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Program Operations Director Jobs in Washington, DC

NEWPSYCH LC

Program Director

Columbia, MD · On-site

The Program Director has direct oversight of the assigned site's program's operations. This position will lead and direct all quality management activities, assist with community collaboration, and ...

NEWPSYCH LC

Program Director

Columbia, MD · On-site

The Program Director has direct oversight of the assigned site's program's operations. This position will lead and direct all quality management activities, assist with community collaboration, and ...

Airlink, Inc.

Director of Operations

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$100K - $140K/yr

Position Summary Airlink's Director of Operations is responsible for the day-to-day management of ... Serve as a key member of the Management Team, advancing organizational goals and program operations ...

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Program Operations Director information

See Washington, DC salary details

$38.5K

$122K

$203.3K

How much do program operations director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for program operations director in Washington, DC is $121,958.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,500.00 and $153,500.00 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.

Program Operations Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Operations Director job openings in Washington, DC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $121,958 per year, or $58.6 per hour.

Program Manager (Assistant Director)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Washington, DC

$169K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

This position is in the Medical Disability Examination (MDE) office. The Assistant Director, MDE Acquisitions and Budget Staff, is directly responsible for the oversight of budget and high-value contracts. He or she is responsible for providing program performance data to the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and MDE leaders to optimize operating and business activities.Qualifications:To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement:06/11/2026.
TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENT: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
  • For a GS-15 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-14 level.
The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT: You may qualify based on your experience as described below:
GS-15 Grade Level:
  • Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service. The applicant must document experience: Directing and managing a large-scale program, including planning, organizing, and evaluating program operations; Providing technical and administrative supervision to an expansive team, effectively resolving administrative and operational issues, and ensuring adherence to agency policies and priorities; Evaluating the effectiveness of program goals and operations through quantitative and qualitative analysis, identifying trends, problem areas, and areas for improvement; Managing performance and delivery of program operations to meet organizational objectives, and providing high-level strategic guidance and advice to senior management; Collaborating with key stakeholders, overseeing data integrity and governance, and utilizing evidence-based decision-making to improve program performance.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Full vs. Part-Time Employment: Full-time employment is considered to be at least 35 hours per week. Part-time experience will be credited on a pro-rated basis; when including part-time employment in your resume you must specify the average hours worked per week.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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