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Program Director Jobs in Wichita, KS (NOW HIRING)

Work To Learn Classroom Aid I Childcare

Wichita, KS · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

Effectively respond to questions from coworkers, parents, and Program Director in a timely manner. * Ability to work independently without close over site * Possess the ability to be flexible.

Martial Arts Instructor I Northwest

Wichita, KS · On-site

$29K - $39K/yr

Under the direction of the Program Director/Senior Program Director, the Martial Arts Master Instructor will provide martial arts instruction using YMCA guidelines to all individuals enrolled in the ...

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Program Director information

See Wichita, KS salary details

$22K

$58.3K

$102.2K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Wichita, KS is $58,336.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $69,000.00 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 Wichita, KS?

The most popular types of Program jobs in Wichita, KS are:

What cities near Wichita, KS are hiring for Program Director jobs?

Cities near Wichita, KS with the most Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Wichita, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,336 per year, or $28 per hour.

Site Lead, KEY Academy (Rolph Literacy Academy) I Childcare

YMCA

Wichita, KS • On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,991 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

581st of 786 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Site Lead - KEY Academy for Rolph Literacy Academy (M-F) PM session ONLY

GENERAL FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Child Development Center Program Director, the CDC Site Lead is responsible for general oversite of the Child Development Center including but not limited to day-to-day operations, staff supervision and parent relationships as well as meeting the developmental needs of children birth to five years of age in a group setting. Responsibilities also include supervising, educating, and supporting students to help them accomplish learning benchmarks. Their duties include planning lessons for their assigned classroom, monitoring lessons and implementation of the curriculum within their assigned location. Site Leads support and manage classroom behaviors to keep all students engaged in the lesson and provide individual support and feedback for enrolled students. In addition, the CDC Site Lead is responsible for attendance and enrollment records including food service, supervising and supporting a team of teachers and classroom aids, ensuring compliance with all Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) regulations and YMCA guidelines, and working collaboratively with USD259 Family and Consumer Science program staff to supervise and support USD259 high school students assigned to the CDC. This is a seasonal position based on the USD259 school year calendar.

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Education/Experience Requirements:

  1. Minimum age of 18 years
  2. Highschool Diploma or GED
  3. Minimum of 12 semester hours of academic study or equivalent training in Early Childhood Education or a related academic discipline (CDA or AA in ECE Preferred)
  4. Minimum of 6 months' experience in early childhood education providing care and supervision to children of a like age

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The successful employee will demonstrate individual competence in the following areas:

  1. Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood education
  2. Knowledge of safety requirements pertaining to young children.
  3. Experience following curriculum and developing lesson plans for children 0-5
  4. Experience supervising adults
  5. Ability to work with and provide direction to program staff
  6. Effectively respond to questions from coworkers, parents, and Program Director in a timely manner
  7. Ability to work independently without direct oversite
  8. Possess the ability to be flexible

Physical/Mental Requirements:

  1. Must be able to routinely perform the following physical activities as dictated by activity; run, jump climb, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, reach with hands, sit, stand, walk, and perform moderate physical activity for extended periods of time, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, have finger dexterity, grasp, perform repetitive motions, talk, hear and have visual acuity
  2. Must possess mental alertness, problem solving and task management skills; ability to make independent and sound decisions in a rapidly changing environment
  3. Must demonstrate a high level of maturity, patience, dependability, sound judgment, & desire to work with all ages
  4. Must exhibit initiative
  5. Must be able to relate to and work with diverse groups of people in a friendly and consistent manner
  6. Must work collaboratively as a team member as well as independently and lead by assigned goals, duties, and deadlines
  7. Must always present a neat and professional appearance

Job Requirements:

  1. Commitment to the YMCA mission, vision and values
  2. Must attend New Employee Orientation and meet applicable KDHE requirements within 30 days of hire
  3. Complete Pediatric CPR/AED, Pediatric First Aid, and KDHE Health and Safety trainings as applicable to current regulations and in accordance with Conditions of Employment
  4. Understand and abide by all policies and procedures as set forth by the association
  5. Ability to actively and effectively supervise participants and maintain safety standards
  6. Manage all questions and concerns and resolve conflicts in a courteous and professional manner

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Staff Development:

  1. Develop high-performing staff, focused on providing exceptional service, instruction and teamwork
  2. Create daily schedule for program staff, including monitoring and approving hours worked
  3. Develop strategies to provide support and motivation to staff for the achievement of goals and retention
  4. Review and evaluate staff performance

Program Operations:

1. Effectively communicating the mission, vision, and values of the Wichita YMCA

2. Develop and maintain positive, open relationships with families and coworkers, including successes and positive behaviors, as well as challenges

3. Greet parents by name upon arrival and departure

4. Document and communicate all concerns to the Program Director

5. Conduct parent/teacher conferences twice yearly as scheduled and more often as needed

6. Facilitate classroom activities, participate, model, and observe as necessary

7. Mentor student volunteers and model professional and appropriate childcare practices and teaching methods

8. Participate in and follow special needs or behavior plans of students

9. Child Abuse Prevention - Responsible for adhering to boundary policies, attends required training, follows procedures for high-risk activities and supervision, reports suspicious behaviors and policy violations, and complies with mandated reporting.

10. Maintain daily records of attendance, activities and CACFP food service

Classroom Organization:

1. Manage all classroom supplies and equipment in a safe and organized manner

2. Maintain the classroom environment to support smooth transitions and the independent learning of children

3. Ensure all supplies and classroom items are stored neatly in all areas of the classroom, including but not limited cubbies, centers and tops of shelves

4. Follow the cleaning schedule, as posted and additional items as necessary

5. Display all postings and children's work in a neat and orderly manner

6. Maintain complete familiarity with all risk management procedures and policies

7. Keep an up-to-date inventory of all equipment, materials and supplies in the classroom

Strong Community Campaign:

1. Providing leadership for assigned aspects of Strong Community Campaign, special events and other fund development to ensure fundraising personal and program goals are met

2. Engage and actively participate in annual campaign, including but not limited to solicitation of donations and facilitation of impact tours and meeting annual fundraising goals

Other:

  1. Attend all required staff meetings and trainings
  2. Follow and enforce program dress code
  3. Maintain proper attendance. Unexcused absence over two in the year is considered excessive
  4. Maintain confidentiality on a strict need-to-know basis, with parents, outside agencies and the general public
  5. Meet or exceed all KDHE regulations, CACFP guidelines and in-service hours
  6. Represent the YMCA well to all who encounter you and your program
  7. Take concerns and complaints directly to the program director, thus eliminating unnecessary negativity and misunderstandings
  8. Follow the Association's Code of Conduct and Child Abuse Code of Conduct
  9. Personify the YMCA's Core Values of Caring, Respect, Honesty and Responsibility in all interactions with children, parents, co-workers, and the community

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