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Program Director Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA (NOW HIRING)

COMMUNITY BRIDGES

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Santa Cruz, CA

$52.28 - $65.12/hr

The minimum requirements to obtain a Program Director Permit are as follows: * BA degree with 24 Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD) units, including core courses; plus 6 ...

Community Bridges

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

CA · On-site

$52.28 - $65.12/hr

The minimum requirements to obtain a Program Director Permit are as follows: * BA degree with 24 Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD) units, including core courses; plus 6 ...

Securitas Services

Program Director

San Jose, CA · On-site

$155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Global Clients Americas Program Director Location: San Jose, California Compensation Base salary: $155,000 annually Car allowance: $1,000 per month Job Summary We are looking for a Global Clients ...

Continuum Hospice

Program Director (Hospice)

Capitola, CA

$170K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As the Hospice Program Director, you will take on a dynamic role in overseeing and administering all aspects of our day-to-day operations. You will work closely with established goals, objectives ...

Continuum Hospice

Program Director (Hospice)

Capitola, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As the Hospice Program Director, you will take on a dynamic role in overseeing and administering all aspects of our day-to-day operations. You will work closely with established goals, objectives ...

Continuum Hospice

Program Director (Hospice)

Capitola, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As the Hospice Program Director, you will take on a dynamic role in overseeing and administering all aspects of our day-to-day operations. You will work closely with established goals, objectives ...

Continuum Care Hospice

Program Director (Hospice)

Capitola, CA · On-site

$170 - $185/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As the Hospice Program Director, you will take on a dynamic role in overseeing and administering all aspects of our day-to-day operations. You will work closely with established goals, objectives ...

Socket.dev

Program Director-Neurorehabilitation

Gilroy, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Referral Bonus We are searching for a Full-Time Program Director for our Gilroy, California program. This position directs and evaluates the assessment and development of all client treatment plans ...

ARM

Director of Program Delivery

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$274K - $371K/yr

The successful candidate will have a proven silicon program execution track record and a deep background in complex, cross-functional SOC, SW, design, and platform program management. The successful ...

Arm Limited

Director of Program Delivery

San Jose, CA · On-site

$275 - $372/hr

The successful candidate will have a proven silicon program execution track record and a deep background in complex, cross-functional SOC, SW, design, and platform program management. The successful ...

ARM

Director of Program Delivery

San Jose, CA · On-site

$274K - $371K/yr

The successful candidate will have a proven silicon program execution track record and a deep background in complex, cross-functional SOC, SW, design, and platform program management. The successful ...

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All JobsProgram JobsProgram Director JobsProgram Director Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Program Director information

See Santa Cruz, CA salary details

$34.1K

$90.3K

$158.2K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Santa Cruz, CA is $90,290.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,200.00 and $106,800.00 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 Santa Cruz, CA?

The most popular types of Program jobs in Santa Cruz, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Santa Cruz, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Santa Cruz, CA are:

What cities near Santa Cruz, CA are hiring for Program Director jobs?

Cities near Santa Cruz, CA with the most Program Director job openings:

Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Santa Cruz, CA 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 $90,290 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

COMMUNITY BRIDGES

Santa Cruz, CA

$52.28 - $65.12/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 hours ago

Community Bridges, Inc. rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Community Bridges envisions a thriving community where every person has the opportunity to unleash their full potential. Our family of ten programs delivers essential services, provides equitable access to resources, and advocates for health and dignity across every stage of life. 

POSITION  DESCRIPTION

Under the general direction of the CEO, plans, organizes, directs and controls the early education centers in compliance with Federal and State regulations; ensures that the programs meets the needs of preschool children; performs related work as required.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Leadership & Development

  • Directs the long- and short-range planning and goal setting for all programs assigned to the Early Education Division.
  • Strategizes and implements ongoing advocacy efforts, on local and state levels, aimed at  expanding the scope of services as appropriate.
  • Administrates all aspects of the Children's Centers, ensuring compliance with Federal and State guidelines.
  • Represents the Early Education Division in various current and potential funding sources.
  • Assists in overall Agency program development, management and evaluation, as assigned.

