1

Program Director Jobs in University Place, WA (NOW HIRING)

Teen Director

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$23.70 - $26.38/hr

As the Teen Director, you will plan and lead a wide range of youth and teen programs. This will include teaching, developing, and supervising all youth and teen programs for middle to high school ...

Arts Director

Gig Harbor, WA · On-site

$23.70 - $28.67/hr

As the Arts Program Director, you will be responsible for planning and delivering programming that supports new, emerging, and existing arts programs. If hired, you will provide leadership and ...

Arts Director

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$23.70 - $28.67/hr

As the Arts Program Director, you will be responsible for planning and delivering programming that supports new, emerging, and existing arts programs. If hired, you will provide leadership and ...

Showing results 41-60

Program Director information

See University Place, WA salary details

$32K

$84.7K

$148.4K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in University Place, WA is $84,725.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,400.00 and $100,200.00 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 University Place, WA?

The most popular types of Program jobs in University Place, WA are:

What cities near University Place, WA are hiring for Program Director jobs?

Cities near University Place, WA with the most Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in University Place, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,725 per year, or $40.7 per hour.

DSHS CSTC Program Director / Psychologist

State of Washington

Olympia, WA

$119K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


State Of Washington rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 50 rated states


Job description

Description DSHS's Behavioral Health & Habilitation Administration, child/adolescent psychiatric hospital, Child Study Treatment Center (CSTC) will be welcoming a Program Director/Psychologist 4 to our highly-dedicated San Juan Cottage team. You will work closely with a supportive Medical Director and cottage-based psychiatrist, serving as a consultant to state-funded therapy care teams who serves children and adolescents experiencing behavioral health issues. You will utilize best clinical practices in individual and family therapy with children, adolescents, parents and guardians within this improvement-oriented clinical inpatient setting.

In this role, you are responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring evidence-based plans for the care of patients and the education of parents/caregivers. Every day is unique and rewarding; our children will keep you engaged. You will provide individual and family psychotherapy to children and adolescents and coordinate activities in an ongoing basis with multidisciplinary treatment teams.

You will interact with parents, enlisting their aid in rehabilitation of patients by providing them the tools to support a healthy transition back to their home environment. As a member of the CSTC Executive Leadership Team, you can aspire to grow in this role and leave a legacy as you develop center staff and make changes to fit the needs of our patients. By understanding your treatment team's strengths and opportunities for growth, you will assess the quality of the cottage milieu and consult with each member as to safe and effective milieu management.

Who should apply A Doctor of Psychology, Ph.D. or Psy.D. in clinical or forensic psychology from an accredited university, 3 years of psychology experience, which includes supervising other psychology interns, And, licensed or eligible to obtain a license in Washington to practice psychology Training and experience with child and adolescent population in the following is preferred: Chemical Dependency Assessment, Prevention, and Treatment Developmental Theory/Developmental Teaching Model Dialectical Behavior Therapy Functional Family Therapy Motivational Interviewing Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Milieu Management Evidence-based Models of Treatment The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work

It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security. Questions about this opportunity.

Please contact Grant Grady at grant.grady@dshs.wa.gov and reference project number 05830. Supplemental Information Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.


What State Of Washington employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


State of Washington logo

About State of Washington

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Washington is not a traditional company, but a governmental organization that is tasked with managing the various state-run services and enterprises in Washington. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA, the organization is responsible for the overall administration of the state's agencies and public services. Since the admission of Washington into the Union on November 11, 1890, the state government has aimed to provide a high quality of life for its residents through effective and efficient public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1889