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Program Operations Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Program Operations Director

Seattle, WA · On-site

$133.33 - $210.72/hr

The Program Operations Director (POD) for the Immunology and Vaccine Development (IVD) Program provides oversight and direction for a research program of over 50 faculty and $300 million in research ...

Operations Director

California, MO · On-site

$95 - $130/hr

Kingdom Builders Transitional Housing Program (KBTHP) provides a co-ed integrated, trauma-informed ... Operations Director Compensation: Commensurate with Experience Status: Full-time Exempt Position ...

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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 Aug 10, 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 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 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 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.

More about Program Operations Director jobs
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:
Who are the top companies hiring for Program Operations Director jobs? The top employers for Program Operations Director jobs are:
What states have the most Program Operations Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Program Operations Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Program Operations Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,680 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Program Operations Director

Asct

Seattle, WA • On-site

$133.33 - $210.72/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Overview

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.

With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world's leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world's deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality.

At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems.

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division (VIDD) is a recognized leader in translational and "bench-to-bedside" science. VIDD integrates the expertise and creativity of scientists in basic, translational and clinical research to prevent, treat and cure infectious diseases, including known and emerging infections of major global health importance such as influenza, SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and cancer-related infectious diseases. Applying an innovative multidisciplinary approach, VIDD houses three formal research programs that systematically pursue explicit goals aimed at eliminating the burden of death and disease from infection. These programs include Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Epidemiology; Immunology and Vaccine Development; and Infectious Disease Sciences.

The Program Operations Director (POD) for the Immunology and Vaccine Development (IVD) Program provides oversight and direction for a research program of over 50 faculty and $300 million in research awards. The POD leverages broad experience in program leadership, strategic planning, research administration, federal regulatory requirements, financial planning & analysis, human resources management, training & development, research portfolio development including proposal writing, systems and process improvement, and communications. This position reports to the Associate Vice President (AVP) for VIDD.

This position works in partnership with program leadership, Principal Investigators (PIs) and VIDD's Associate Vice President to independently plan and ensure the success of the program faculty in their research pursuits. The IVD Program Operations Director supervises managers to ensure consistent, efficient, and compliant administration of work units within the program: Research Administration, Regulatory Affairs, and Facilities & Operations, which includes oversight of the wet labs housed in the program. They ensure program strategy and objectives align with overall division and organizational priorities and provide input to division-level strategic planning.

Responsibilities 1. Program Oversight (60%)
  • Ensure program activities are compliant with all federal, sponsor and Fred Hutch requirements and guidelines and ensure operational consistency across the program
  • Provide effective and inspiring leadership by being actively involved across the division, developing a broad and deep knowledge of all aspects of program operations
  • Supervise staff, including, hiring, training, mentorship, evaluating performance, handling disciplinary action, layoff and termination issues
  • Provide oversight to the program's Research Administration activities including grant preparation, budget development/management, forecasting, reporting and report tools development
  • Oversee financial operations for the program including forecasting, management, reporting, reconciliations, purchasing and vendor contract management
  • Provide financial advice and guidance to program leaders and teams
  • Ensure the adherence to regulatory compliance procedures and laboratory protocols throughout the program, including oversight of any agency site reviews
  • Provide oversight of human resources management activities, training and communication of Fred Hutch policies, and administrative process improvement
  • Contribute to space planning, allocation, utilization, and management and resolve conflicts as needed
  • Collaborate with VIDD leadership to communicate and share programmatic activities, challenges and accomplishments regularly
2. Strategic Planning (15%)
  • Facilitate faculty engagement in VIDD strategic planning efforts
  • Work with faculty and leadership from IVD, VIDD and Fred Hutch to operationalize strategic plans and implement processes to achieve the initiatives and objectives set forth in each plan
  • Lead and participate in groups and committees across the Program, Division and/or Organization to support strategy, special projects, and process improvement initiatives
  • Synergize with other programs and participate in operational planning for the Division
  • Develop and implement a system for tracking and reporting on the progress of operational plan & process improvement project implementation
3. Faculty Support (25%)
  • In collaboration with VIDD Faculty Affairs Office, coordinate faculty recruiting activities for the program and support the Division office in administration and faculty promotions
  • Assist the IVD Program Head in planning all IVD faculty meetings; attend program meetings and events to stay abreast on all milestones, activities and needs for the IVD faculty
  • Serve as an advisor to faculty in planning and developing their group or lab including recruitment and retention, conflict management, and offboarding
  • Support faculty in cultivating and managing relationships with public and private funders to secure and expand recurring revenue streams
  • Assist the Fred Hutch Philanthropy, Business Development, and Communication & Marketing departments in cooperation with the Division to ensure all IVD achievements and donor relationships are appropriately highlighted and managed
  • Assist in finding, and developing new funding opportunities for the program, as appropriate
  • Proactively engage with faculty and their research administrators to regularly prepare and report out on their funding, awards and highlights of research activities

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in business, public administration or a related field
  • Minimum of 8-10 years of federal research administration management experience
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of supervisory and leadership experience
  • Demonstrated success managing and engaging diverse stakeholders across a complex research portfolio
  • Experience with translating science into strategy in creating and executing strategic plans
  • Strong communication and budgetary skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master's degree
  • 3-5 years of experience in supporting faculty in an academic environment
  • Understanding of NIH grant policies
  • Experience managing operations, including grant and contract budgeting and monitoring, human resources, financial planning & analysis, and strategic planning in a health care, research, biotech or governmental agency environment
  • Experience identifying areas for process improvement and implementing associated change management strategies to successfully rollout and sustain initiatives
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience in data analytics and visualization
  • Advanced experience with Microsoft suite (Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, etc.)
  • Ability to create a positive work culture
  • Flexibility and adaptability
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills
  • Positive attitude and sense of humor

The annual base salary range for this position is from $133,328 to $210,724, and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

This position may be eligible for relocation assistance.

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship at this time.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (12-22 days per year), paid sick leave (12-25 days per year), paid holidays (13 days per year), and paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks).

Additional Information

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.

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