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Program Operations Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Day Program Operations Director A Great Opportunity / $54,000 per year / Full Time At ViaQuest Day & Employment Services we provide services and support to individuals with developmental disabilities ...

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Program Operations Director information

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$34K

$107.7K

$179.5K

How much do program operations director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for program operations director in the United States is $107,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Operations Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Operations Director, you need strong leadership abilities, program management experience, and a background in business administration or a related field. Proficiency with project management software, data analysis tools, and relevant certifications like PMP are often important. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help you motivate teams and navigate complex operational challenges. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring that programs run efficiently, achieve goals, and align with organizational strategy.

What are some common challenges a Program Operations Director faces in managing cross-functional teams?

A Program Operations Director often encounters challenges related to aligning priorities and communication across diverse departments such as finance, HR, and project management. Coordinating these groups requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills to ensure everyone is working towards shared objectives and deadlines. Additionally, adapting to shifting project scopes and managing resource constraints are frequent hurdles, making flexibility and problem-solving essential traits for success in this role.

What does a Program Operations Director do?

A Program Operations Director oversees the daily operations and strategic management of programs within an organization. They ensure that programs are executed efficiently, meet organizational goals, and comply with relevant regulations and standards. Their responsibilities often include coordinating between departments, managing budgets, supervising staff, and evaluating program effectiveness. This role requires strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills to keep programs running smoothly and achieving desired outcomes.

What is the difference between Program Operations Director vs Program Manager?

AspectProgram Operations DirectorProgram Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple programs, strategic planning, and high-level operationsManages individual programs, project execution, and team coordination
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree, often a master’s, with experience in operations or managementUsually requires a bachelor’s degree, with project management experience
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level setting, strategic planning, cross-department collaborationProject teams, day-to-day program execution, stakeholder communication
Industry UsageCommon in nonprofit, government, and corporate sectors for overseeing multiple initiativesUsed across industries for managing specific projects within programs

The Program Operations Director focuses on strategic oversight and managing multiple programs at a high level, while the Program Manager handles the execution of individual programs. Both roles require relevant experience and credentials, but the Director operates at a broader, more strategic level.

What cities are hiring for Program Operations Director jobs? Cities with the most Program Operations Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Program Operations jobs? The most popular types of Program Operations jobs are:
What states have the most Program Operations Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Program Operations Director jobs include:
Program Operations Director

Program Operations Director

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$5.84K - $8.37K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 16 days ago


University Of New Mexico rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

64th of 532 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Program Operations Director
Requisition ID
req36567
Working Title
Program Operations Director
Position Grade
15
Position Summary
The Center for Development and Disability (CDD), established in 1990, is New Mexico's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service. These centers, authorized by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, build the capacities of states and communities to respond to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
The Autism & Other Developmental Division within the Center for Development & Disability is a dynamic division; our work is dedicated to supporting individuals across the lifespan who have autism and other developmental disabilities -and empower the families, providers and communities who support them. We deliver this mission through a comprehensive, statewide network of services including direct clinical services, parent and family support, and training for professionals and providers.
The Autism & Other Developmental Disabilities Division is seeking a dynamic, highly organized and creatively driven professional to serve as the Program Operations Director for Clinical Services. This is a high impact leadership role within one of divisions largest and most innovative program areas.
The Program Operations Director for Clinical Services will lead, manage and coordinate clinical operations across the division. This role plays a key part in shaping and supporting the division's strategic direction for clinical services while ensuring the day to day administrative and operational functions run smoothly and effectively.
Key responsibilities include: a) provide leadership and oversight for clinical operations and service delivery across a large, multifaceted division; b) support and implement strategic initiatives that enhance the quality, efficiency, and reach of clinical services; c) manage daily administrative processes to ensure streamlined workflows, compliance and effective communication; d) collaborate closely with the Division Director, Medical Director and other leadership to advance shared goals and operational excellence; e) work directly with clinical faculty, clinical staff, trainees and administrative professionals to support a cohesive, high functioning clinical environment and f) foster strong partnerships, problem solve operational challenges and champion initiatives that strengthen clinical impact.
The successful candidate will bring strong organizational skills, a strategic mindset, creativity, and a passion for improving systems of care for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. They will excel at collaboration, communication and balancing big picture goals with day-to-day operational needs.
For more great jobs within CDD check out our Career Opportunity site https://cdd.health.unm.edu/jobs/
See the Position Description for additional information.
Conditions of Employment
  • Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
***Address in your cover letter how your experience and skills align with our preferred qualifications***
Clinical background/practice in a field with connection to disability such as speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, or social work/counseling or closely related discipline.
Prior experience working on an interdisciplinary team.
Lived experience (personal or family member) of autism spectrum disorder.
Bilingual Spanish speaker with ability to communicate verbally and in writing with Spanish families and clients.
Additional Requirements
This position requires passing a background check with fingerprinting.
Campus
Health Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM
Department
Pediatrics Center for Development (997H)
Employment Type
Staff
Staff Type
Term - Full-Time
Term End Date
06/30/2027
Status
Exempt
Pay
Monthly: $5,844.80 - $8,366.80
Benefits Eligible
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB Statement
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required
Yes
For Best Consideration Date
5/18/2026
Eligible for Remote Work
No
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
Application Instructions
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
To Be Considered for This Position, Please Submit the Following:• Completed Application: Include all relevant work experience and clearly note the number of hours worked per week for each position.• Current Résumé: Your résumé should include three professional references, preferably current and/or former supervisors.• Cover Letter: Please address how your experience and skills align with our preferred qualifications.Note: Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.

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