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Program Director Jobs in Rockford, IL (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager

Janesville, WI · On-site

$107 - $130/hr

Advanced Leadership Training Programs: build the skills to grow your career * Associate discount on name brands like Carhartt, Under Armour, STIHL, Milwaukee Tool, DeWalt & much more! * Internal ...

New

Advanced Leadership Training Programs: build the skills to grow your career * Associate discount on name brands like Carhartt, Under Armour, STIHL, Milwaukee Tool, DeWalt & much more! * Internal ...

Program Manager

Janesville, WI · On-site

$106K - $125K/yr

Advanced Leadership Training Programs: build the skills to grow your career * Associate discount on name brands like Carhartt, Under Armour, STIHL, Milwaukee Tool, DeWalt & much more! * Internal ...

Program Manager

Rockford, IL · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

The Program Manager will be responsible for the functions and experiences such as: * Project planning and execution throughout the product development lifecycle. * Work with multiple disciplines on ...

Senior Program Manager

Machesney Park, IL · On-site

$111K - $111K/yr

Direct supervision of a small team of Program Managers who are responsible for managing discrete, ILM, VMI and/or consignment inventory program(s), assessing the risks and opportunities, while ...

Retail Program Manager

Winnebago, IL · On-site

$60K - $91K/yr

The Retail Program Manager is responsible for the overall implementation and growth of the AtWork ... directed at both internal and external parties. Responds promptly to needs and requests.

Activity Director

Belvidere, IL · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

Develop and oversee the delivery of activity/recreational programs to promote patient opportunities ... Degree in recreational therapy and/or Activity Director Certification (required) * At least three ...

Showing results 41-60

Program Director information

See Rockford, IL salary details

$29.5K

$78.3K

$137.1K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Rockford, IL is $78,260.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $92,600.00 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 Rockford, IL?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Rockford, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,260 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Program Manager

BLAIN

Janesville, WI • On-site

$107 - $130/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee the successful implementation of multiple IT projects and project teams to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

  • Manage project timelines, scope, budgets, and resources to ensure projects are completed on time and within scope.

  • Lead, mentor, and develop cross-functional teams, including Business Analysts and Software Engineers, to drive project success.


Job description

Company & Benefits Information

At Blain’s Farm & Fleet we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to have a job they love, work in a great environment, grow their career & enjoy a positive balance.

As a family-owned retailer we take pride in offering a competitive benefit package designed to support you & your life. It is one of the reasons we have been named a Forbes Best Employer for seven consecutive years!

  • Associates hired into a full-time role will become eligible for the following benefits effective their 91st day of full-time employment: Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, Short & Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, Ancillary Benefits, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Etc.
  • All major Holidays & Birthday off
  • Advanced Leadership Training Programs: build the skills to grow your career
  • Associate discount on name brands like Carhartt, Under Armour, STIHL, Milwaukee Tool, DeWalt & much more!
  • Internal recognition programs that support an engaged workplace
  • 401(K) with company match
Compensation
  • Base pay between $106,500-$130,000/yr

The pay listed for this position may vary based on experience. Please note, compensation decisions are contingent on the facts and conditions for each job opening. We take into consideration the minimum requirements outlined in the job description, such as, training and experience, the position’s work location, required travel (if any), and external market conditions when determining the final salary for potential new hires.

Please note salary estimates published via alternate online job boards may not be a true representation of the actual pay range offered for this position. Please refer to the Blain’s Farm & Fleet position description for accurate pay range information.

Job Duties

The IT Program Manager oversees the successful implementation of multiple IT projects and project teams to ensure they align with the organization’s strategic goals. The IT Program Manager is responsible for ensuring projects are executed efficiently, resolving risks and issues, and driving the successful delivery of technology solutions. This role requires technical and functional expertise, with a strong understanding of the various technologies, systems, and processes that support the retail domain. Activities include strategic planning, resource management, and effective leadership to ensure that projects within the program are completed on time, within scope, and on budget. The IT Program Manager will lead cross-functional teams, including Business Analysts and Software Engineers to drive success across projects.

  • Program Strategy and Planning: Develop and implement program strategies, resources, schedule and work plan, that align with organizational objectives and ensure cohesive project execution.
  • Project Oversight: Oversee, monitor and manage multiple projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, scope, and budgets.
  • Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a cross functional team, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment for optimal performance
  • Stakeholder Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, providing regular updates on program progress, risks, and issues.
  • Risk and Issue Management: Identify, mitigate and resolve risk and issues promptly to minimize impact on program objectives across
  • Budget Management: Prepare and manage program budgets, optimizing resources for maximum productivity and cost efficiency
  • Process Improvement: Continuously monitor and improve program performance, quality, and efficiency at regular intervals
  • Alignment with Business Goals: Ensure IT solutions and project outcomes are aligned with the organizations business strategy and operational needs.
  • Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to meet business needs and deliver value
Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience in IT project or program management, with a proven track record of managing large-scale IT programs.
  • Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Business, or a related field is preferred
  • Strong technical foundation including hands on experience with various IT departments (infrastructure, software, systems architecture), technologies, systems, and processes
  • Outstanding working knowledge of change management principles and performance evaluation processes
  • Proven ability to solve problems creatively
  • Strong familiarity with project management software tools, methodologies, and best practices
  • Understanding of IT architecture, systems, and infrastructure to ensure program alignment with technical goals
  • Knowledge of methodologies such as Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, and PMI standards.
  • Proficiency with budgeting processes, cost forecasting, and financial oversight to manage program budgets effectively.
  • Understanding of risk identification, mitigation strategies, and issue resolution.
  • Advanced knowledge of how IT supports business processes and the strategic importance of aligning IT initiatives with organizational goals.
  • Proficiency in resource allocation, capacity planning, and workload distribution.
EEO Statement

Blain Supply, Inc and Blain’s Farm and Fleet (collectively “Blain’s”) is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recognize the importance of diversity and creating an inclusive culture in order to leverage the skills and talents of all people to the mutual advantage of each individual and the organization. Blain’s does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any applicable legally protected status. Our goal is to continue to be recognized as an employer of choice and we have received Forbes Best Mid-Sized company to work for an unprecedented 7 years in a row.

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