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Program Director Jobs in Ridgefield, CT (NOW HIRING)

The Athletic and Youth Program Director is responsible for building, operating, and continuously improving the YMCA of Greenwich's aquatic and youth programming portfolio. Acting as the Athletic ...

Director, Magnet Program

Mount Kisco, NY · On-site

$130K - $228K/yr

... Program & Nursing Quality Preferred *Additional Salary Detail The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a ...

Director, Magnet Program

Mount Kisco, NY · On-site

$130K - $228K/yr

... Program & Nursing Quality Preferred *Additional Salary Detail The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a ...

Director, Magnet Program

Mount Kisco, NY · On-site

$130K - $228K/yr

... Program & Nursing Quality Preferred *Additional Salary Detail The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a ...

... Program & Nursing Quality Preferred *Additional Salary Detail The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a ...

Director Magnet Program

Danbury, CT · On-site

$59.84 - $111.12/hr

Summary: Collaborates with Nursing leadership in attaining and maintaining Magnet designation. Ensures materials and projects are developed and implemented within appropriate time frames.

Program Director Join Our Growing Team! We are seeking an energetic, dependable Program Director to join our well-established, growing company specializing in drug and alcohol testing and monitoring.

Program Director Join Our Growing Team! We are seeking an energetic, dependable Program Director to join our well-established, growing company specializing in drug and alcohol testing and monitoring.

Program Director Join Our Growing Team! We are seeking an energetic, dependable Program Director to join our well-established, growing company specializing in drug and alcohol testing and monitoring.

Showing results 21-40

Program Director information

See Ridgefield, CT salary details

$29.4K

$77.9K

$136.4K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Ridgefield, CT is $77,879.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,800.00 and $92,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Ridgefield, CT? The most popular types of Program jobs in Ridgefield, CT are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Ridgefield, CT look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Ridgefield, CT are:
What cities near Ridgefield, CT are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Ridgefield, CT with the most Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Ridgefield, CT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,879 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

Athletic And Youth Program Director

YMCA

Greenwich, CT • On-site

$80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,987 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

571st of 771 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Come join a dynamic and mission-driven team at the growing YMCA of Greenwich!
Job Description
The Athletic and Youth Program Director is responsible for building, operating, and continuously improving the YMCA of Greenwich's aquatic and youth programming portfolio. Acting as the Athletic Director for the YMCA's competitive swim, dive, and water polo programs, this leader works in close partnership with head coaches to set program standards, drive team growth, and ensure that every athlete has a clear and supported path forward to reach their full potential. This role leads the full swim school operation from traditional lessons to community-based offerings and competitive pathways while also overseeing the YMCA's youth extracurricular programming and partnerships.
This position brings vision, operational discipline, and a genuine passion for youth development through sport and has the organizational development skills to build quality programs.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in sports management, recreation, physical education, nonprofit management, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
  • Minimum 5-7 years of progressive experience in aquatics, youth sports, or recreation program leadership.
  • Demonstrated success managing multi-program portfolios and leading teams.
  • Strong financial acumen including experience building and managing budgets, driving enrollment revenue, and analyzing program performance.
  • Deep knowledge of youth development principles, progressive skill-building curricula, and structured youth enrichment operations.
  • Experience working with or overseeing competitive sports programs and coaching staff strongly preferred.
    Strong partnership development and community engagement skills.
  • Excellent communication skills with participants, families, staff, and organizational leadership.
  • Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification required.
  • Familiarity with USA Swimming, US Diving, or USA Water Polo governance preferred.

Essential Functions
Competitive Athletics - Swim, Dive and Water Polo
  • Serve as the Athletic Director for the YMCA's competitive swim, dive, and water polo programs, providing strategic oversight, program direction, and organizational support to each team's coaching staff.
  • Partner closely with head coaches to set team goals, build program culture, establish athlete development standards, and ensure each competitive program reflects the values and mission of the YMCA.
  • Build systems that support coach effectiveness and athlete experience, including scheduling, meet logistics, communication with families, and athlete recognition.
  • Ensure competitive programs are properly resourced, staffed, and positioned for growth, identifying opportunities to expand participation, strengthen community relationships, and elevate the YMCA's reputation as a destination for competitive aquatics.
  • Champion the development of the whole athlete - ensuring every competitive participant grows not only in their sport but in leadership, character, and life skills that extend well beyond the pool.
  • Maintain compliance with all relevant governing body requirements (USA Swimming, USA Diving, USA Water Polo) and ensure coaches hold current and appropriate certifications for their sport.

Youth Development Strategy & Program Quality
  • Own the strategic direction, daily operations, and continuous improvement and growth of the YMCA's full swim school program and community-based aquatic initiatives.
  • Establish and maintain program quality standards aligned with Red Cross WSI Swim Lesson curriculum and national best practices, ensuring a consistent and high-quality experience for every participant at every level.
  • Design and strengthen participant pathways that create a natural, well-supported progression from foundational swim lessons through intermediate programming and into competitive aquatics for those who are ready.
  • Analyze enrollment trends, session performance, and participant feedback to drive continuous improvement, identify growth opportunities, and ensure programming is responsive to community demand.
  • Develop and lead adaptive programming to serve as an entry point into inclusive YMCA programming.
  • Partner with Marketing to communicate the swim school's value proposition and impact, supporting enrollment growth through compelling storytelling and community visibility.

Youth Extracurricular Programming & Partnerships
  • Develop, manage, and grow the YMCA's youth extracurricular portfolio, with a focus on introductory and developmental programming that gives young people their first positive experience with organized athletics and enrichment programming.
  • Build and steward partnerships with schools, youth sports organizations, and community groups to expand access, co-develop programming, and grow the YMCA's presence in the youth sports landscape.
  • Ensure all youth sports and extracurricular programs reflect the YMCA's commitment to access, inclusion, and positive youth development, prioritizing participation, character, and skill-building over competition at the introductory level.

Management and Risk
  • Champion child abuse prevention across all program areas, ensuring staff are trained, policies are enforced, and a culture of vigilance and reporting is embedded in daily operations.
  • Ensure all aquatic and youth sports and extracurricular programs meet or exceed applicable safety standards, regulatory requirements, and YMCA of the USA risk management guidelines.
  • Own the financial performance of the full program portfolio - swim school, competitive athletics, and youth sports and extracurricular programs- including annual budget development, revenue targets, expense management, and variance reporting.
  • Lead and develop a mixed team of direct reports and coordinators, creating clarity around roles, expectations, and growth pathways at every level of the team.
  • Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain high-quality swim instructors, program coordinators, and support staff, building a team that is mission-aligned, technically strong, and excellent with participants and families.

Ymca Careers
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