Financial & Budget Management

  • In cooperation with the Grants Analyst, develops and monitors the Program budgets, taking action as appropriate.
  • Develops enrollment and payment procedures; prepares and submits in a timely manner, all reports required by Federal and State regulations.

Program Operations & Family Services

  • Works with teachers to plan curriculum and implement learning programs.
  • Ensures that an environment which fosters healthy emotional, social, cognitive and physical growth is created and maintained at the Centers.
  • Ensures that safe & healthy conditions are maintained at the Centers.
  • Oversees planning of menus for meals & snacks served at the Centers.
  • Selects, assigns and evaluates the work of teachers, aides and other support staff; recruits volunteers to work at the Centers.
  • Interviews families applying for childcare services; explains eligibility and fee requirements; ensures that parental needs for an effective program are met.
  • May plan and participate in parent conferences. Works with various community organizations and agencies to coordinate services necessary to meet the needs of the children at the Centers.
  • Participates in statewide and local advocacy efforts in support of child care services; involves staff and participants as appropriate.
  • Cooperates with  and coordinates activities  with the Parents' Advisory Committees.
  • Communicates effectively and respectfully with parents, volunteers and other staff at the Centers, including persons from different racial, cultural and ethnic groups and from different backgrounds and lifestyles.

Staff Management & Professional Development

  • Selects, assigns and evaluates the work of teachers, aides and other support staff; recruits volunteers to work at the Centers.
  • Maintains professional competence through participation in in-service education.

Job descriptions are intended to be illustrative only; they are not designed to be restrictive or to define each and every assigned duty and responsibility.  In an organization of this nature, each employee is expected to perform such duties as necessary to fulfill the stated goals of the agency.    

We screen all applicants, require background checks on final candidates consistent with funding regulation requirements and are a Drug-Free Work Place.

OTHER JOB DETAILS:

  • This position is eligible for a $.40 per hour bilingual differential after passing a test administered by the HR department. 
  • This is an FLSA exempt  position.  
  • Regular onsite attendance is required for this position. 

MINIMUM  REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge:

  • Of program development, organization, implementation and monitoring principles and practices, with particular reference to child care programs;
  • Of the methods and techniques of early childhood education;
  • Of child psychology and development and of family life education;
  • Of child health and first aid; and
  • Of budget monitoring, recordkeeping and report preparation.

Skill:

  • In program development, organization and implementation, especially as it relates to child care programs;
  • In the selection, training and supervision of paid staff and volunteers;
  • In teaching and supervising preschool children;
  • In preparing concise written and numerical reports;
  • In developing and monitoring budgets;
  • In reading and interpreting complex regulations and policies;
  • In acting as an advocate for childcare programs; and
  • In working cooperatively with other staff, volunteers, parents and representatives of community organizations and agencies.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must hold or qualify for, and maintain, a Child Development Program Director Permit issued by the CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The minimum requirements to obtain a Program Director Permit are as follows:
    • BA degree with 24 Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD) units, including core courses; plus 6 administration units and 2 adult supervision units; OR
    • Teaching or Administrative Credential with 12 units of ECE, plus 3 units of supervised field experience in an ECE setting; OR
    • Master’s degree in early childhood education, child/human development, or closely related field.
  • Must maintain an active permit, which requires completion of a minimum of 105 hours of professional growth every five years.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred but not required.
  • Must provide transcripts of college courses prior to beginning employment.
  • Must be fingerprinted, complete a Child Abuse Index Check form, and be criminally cleared prior to beginning employment.
  • Must provide proof of current immunization against influenza, pertussis, and measles prior to beginning employment.
  • Must undergo Health Screening and TB test within 7 days of employment.
  • Must provide valid CPR certification and Pediatric First Aid training certificate or be willing to obtain both within 30 days of employment.
  • Must sign a “Mandated Reporter” agreement, which mandates employee to report suspected child abuse.
  • Must complete Health, Safety and Nutrition training as required by California Community Care Licensing regulations.
  • Must possess a valid California Driver's License, be insured, be insurable under the agency’s insurance policy, and have use of a reliable motor vehicle.

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