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Program Director Jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO (NOW HIRING)

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See Wheat Ridge, CO salary details

$31.4K

$83.1K

$145.6K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Wheat Ridge, CO is $83,100.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,300.00 and $98,300.00 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 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 jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Program Directors typically require a degree and experience, but roles like sales representatives, administrative assistants, or certain skilled trades can earn around $3,000 monthly without a degree. These jobs often rely on skills, certifications, or on-the-job training rather than formal education.

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.

More about Program Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO? The most popular types of Program jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO are:
What cities near Wheat Ridge, CO are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Wheat Ridge, CO with the most Program Director job openings:
Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Wheat Ridge, CO as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,100 per year, or $40 per hour.

Program Director - Site and Structures

Xcimer Energy

Denver, CO

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Xcimer Energy leverages decades of research on Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) combined with groundbreaking new laser architecture. Our mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. Xcimer has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by leading investors, Xcimer is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. Join us in powering a better world with inertial fusion!
 
This is a full-time, onsite role based at our headquarters in Denver, CO.
 
As a Program Director for Site and Structures you will lead end-to-end development and delivery of facilities and site infrastructure, including planning, design, procurement strategy, construction oversight, commissioning, and transition to operations for the Vulcan laser system and Xcimer's fusion energy pilot plant, Athena. We are looking for our project coordinators to apply their technical expertise, problem solving skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact the future of energy!
Responsibilities
  • Lead end-to-end development and delivery of facilities and site infrastructure, including planning, design, procurement strategy, construction oversight, commissioning, and transition to operations.
  • Accountable for the integrated schedule for facility and site infrastructure delivery, ensuring alignment across engineering design, permitting, procurement, and construction sequencing.
  • Own the facility and site infrastructure project budget, including budget development, forecasting, and adherence to approved funding, with support from Finance and Program Planning & Controls for cost baseline setup and tracking.
  • Lead RFP development, evaluation, selection, and management of A/E firms, construction managers, EPC contractors, and other major facility vendors, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations.
  • Provide leadership and clear direction across multiple disciplines of engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and individuals assigned to the project(s). Establish priorities, resolve conflicts, and hold individuals accountable for delivering against agreed cost and schedule targets.
  • Maintain updated cost and schedule forecasts from A/E firms, EPC contractors, and other major contractors to support program reporting and planning.
  • Define facility development strategy, contracting approach, and capital phasing aligned to program milestones.
  • Identify project risks early and lead mitigation planning to minimize schedule and cost impacts.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable codes, environmental regulations, safety standards, and internal governance processes.
  • Drive permitting strategy and utility coordination (power, water, HVAC, specialized infrastructure) to secure required approvals and capacity without impacting the project schedule.
  • Drive site readiness and facility integration efforts to ensure smooth transition from construction to operational use.
Qualifications
  • Experience: 12+ years of experience managing complex facility development, capital construction, or infrastructure projects in energy, aerospace, semiconductor, or similarly technical environments.
  • Educiation: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field.
  • Demonstrated experience managing large capital projects (>$300M) from concept through commissioning.
  • Experience acting as the owner’s representative managing AE, EPC, or major construction contractors on complex capital projects.
  • Strong understanding of construction sequencing, contractor management, and cost control practices.
  • Experience defining and executing large-scale capital delivery strategies, including contract structuring, risk allocation, and contractor oversight for complex infrastructure projects.
  • Ability to manage budgets, forecasts, and change control processes in partnership with Finance and Program Planning & Controls teams.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
  • Experience managing high-consequence or safety-critical construction environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to succeed in a matrix organization, driving execution, prioritization, and individual accountability without direct line authority.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Desired
  • Experience delivering projects in regulated environments involving environmental review, utility interconnection, or nuclear-adjacent licensing.
  • Experience coordinating large utility loads (power, cooling water, gas systems) and site infrastructure upgrades.
  • Experience integrating specialized technical systems (high-voltage, vacuum, radiation-shielded, or process-intensive systems) into large facility builds.
Candidates may be considered for other positions at Xcimer Energy, and our actual base salary will be determined on an individual basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The range is published in accordance with Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and California Equal Pay Act.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Xcimer Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated work force. Xcimer Energy hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Xcimer Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information on “EEO Is the Law,” please see here and here.
 
Benefits
Xcimer offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee health, well-being, and long-term success. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; basic and supplemental life insurance; short- and long-term disability; paid parental leave for employees at the time of birth or adoption; and a 401(k) with a company match of up to 6%. Eligible employees also receive equity, allowing them to share in the company’s long-term success.
Xcimer operates under a flexible Paid Time Off (ATO) approach. Rather than a fixed number of vacation days, employees are trusted to take the time they need to rest and recharge while meeting the expectations of their role and team. In addition, employees receive paid sick time, 13 company-paid holidays, and an annual paid company shutdown. Benefits are available to regular employees, including part-time and fixed-term roles, as well as interns, with eligibility varying by benefit.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.