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Program Director Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

NFI North

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Buxton, ME

$75K/yr

NFI North Beacon House, a Residential Treatment Program for adolescents 13-20, located in Buxton, Maine currently has an opening for a Program Director . This program is listed as high staff ...

NFI North

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Buxton, ME · On-site

$75K/yr

The Program Director is responsible for the oversite of all daily operations, managing a staff team of approximately 25, who in turn provide treatment and educational services for the youth served.

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Program Director information

See Portland, ME salary details

$28.2K

$74.7K

$130.8K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Portland, ME is $74,671.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,600.00 and $88,300.00 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 Portland, ME? The most popular types of Program jobs in Portland, ME are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Portland, ME look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Portland, ME are:
What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Portland, ME with the most Program Director job openings:
Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Portland, ME as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,671 per year, or $35.9 per hour.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

NFI North

Buxton, ME

$75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

At NFI North, we strive to create a world where mental and behavioral health services are readily accessible for everyone creating A Place to Belong.  NFI North provides mental health and behavioral support services to people facing life challenges.  We design diverse and innovative programs that provide a high level of structure within communities of care when a person or family is in need.  Our goal is for people to grow, have hope, thrive in their community and feel like they belong.

Looking for a person who has excellent management and leadership abilities. NFI North Beacon House, a Residential Treatment Program for adolescents 13-20, located in Buxton, Maine currently has an opening for a Program Director. 

This program is listed as high staff intensive and operates an on-site DOE licensed Special Purpose Private School. This program serves up to eight children with significant mental health and behavioral issues. The ideal candidate will work as part of a team to provide care and treatment interventions which in turn help the youth to transition successfully back to their family or next placement.

The Program Director is responsible for the oversite of all daily operations, managing a staff team of approximately 25, who in turn provide treatment and educational services for the youth served. Administrative duties include budget oversight, payroll, scheduling, on-call, training oversight and facilitation of management and staff meetings. The program director is considered an integral part of the larger agency leadership team.

Requirements: A master’s degree in social work or human services plus 3 years supervisory experience or a bachelor’s degree plus 5-7 years supervisory experience.  

NFI North offers comprehensive and affordable Medical, Dental, Prescription and Vision coverage. Generous paid time off including 3 weeks of vacation, sick time and 11 paid holidays.  We also offer a 4-day work week (10-hour days), tuition reimbursement, retirement match, company paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability and much more! In addition to excellent training, we offer supportive environments that allow for creativity, a sense of empowerment and opportunities for advancement.

Voted Best Place to Work

Visit us at www.nfinorth.com

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