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Program Director Jobs in Wallingford, CT (NOW HIRING)

Why This Role Matters Gilead I and II are Gilead's original programs. This is a unique opportunity to lead two highly valued, clinically rich coeducational adult programs thatdeliverhigh quality ...

POSITION SUMMARY The Hospice Program Director is responsible for the overall direction of hospice clinical services. Maintains the quality of patient care in accordance with the Agency's objectives ...

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Program Manager

Prospect, CT · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

This includes supervising direct care staff assigned to the programs, staff scheduling, implementation and enforcement of all Agency's programs, policies, and procedures. Additional duties include ...

Program Manager

Prospect, CT · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

This includes supervising direct care staff assigned to the programs, staff scheduling, implementation and enforcement of all Agency's programs, policies, and procedures. Additional duties include ...

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Program Director information

See Wallingford, CT salary details

$29.6K

$78.4K

$137.4K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Wallingford, CT is $78,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,100.00 and $92,800.00 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 jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Program Directors in certain industries, such as healthcare, technology, or large nonprofit organizations, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. High-level executive roles like CEOs or CFOs often surpass this threshold, but they are not specific to the Program Director position. Compensation varies widely based on industry, organization size, and geographic location.

Is a Program Director higher than a program manager?

A Program Director typically holds a higher-level leadership role than a program manager, overseeing multiple projects or programs and setting strategic goals. Program managers focus on managing individual projects within a program, executing plans, and ensuring deliverables. The hierarchy can vary by organization, but generally, Program Directors have broader responsibilities and authority than program managers.

What is the role of a Program Director?

A Program Director oversees the planning, implementation, and management of multiple related projects within an organization to achieve strategic goals. They coordinate teams, allocate resources, monitor progress, and ensure programs meet deadlines and budgets, often requiring strong leadership and communication skills. The role may also involve reporting to stakeholders and ensuring compliance with policies and standards.

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 area. Many roles also prefer or require a master's degree or relevant certifications, along with experience in leadership, project management, or the specific program area.
What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Wallingford, CT? The most popular types of Program jobs in Wallingford, CT are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Wallingford, CT look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Wallingford, CT are:
What cities near Wallingford, CT are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Wallingford, CT with the most Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Wallingford, CT as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,409 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

GILEAD - Program Director

oakhill

Middletown, CT

Other

Medical, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Job Description 

Established in 1968, GileadCommunity Services, Inc.has over 50 years of experience providing the highest quality servicessupportingpeople inrecovery from mental healthandsubstance use challenges.Gilead empowers personal growth,independence,and recovery through improved mental health, physical well-being, and community integration. Gilead’s supportive and collaborative services are marked by excellence, compassion, innovation, and integrity. 

Unlike large healthcare systems, our work is grounded in real relationships. We know our clients by name, and weputtheir needs first. 

Gilead Community Servicesseeksan experienced andcommittedleader to serve asthe Residential Program Directorfor our adult MRO (Medicaid Rehab Option) programslocatedin Middletown, CT.You’llprovide clinical and administrativeoversiteof a therapeutic residential setting, ensuring high-quality, recovery-recovery oriented care for adults seeking to build skills for independent living.  

Why This Role Matters 

Gilead I and II are Gilead’s original programs. This is a unique opportunity to lead two highly valued, clinically rich coeducational adult programs thatdeliverhigh quality rehabilitative services in a strength-based model serving individuals with chronic mental health and co-occurring substance use challenges.  

HowYou’llMake Your Impact 

The successful candidatewill leadtwo programsfocused on supporting adults in building skillsto address theinternal andinterpersonal barrierspreventing them fromliving successfully and independentlyin the community.You will bringstrengths in clinical treatment,leadership, and team building. 

The position is designed to ensure compliance with DMHAS licensing, contractual requirements, and CARF standards while making a meaningful impact by fostering strong, collaborative relationships withfamilies,neighborsand local community to support a positive and responsive group home environment. 

 
Lead high-quality, recovery-focused care 

  • Oversee clinical and administrative operationsforanadultresidential mental healthprogram.
  • Ensure services align with Gilead’s mission and recovery principles, with an emphasis on trauma-informed, person-centered care.
  • Guideadmissions, service planning, and discharge processes to maximize impact andmaintainfiscal stability.
  • Ensure provision of evidence-based best treatment modalities, trauma informed and culturally sensitive clinical care. 

Strengthen teams and elevate clinical practice 

  • Supervise and develop clinical and program staff, ensuring strong performance and continuous growth.
  • Overseestaffing levels,hiring,and retention efforts in partnership with Human Resources.
  • Develops a positive, supportive work environment that promotes staff engagement and job satisfaction. 
     

Navigate regulatory and system complexity 

  • Monitorsandmaintainscompliance with contractual and licensing requirements (DMHAS, CARF,DPH, etc.) and, especially, with Medicaid Rehab Option billing requirements.
  • Build andmaintainrelationswithclinical and managed care system partners.
  • Responds to after-hours needs on a rotating on-call basis to support program continuity and risk management. 

Build relationships and expand capacity 

  • Act as a liaisonto municipal, state, private, and community partners.
  • Collaborate with Gilead’sother programleaderstoimprove policy,develop,and refine servicesimplementationaligned withorganizational goals.
  • Participates as achampionofGilead’s culture through agency developmentinitiativesand community events. 

This Role Might Be for You IfYou’re: 

  • Experienced and ready to lead:You are an emerging or established leader with experience in adult residential or community behavioral health, ready to guide and support a team. 
     

  • Looking for a meaningful change from the corporate healthcare model.You areready to reconnect with the heart of mental health servicesworkin setting where client care (not just revenue targets) drives the work. 
     

  • Grounded and relational:You connect naturally with clients and the staff who support them. You prefer being present in programs and communities versus leading from behind a desk. 
     

  • Flexible,adaptive,and steady in complexity:Youcannavigateclinical nuance, regulatory requirements,operational demands with confidence while balancing multiple priorities andthehuman realities at the same time. 
     

What You Bring: 

  • Master’sdegreerequired. Must hold (or be eligible for) CTassociate-level clinical licensureandbe workingtoward full licensure (LCSW, LPC, LMFT), with6+ yearsof experience in the field of mental health and addictions.
  • Experience in administrativesupervision. Unionandpreviousprogram oversight experiencedpreferred.
  • A calm, steady presence to a fast-paced program for adults,abilityto managecompeting needs and lead effectivelyin adynamic and demanding environment.
  • Experience with severe and prolonged mental illness, and substance abuse disorders through supervision, staff training, education, and program development.
  • A hands-on, engaged leader who thrives in a dynamic, 24/7 environment that is comfortable rolling up your sleeves, supporting the staff and participants.
  • A valid driver’s licenseand automobile insurance. 

We Offer: 

  • Startingsalary of$83,000to $93,000annually.
  • Generous paid time off (up to 4 weeks paid vacation, 13 holidays, 2 paid personal days, 12 sick days). Truly affordable medical,dentaland vision benefits that save younearly 50% morethan the national average.
  • Investment in your future through our401(k)-retirementplan and match, scholarship programs, tuition reimbursement, and professional development opportunities.
  • Peace of mind with free long-term disability insurance and affordable short- and long-term life insurance options. 

We support equality for and advancement of all people, based on their qualifications and actions alone, without regard to color, gender, age, religion, nationaloriginor disability. 

Our company is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment. If you needa reasonableaccommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please reach out tototal.rewards@oakhillct.org. We will make every effort to accommodate your needsin accordance withapplicable laws and our commitment to accessibility and inclusion. 

An Equal Opportunity Employer.