ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Program Director Jobs in State College, PA (NOW HIRING)

LifeWise Academy

Leadership Board Member

Tyrone, PA · On-site

Providing input and direction to the program director as he/she manages the day-to-day operations of the program * Assisting with the 5 L's of operations: * Leadership: Recruit and onboard program ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsProgram JobsProgram Director JobsProgram Director Jobs in State College, PA

Program Director information

See State College, PA salary details

$28.9K

$76.5K

$134K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in State College, PA is $76,475.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,800.00 and $90,500.00 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 State College, PA?

The most popular types of Program jobs in State College, PA are:

What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in State College, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in State College, PA are:

What cities near State College, PA are hiring for Program Director jobs?

Cities near State College, PA with the most Program Director job openings:

Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in State College, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,475 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Residential Youth Program Leader - COYHL Camp

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

237th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Conferences and Institutes is seeking Youth Program Leaders for Creating Opportunities for Young Hospitality Leaders (COYHL) Summer Camp to be held July 12, 2026 to July 17, 2026.
Youth Program Leaders are responsible for the 24-hour supervision and safety of minors participating in this program and will manage all aspects of the daily program administration, including youth compliance policies and procedures, emergency response, direct communication with Program Director and Program Manager, medication collection, storage and verification and oversight of participant health information. Youth Program Leaders may assist with the development of instructional content and deliver lessons and activities.
Youth Program Leaders have full responsibility for monitoring the safety, whereabouts, and actions of program participants at all times, including non-instructional times, and must be able to identify and respond to issues concerning participant interactions, behavior, mental health and acclimation to the program environment. Youth Program Leaders may face situations at any time of day or night when they must act quickly and calmly using sound judgement, handle sensitive issues or information, address behavior issues, and immediately follow any necessary notification protocols.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines

What Penn State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply