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Program Director Jobs in Vista, CA (NOW HIRING)

Program Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$104 - $121/hr

The Program Director ensures compliance with established policies and procedures of the overall program and the timely completion of respective reporting requirements. Schedule: Full-Time ...

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

NFI North has an opening for a Program Director for our 10-bed Adult Program, located at 60 Ohio Street in Bangor, Maine. This program serves adults living with mental illness. Miller Terraces is a ...

Program Director Department: Family Services Location: San Diego Reports To: Regional Family Services Director FLSA Status: Exempt Remote Status: None Salary: $117,000 Sign on Bonus (New Hires Only ...

Program Director Location: Onsite - Atlanta/San Diego Job Overview: We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Program Director to lead cross-functional programs within our In Vitro Diagnostics ...

Program Director Location: Onsite - Atlanta/San Diego Job Overview: We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Program Director to lead cross-functional programs within our In Vitro Diagnostics ...

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Program Director information

See Vista, CA salary details

$30.2K

$79.9K

$140K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Vista, CA is $79,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,200.00 and $94,600.00 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 Vista, CA?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Vista, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,932 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Program Director

San Diego, CA • On-site


Crestwood Behavioral Health
Offices of Mental Health Practitioners • 1 - 5K employees

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 895 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Title: Program Director

Job Duties: The Program Director directs and coordinates the rehabilitation program. The Program Director ensures compliance with established policies and procedures of the overall program and the timely completion of respective reporting requirements.

ScheduleFull-Time

Qualifications: 

  • Must meet regulatory educational standards.
  • Bachelor's degree and/or licensed nurse/licensed clinician. The Program Director shall also have at least two (2) years of experience or training in a mental health setting, one year of which shall include experience or training in program development for persons with severe and persistent mental disabilities.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of DSM-5, psycho-social rehabilitation, and recovery principles.
  • Familiarity with applicable regulatory requirements.

Crestwood Offers Comprehensive Benefits Packages to Full-Time Employees Including:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Sick Leave Buy Back
  • 401(k) Retirement
  • Scholarship Program
  • Qualifying Supervision for BBS Associates
  • Competitive Pay
  • Paid Holidays
  • Service Awards
  • Jury Duty Pay

About the Campus: Our services at Crestwood San Diego support each client in recovering with an enhanced sense of resilience, accessing a wide range of wellness tools and staff support. The mission of this program is to restore a sense of hope, empowerment, community/natural support inclusion, realized potential in each client, and psychiatric stabilization. At Crestwood San Diego, you can gain experience and training at one of California's leading behavioral health providers. Our dynamic and person-centered programs offer a multi-modal approach to treatment and recovery.

To learn more about B Certified Corporations, visit www.bcorp.com


Crestwood Behavioral Health logo

About Crestwood Behavioral Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Crestwood Behavioral Health, Inc., based in Sacramento, CA, US, is a recognized leader in the field of Behavioral Health. The company’s main offering includes a broad spectrum of services for adults with mental health needs, including campus-based services, day treatment programs, and community integration services. Established more than 50 years ago, Crestwood has a rich history grounded in a relentless pursuit of optimism, bravery, and an unwavering commitment to creating recovery-focused programs that uphold the rights and dignity of individuals living with mental health issues. Their mission is to provide a continuum of services that empower individuals living with mental health issues to realize recovery.

Industry

Offices of mental health practitioners

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Sacramento, CA, US

Year founded

1968

Social media


What Crestwood Behavioral Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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