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Program Director Jobs in Novato, CA (NOW HIRING)

JCYC.hr

Director of Programs

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

Support Department and Associate Directors in program planning, establishing goals, and measuring outcomes; * Evaluation: Assist in improving and monitoring the organization's performance reporting ...

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All JobsProgram JobsProgram Director JobsProgram Director Jobs in Novato, CA

Program Director information

See Novato, CA salary details

$34.6K

$91.8K

$160.8K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Novato, CA is $91,807.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,200.00 and $108,600.00 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 jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Program Directors in certain industries, such as healthcare, technology, or large nonprofit organizations, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. High-level executive roles like CEOs or CFOs often surpass this threshold, but they are not specific to the Program Director position. Compensation varies widely based on industry, organization size, and geographic location.

Is a Program Director higher than a program manager?

A Program Director typically holds a higher-level leadership role than a program manager, overseeing multiple projects or programs and setting strategic goals. Program managers focus on managing individual projects within a program, executing plans, and ensuring deliverables. The hierarchy can vary by organization, but generally, Program Directors have broader responsibilities and authority than program managers.

What is the role of a Program Director?

A Program Director oversees the planning, implementation, and management of multiple related projects within an organization to achieve strategic goals. They coordinate teams, allocate resources, monitor progress, and ensure programs meet deadlines and budgets, often requiring strong leadership and communication skills. The role may also involve reporting to stakeholders and ensuring compliance with policies and standards.

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 area. Many roles also prefer or require a master's degree or relevant certifications, along with experience in leadership, project management, or the specific program area.
More about Program Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Novato, CA? The most popular types of Program jobs in Novato, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Novato, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Novato, CA are:
What cities near Novato, CA are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Novato, CA with the most Program Director job openings:
Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Novato, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,807 per year, or $44.1 per hour.
Water/Wastewater Program Director

Water/Wastewater Program Director

AECOM

San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

AECOM rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 80 rated construction

Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

The Water / Wastewater Program Director provides senior leadership and oversight for the successful delivery of large, complex water/wastewater programs of significant strategic and public value in California.

The role has been established to strengthen leadership readiness for critical water and wastewater pursuits and to support long-term succession planning for our active programs, ensuring experienced program leadership is in place to transition seamlessly from pursuit through delivery.
The Program Director sets the overall direction for program delivery, establishing governance, technical assurance, commercial frameworks, and integrated management systems required to meet client objectives, regulatory obligations, and community expectations.

Acting as the primary leader for day-to-day integration and performance, the role oversees multidisciplinary teams across engineering, construction management, environmental compliance, commercial management, and stakeholder engagement.
In addition to delivery leadership, the role plays a key part in winning work, contributing to capture strategy, proposal development, and client engagement for high-priority pursuits.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide senior leadership across the full lifecycle of major water/wastewater programs, from pursuits and mobilization through execution, commissioning, and closeout.
  • Establish and maintain program governance, assurance, and performance frameworks aligned with municipal, state, and federal regulatory requirements.
  • Direct and integrate senior leaders across engineering, construction management, environmental compliance, operations readiness, and commercial management.
  • Ensure program-wide compliance with safety, environmental, drinking water, and water quality standards, including permits and consent decrees.
  • Provide senior commercial oversight including contract strategy, supplier engagement, risk management, change control, and financial governance.
  • Act as the principal point of contact for municipal clients, regulators, delivery partners, and community stakeholders.
  • Champion innovation, digital delivery, and continuous improvement across water and wastewater infrastructure programs.
  • Support major water/wastewater pursuits and programs, including proposal strategy, interviews, and transition from award to delivery.
Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental sciences, construction management, project management, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience) and 12+ years of professional experience delivering large, complex water and/or wastewater programs or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education including 4 years of leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 20+ years of relevant experience delivering large, complex water and/or wastewater programs
  • PgMP, PMP, CCM, or similar professional certification preferred.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent professional registration preferred.

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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