomes, and contributes to strategic planning and continuous improvement efforts. This position is responsible for supporting fiscal oversight, operational planning, and data-informed decision making to enhance program impact. Additionally, the Assistant Program Director ensures that all Climate Works staff understand and perform their assigned duties effectively, providing guidance, coordination, and support to promote accountability, collaboration, and high-quality service delivery.

Responsibilities (Essential Duties and Responsibilities):
  • Assist the Program Director in providing operational, financial, and strategic leadership to ensure the effective delivery of the Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program.
  • Supports the coordination, implementation, and ongoing oversight of the Climate Works workforce initiative to ensure alignment with program goals.
  • Contributes to short- and long-term strategic planning efforts to strengthen program impact, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
  • Monitors implementation progress and assist in identifying operational challenges and recommending solutions.
  • Assists in monitoring program budgets, expenditures, and financial reporting to ensure responsible use of funds and compliance with fiscal requirements.
  • Analyzes reporting requirements to ensure the organization is following state requirements and meeting or exceeding identified program goals.
  • Reviews and approves reports on the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Fund, in which individuals can be reimbursed for costs associated with barriers after enrollment in the program.
  • Supports the supervision, coordination, and professional development of the Climate Works staff to ensure assigned duties are carried out effectively and timely.
  • Provides guidance and technical assistance to staff related to program operations, policies, and procedures.
  • Assist in maintaining effective communication with stakeholders, including partner organizations, agencies, and community groups.
  • Support the development of internal and external communications related to program implementation and outcomes.
Qualifications (Knowledge, skills, and abilities):
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Effective leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently while supporting a collaborative leadership structure.
  • Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook/Exchange, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) and ability to learn new systems. Knowledge of case management systems such as Career Connect or Illinois workNet is a plus.
  • Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and consistency
  • Organized with strong leadership capabilities.
  • Strong communications skills, both verbal and written
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Brings enthusiasm and passion for problem solving and accomplishing goals.
  • Experience collaborating with clients from diverse populations and cultural backgrounds.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and experience collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of workforce development and/or knowledge of implementing programs and training, and/or minimum of three to five years of relevant experience in a related field such as the building and construction trades, apprenticeships, training programs, and/or working directly with contractors.
  • Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and proposing new ways of creating efficiencies.
  • Willingness to travel statewide as required.
Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • Minimum of bachelor’s degree, post-secondary education is preferred.
  • Experience supporting or managing large-scale, multi-site, or statewide programs is strongly preferred.
  • Experience with grant-funded or publicly funded programs, including compliance with and reporting requirements.
  • Nonprofit experience is a plus.
  • Prior workforce development experience, and bilingual (Spanish/English) are preferred.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
  • Talking in-person/on the phone consistently.
  • Requires reliable transportation including state mandated insurance.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
  • Monday – Friday. 9 am – 5 pm
  • Frequent evenings and weekends.
Travel
  • Travel as needed across Central and Southern Illinois including Peoria, Rockford, Belvidere, Champaign, DeKalb, Bloomington, Pekin, Decatur, Belleville, East Alton, Alton, Fairview Heights, Danville, and Springfield.
HIRE360 is an equal opportunity/ADA employer. All federal, state and local and other fair employment standards including EEO and ADA requirements in race, gender, gender identification, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, veteran status, veterans or disabled veterans status as found in 41CFR 60-1.4, 60-250.4 and 60-741.4 are herein incorporated by reference. Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. HIRE360 encourages applications from all of the above referenced protected and unprotected status groups.