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Program Director Jobs in Topeka, KS (NOW HIRING)

ONESOURCE DISTRIBUTING LLC

Program Manager

Topeka, KS · Remote

$48K - $51K/yr

Merchandising Program Manager Company: OneSource Distributing Location: Topeka KS - fully remote Job Type: Full‑time Company Overview For over 15 years, OneSource Distributing has delivered ...

Priority Life Care

Activities Director

Topeka, KS · On-site

$10K/mo

Rewards Program based on Years of Service and PLC Employee of the Year Award The impact you'll make: * Provide seniors with interesting, engaging, and enriching activities to enhance their lives

Holton Health Care Center

Activity Director

Holton, KS · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Ensure an on-going program of activities is available to meet the interests and physical, mental ... Previous Activity Director experience in a long-term care/assisted living facility. * Must be ...

Holton Health Care Center

Activity Director

Holton, KS

$20 - $22/hr

Ensure an on-going program of activities is available to meet the interests and physical, mental ... Previous Activity Director experience in a long-term care/assisted living facility. * Must be ...

Countryside Mental Health

Activity Director

Topeka, KS

$18 - $24.50/hr

Duties and Responsibilities The Activities Director performs duties involving the planning and implementation of an activity program which meets physical, mental and psychosocial needs and interests ...

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Program Director information

See Topeka, KS salary details

$27.8K

$73.6K

$128.9K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Topeka, KS is $73,589.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,900.00 and $87,100.00 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 is a program director?

A program director is a professional responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and evaluation of specific programs within an organization. They coordinate staff, manage budgets, and ensure program goals are met, often requiring leadership skills and relevant certifications. The role typically involves strategic decision-making and compliance with organizational policies.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Program Director can earn $10,000 or more per month, especially in large organizations or with extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and industry expertise. High-paying roles often require significant responsibility, strategic planning, and management skills, but may not always require a formal degree if supplemented by relevant experience and certifications.

What is the role of a program director?

A program director oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of specific programs within an organization. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, set goals, and ensure that program objectives are met efficiently and effectively, often requiring leadership, organizational skills, and relevant certifications.

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.
More about Program Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Topeka, KS? The most popular types of Program jobs in Topeka, KS are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Topeka, KS look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Topeka, KS are:
What cities near Topeka, KS are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Topeka, KS with the most Program Director job openings:
Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Topeka, KS as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,589 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Assistant Shelter Manager

YWCA Northeast Kansas

Topeka, KS • On-site

$42K - $46K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

YWCA Northeast Kansas is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We provide transformative services in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking, Community Violence Interruption, before- and after-school programming, and leadership and inclusion initiatives.

Job Classification: Exempt, Full-Time

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, between 8:00AM and 5:30PM, availability on weekends and evenings, as needed

Reporting Relationship: CSE Program Director

JOB SUMMARY

The Center for Safety and Empowerment (CSE), a program of YWCA Northeast Kansas, provides support and advocacy for victims/survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking in a five-county service area. The Assistant Shelter Manager plays a critical role in ensuring that all CSE-operated facilities (including confidential shelter locations, the day center, and rural offices) are safe, functional, and trauma-responsive environments. Reporting to the CSE Program Director and working in close coordination with the Director of Administration, this position leads day-to-day facility operations across multiple sites, including maintenance, vendor coordination, safety compliance, and supply management. This role combines hands-on facilities work with operational oversight and requires strong problem-solving, organization, and responsiveness to support both staff and clients. The position is primarily based at a confidential shelter location and requires regular travel between sites.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Facilities & Operational Support

