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Program Director Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

VML

Freelance Program Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

Jobs for Humanity

Program Directors

Chicago, IL

$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 ...

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Program Director information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$29K

$76.9K

$134.8K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Park Ridge, IL is $76,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,200.00 and $91,000.00 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.
More about Program Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Park Ridge, IL?

The most popular types of Program jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Park Ridge, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:

What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Program Director jobs?

Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Program Director job openings:

Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,945 per year, or $37 per hour.

Freelance Program Director

VML

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Who We Are
VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and award-winning human-first work for clients including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. In 2026, VML was named Campaign's Global Network of the Year and ranked #2 Creative Network of the Year at Cannes Lions. VML's global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore.
VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel.
For more information, please visit www.vml.com and follow along on LinkedIn #WeAreVML.
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 related processes, software and hardware for a dedicated client in the Automotive space, and act as a primary point of contact with client leadership, all stakeholders and serve as the "connective tissue" between internal resources and external connections. This role will serve as part Project Leader, Management Consultant and Delivery Manager both for our client stakeholders and internal production teams.
The ideal candidate will have experience leading in and thriving in an agile and collaborative work environment. You will have worked on complex production delivery projects/campaigns, inclusive of all project elements and phases from inception to completion while remaining cool under pressure. You are familiar with the complexities and regulations within marketing content and its production. You consider yourself a team captain - someone who can manage scopes of work, complex technical roll outs and workstreams across different interagency teams and agency partners with ease. You have your finger on the pulse on the latest technology trends. You are a leader, able to convey strategic insights and offer consultation to internal and external stakeholders.
What you will do:
  • You will work with internal Process and Project Management teams to drive innovative initiatives, analyze, plan and implement the technological solutions that are part of our roadmap and drive cross-brand projects acting as the primary point of contact for clients.
  • Consult and support and serve as a key pillar to our internal production and account teams as you identify opportunities for streamlining, automating or implementing efficient processes within VML and for our clients.
  • Own and grow the relationship with the counterparts at our clients, such as internal creative and social media groups, Business Technology Leaders and License Owners and you will have an active role within VML, with visibility and involvement in the development of new proposals, products and services.

Who you are:
  • A Builder, possessing an entrepreneurial attitude coupled with strong business acumen. You possess the gravitas and appetite to bring people together, while marshaling people and building consensus to drive ideas and launch solutions.
  • Open and collaborative: Our team is close-knit and supportive and we're working with a lot of unknowns. You must be a champion of team environments that are comfortable and encouraging.
  • Optimistic and resilient: Dig in and figure out how to work around problems. Exemplify a "Yes and why not?" posture. Takes care of self and team. Balance needed to maintain stamina and positivity.
  • Ego-less: We all wear the hats that need wearing, it's a mentality that makes the team successful.

What You'll Need:
  • Ideally 5+ years of project and delivery management experience in advertising or marketing communications; a minimum of 3+ years of hands-on experience managing technical, digital projects and other 360 campaigns (digital, CLM, CRM, etc.)
  • PMP certification is nice to have and successful implementation of Agile a plus
  • Experience of working in (preferably large) agencies on large global accounts
  • Self-driven with proven experience working with multi-disciplinary teams (CX, UX, Tech, Creative, PM/AM) across remote offices
  • Good understanding of emerging web standards, user-centered design, optimization and search practices
  • Experience with SalesForce Marketing Cloud a plus
  • High EQ and the ability to read what a team needs to help motivate them
  • Proficiency in MS Office products
  • Availability to travel within the US and to other VML offices

The compensation for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package. Click WPP Benefits for more details.
$85-$110 USD
We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.
When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.

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