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

HIRE360

Assistant Program Director

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$75K - $85K/yr

This position is responsible for supporting fiscal oversight, operational planning, and data-informed decision making to enhance program impact. Additionally, the Assistant Program Director ensures ...

YMCA

Program Director

Crown Point, IN · On-site

$21/hr

The Program Director is responsible for but not limited to: managing program operation, development and growth, participant experience and satisfaction, member and staff retention and safety, staff ...

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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.

Assistant Program Director

HIRE360

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Assistant Program Director
Department: Workforce Development
Work Location: Chicago
Reports to: CEJA Program Director
Classification: Exempt
Status: Full-time (Hybrid)
Employee Type: W-2
Salary: $75,000 - $85,000
Who We Are:
HIRE360 is an industry-led, workforce development nonprofit investing in the communities that call Illinois home. We bring together the largest construction unions, general contractors, and developers to create opportunities in construction for everyone.
Position Summary:
The Assistant Program Director supports the delivery and long-term success of the Climate Works program by providing operational, financial, and strategic leadership. This role assists in ensuring program effectiveness, compliance, and sustainability while advancing statewide workforce development goals. The Assistant Director plays a key role in coordinating, implementing, and overseeing workforce programming across the state to ensure alignment with Climate Works objectives, policies, and funding requirements.
Working closely with the Program Director, the Assistant Program Director supports day-to-day operations, monitors performance outcomes, and contributes to strategic planning and continuous improvement efforts. This position is responsible for supporting fiscal oversight, operational planning, and data-informed decision making to enhance program impact. Additionally, the Assistant Program Director ensures that all Climate Works staff understand and perform their assigned duties effectively, providing guidance, coordination, and support to promote accountability, collaboration, and high-quality service delivery.

Responsibilities (Essential Duties and Responsibilities):
  • Assist the Program Director in providing operational, financial, and strategic leadership to ensure the effective delivery of the Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program.
  • Supports the coordination, implementation, and ongoing oversight of the Climate Works workforce initiative to ensure alignment with program goals.
  • Contributes to short- and long-term strategic planning efforts to strengthen program impact, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
  • Monitors implementation progress and assist in identifying operational challenges and recommending solutions.
  • Assists in monitoring program budgets, expenditures, and financial reporting to ensure responsible use of funds and compliance with fiscal requirements.
  • Analyzes reporting requirements to ensure the organization is following state requirements and meeting or exceeding identified program goals.
  • Reviews and approves reports on the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Fund, in which individuals can be reimbursed for costs associated with barriers after enrollment in the program.
  • Supports the supervision, coordination, and professional development of the Climate Works staff to ensure assigned duties are carried out effectively and timely.
  • Provides guidance and technical assistance to staff related to program operations, policies, and procedures.
  • Assist in maintaining effective communication with stakeholders, including partner organizations, agencies, and community groups.
  • Support the development of internal and external communications related to program implementation and outcomes.
Qualifications (Knowledge, skills, and abilities):
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Effective leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently while supporting a collaborative leadership structure.
  • Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook/Exchange, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) and ability to learn new systems. Knowledge of case management systems such as Career Connect or Illinois workNet is a plus.
  • Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and consistency
  • Organized with strong leadership capabilities.
  • Strong communications skills, both verbal and written
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Brings enthusiasm and passion for problem solving and accomplishing goals.
  • Experience collaborating with clients from diverse populations and cultural backgrounds.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and experience collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of workforce development and/or knowledge of implementing programs and training, and/or minimum of three to five years of relevant experience in a related field such as the building and construction trades, apprenticeships, training programs, and/or working directly with contractors.
  • Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and proposing new ways of creating efficiencies.
  • Willingness to travel statewide as required.
Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • Minimum of bachelor’s degree, post-secondary education is preferred.
  • Experience supporting or managing large-scale, multi-site, or statewide programs is strongly preferred.
  • Experience with grant-funded or publicly funded programs, including compliance with and reporting requirements.
  • Nonprofit experience is a plus.
  • Prior workforce development experience, and bilingual (Spanish/English) are preferred.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
  • Talking in-person/on the phone consistently.
  • Requires reliable transportation including state mandated insurance.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
  • Monday – Friday. 9 am – 5 pm
  • Frequent evenings and weekends.
Travel
  • Travel as needed across Central and Southern Illinois including Peoria, Rockford, Belvidere, Champaign, DeKalb, Bloomington, Pekin, Decatur, Belleville, East Alton, Alton, Fairview Heights, Danville, and Springfield.
HIRE360 is an equal opportunity/ADA employer. All federal, state and local and other fair employment standards including EEO and ADA requirements in race, gender, gender identification, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, veteran status, veterans or disabled veterans status as found in 41CFR 60-1.4, 60-250.4 and 60-741.4 are herein incorporated by reference. Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. HIRE360 encourages applications from all of the above referenced protected and unprotected status groups.

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