ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Program Operations Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

AvePoint

Revenue Operations Director

Chicago, IL

$145K - $190K/yr

We are looking for a Revenue Operations Director - Americas to leadRevOpsfor our high-growth ... Drive adoption and optimization of GTM tools across the region through ongoing enablement programs ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProgram Operations JobsProgram Operations Director JobsProgram Operations Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

Program Operations Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$35K

$110.9K

$184.9K

How much do program operations director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for program operations director in Chicago, IL is $110,926.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,800.00 and $139,600.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Program Operations Director jobs in Chicago, IL? For Program Operations Director jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Operations Director jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Program Operations Director jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Program Operations Director jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Program Operations Director job openings:
Program Operations Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Operations Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $110,926 per year, or $53.3 per hour.
Associate Manager, Program Operations

Associate Manager, Program Operations

ICF

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Business Title: Associate Manager, Program Operations
Location: Chicago, IL

Ready to make a difference?
The Associate Manager, Program Operations is a leadership role within ICF's Energy Efficiency Division, responsible for managing program operations across Illinois for the multiple utility portfolios. This position works with a cross-functional team, including program management, outreach, technical, and marketing personnel, and plays a central role in project delivery, strategy development, and market expansion. They will oversee a team of direct reports (primarily Operation Specialists) and work closely with regional leadership to ensure consistent, high-quality client delivery. This role supports the development of a holistic strategy across multiple portfolios, optimizes staffing based on workload fluctuations, and establishes best practices for core programmatic functions such as performance tracking, project reviews, and client deliverables.

They will work with the regional operations manager, client portfolio leads, residential and commercial Program Managers, and the broader regional team to develop and deliver a holistic strategy and consistent client delivery. The role will also coordinate across multiple large portfolios, leverage regional staff based on fluctuating workloads, and develop best practices for programmatic functions such as project reviews, performance tracking, client deliverables, and project startup activities.

Why you will love working here:

  • Quality of life: Flexible workplace arrangements, work-life balance, employee wellbeing programs
  • Investment in the community: Donation matching, volunteer opportunities
  • Investment in you: Education Reimbursement, Retirement Planning, 401k matching, Mentorship Programs, Free access to professional development resources such LinkedIn Learning
  • Any many, many more *Ask your recruiter for more details!

What you would be doing:

  • Direct the quality and performance of the team responsible for the following tasks:
  • Timely and accurate project reviews.
  • Coordination of regular program-level deliverables (weekly reports, forecasting, etc.), working with project managers to add qualitative information and portfolio lead for final quality review
  • Compile/verify forecasts reports
  • Track contractual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and coordinate with portfolio manager on any necessary corrective action plans
  • Support internal and external team meetings by prepping and pulling quantitative data, coordinating with project managers on qualitative inputs, coordinating with portfolio lead on agenda, hosting meeting, and documenting action items
  • Coordination with rebate processing team to ensure all incentives are processed. Ensure timely customer and subcontractor payments.
  • Generate accurate and polished deliverables for all regulatory filings, reports, and presentations.
  • Coordinate with portfolio manager for final inputs and approvals.
  • Maintain and update shared files, resources and program documents to ensure all program staff has access to latest versions of materials.
  • Coordinate with program managers to develop and maintain portfolio-level performance forecasts and trend analysis.
  • Maintain business workflow documents and keep process guides updated.
  • Draft/compile program awards for clients. Coordinate with marketing to oversee accurate program promotions and information.
  • Manage operations for the implementation of the Illinois portfolio(s), responsible for the following tasks:
  • Ensure that the programs are performing as expected and explain forecasted variances.
  • Collaborate with program managers to ensure all activities related to quality program delivery are executed.
  • Present performance metrics to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Review and approve large projects in a timely manner and with high attention to detail.
  • IT/reporting coordination, assisting with JIRA ticketing when necessary.
  • Field requests from subcontractors.
  • Assist with monthly data verification.
  • Coordinate regularly with internal team members (such as engineers and energy analysts) to ensure standard operating procedures are followed.
  • Conduct final desk reviews/approvals of projects over a certain incentive threshold.
  • Manage bandwidth of team and adjust staffing strategies as needed.

Skills you'll be using:

  • Leading and supporting teams to deliver highquality energy efficiency programs
  • Managing program performance, reporting, and quality reviews across multiple projects
  • Analyzing data and trends to inform forecasts, decisions, and client updates (strong Excel skills)
  • Communicating effectively with internal teams, utility clients, and external partners
  • Improving processes, workflows, and documentation to drive consistency and efficiency
  • Managing projects with strong attention to detail, timelines, and deliverables
  • Handling staffing, performance, and coaching needs to support a positive team environment
  • Working with integrity and professionalism, including responsible handling of confidential information

What we need you to have (minimum qualifications):

  • Bachelor's degree (or applicants can substitute one year of related experience for one year of education)
  • 3+ years experience supporting or managing utility energy efficiency or demandside management programs and/or related experience

Preferred Qualifications (what we would like you to have):

  • Knowledge of the utility market (specifically energy efficiency, demand response, and distributed energy resource programs and markets)
  • Certifications related to operational excellence (PMP, Six Sigma, etc.) and/or industry specific certificates (LEED, BPI, RESNET, etc.)
  • Project management experience
  • Experience with Power BI (or similar data visualization tool)

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer.Together, our employees are empowered to share theirexpertiseand collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read ourEEOpolicy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals withsincerely heldreligious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To requestan accommodation,please emailCandidateaccommodation@icf.comand we will be happy toassist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extentrequiredto provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more aboutworkplacediscriminationrightsor our benefit offerings which are included in theTransparency in (Benefits) CoverageAct.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate orassistwith responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is notpermitted. This policy is in place tomaintainthe integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodationthat involves the use of AI. Ifsuch anaccommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance atcandidateaccommodation@icf.com. Weare dedicated to providingthe necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.


Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$81,499.00 - $138,549.00Illinois Remote Office (IL99)

Apply