  • Ensures all CSE-operated facilities (including two confidential shelters, a day center, and a rural office) are well-maintained and operating in compliance with local, state, and federal health, safety, and building codes.
  • Conducts routine inspections and responds to maintenance request tasks across all facilities in a timely and cost-effective manner. Proposes preventative maintenance plans.
  • Serves as the on-site point-of-contact for all facility-related vendors, including maintenance contractors, inspectors, and utility providers.
  • Ensures regular and thorough cleaning of shelter facilities to meet health, fire, and City codes.
  • Maintains all exterior spaces, including shelter landscaping and outdoor areas.
  • Manages procurement and stocking of essential supplies and groceries for the shelters, ensuring timely replenishment while adhering to budget guidelines.
  • Maintains accurate records of maintenance requests, completed work, inspection reports, vendor invoices, and supply inventories.
  • Supports emergency facility repairs and coordinates after-hours responses when necessary.
  • Attends weekly and monthly shelter staff meetings, and monthly CSE staff meetings to stay aligned with program operations.
  • Identifies, documents, and prioritizes deferred maintenance needs at all CSE-operated locations.
  • Assists the Director of Administration with safety audits, fire marshal visits, and regulatory inspections. Implements corrective action plans after incidents or inspections.
  • Executes emergency protocols and incident support.
  • Fosters a trauma-responsive environment by minimizing disruptions and ensuring a calming, secure, and dignified space for all facility users.

Supervision & Collaboration

  • Following successful completion of the New Advocate and on-the-job training series, this position is responsible for supervision for assigned staff, interns, or volunteers as determined by program structure and organizational needs.
  • Provides ongoing coaching and support for assigned staff, reviewing caseloads, problem-solving complex client situations, and answering questions.
  • Conducts annual performance evaluations for assigned staff.
  • Participates as an active member of the CSE Supervisor Team, contributing to program coordination, decision-making, and operational support.
  • Participates in the CSE Supervisor on-call rotation, if assigned, and responds to after-hours situations consistent with program protocols.

Other Position Functions

  • Refrains from assuming any duty that is unrelated to and/or interferes with the responsibilities of the position.
  • Develops, promotes, and practices teamwork and open communication in all activities.
  • Assists in maintaining the operational functions of YWCA Northeast Kansas headquarters, including serving as a substitute for the front desk when needed.
  • Advocates, promotes, and practices cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in day-to-day interactions.
  • Other duties as associated by the supervisor and CEO. The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee holding this position.

QUALIFICATIONS

At a minimum, the Assistant Shelter Manager must have a High School diploma or GED. In addition, the Assistant Shelter Manager shall have:

  • Basic understanding of dynamics of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking.
  • Basic IT and security systems knowledge, including familiarity with surveillance systems, door locks, and internet/network troubleshooting.
  • Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
  • Excellent knowledge and experience of computer applications such as word processing, Excel, electronic data tracking, internet, websites, and more.
  • Sensitivity to the needs of others.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage individuals in crisis.
  • Ability to function well in a crisis setting where interruptions are frequent.
  • Commitment to the YWCA mission and values, including a strong focus on racial equity and social justice.
  • Certifications or training in any of the following is a plus:
    • Building maintenance or facilities management
    • Safety standards
    • CPR/First Aid
    • Fire and safety emergency preparedness
    • HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or general contracting

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

  • Work Environment: Multiple facilities/sites, including shelter environments, administrative offices, and outdoor spaces (e.g., landscaping, parking lots). Must be able to climb flights of stairs multiple times daily and navigate a variety of physical settings, including uneven terrain and tight spaces.
  • Lifting Requirement: 50 pounds
  • Travel Requirements:
    • Ability to drive personal vehicle to travel between multiple sites, often on the same day.
    • Valid driver’s license and current auto insurance required.
  • General Physical Abilities: Must be able to perform hand-on tasks such as bending, kneeling, reaching, climbing ladders, and operating basic tools and equipment.
  • Pass various background checks.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please apply through the website or submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to hr@ywcaneks.org. Applicants will be required to pass the identified screening process prior to hiring.

NON DISCRIMINATION

YWCA Northeast Kansas is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive, equitable, and trauma-informed workplace. We recognize that systemic inequities impact many aspects of society, and we strive to address these through our policies, practices, and organizational culture. We believe that diversity in all its forms strengthens our mission and our work.

We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. No question on our application is intended to secure information to be used for such discrimination.

We are also committed to fair hiring practices, including the consideration of qualified applicants with criminal records, in line with applicable laws and our values of second chances and community reintegration.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds — including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; immigrants and refugees; LGBTQIA+ individuals; people with disabilities; gender-diverse individuals; survivors; and members of other historically underrepresented communities.