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Programs Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CATCH, Inc.

Programs Director

Boise, ID

$75K - $90K/yr

Programs Director Reports To: Executive Director FLSA Classification: Exempt, Full-Time Salary: $75,000 - $90,000 DOE The Programs Director (PD) is the senior operational leader for all of CATCH ...

Native Project

Wellness Programs Director

Spokane, WA · On-site

$60/hr

Wellness Programs Director Department: Wellness & Prevention Reports To: COO Salary Range: $60 per hour Status: Full-time, Exempt Position Summary The Wellness Programs Director provides leadership ...

Native Project

Wellness Programs Director

Spokane, WA

$60/hr

Wellness Programs Director Department: Wellness & Prevention Reports To: COO Salary Range: $60 per hour Status: Full-time, Exempt Position Summary The Wellness Programs Director provides leadership ...

Native Project

Wellness Programs Director

Spokane, WA · On-site

Wellness Programs Director Department: Wellness & Prevention Reports To: COO Salary Range: $60 per hour Status: Full-time, Exempt Position Summary The Wellness Programs Director provides leadership ...

ymcafw

Youth Programs Director

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$48K - $52K/yr

The Youth Program Director will lead the development and implementation of high quality sports, aquatics, youth programs, and community events that strengthen community engagement and support the ...

Crystal Stairs

Strategic Programs Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Improving the Lives of Families through Child Care Services, Research, and Advocacy Director, Strategic Programs Location: Los Angeles, California 100% On-site Position Job Summary: Crystal Stairs ...

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Programs Director information

See salary details

$29.5K

$78.2K

$137K

How much do programs director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for programs director in the United States is $78,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Programs Directors in large organizations or corporations can earn around $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. High-level executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions also often reach or exceed this salary level, typically requiring strong strategic skills, industry expertise, and a track record of success.

What is the difference between Programs Director vs Program Coordinator?

AspectPrograms Director
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in a related field; some roles prefer a master's degree or certifications in program management
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple programs or departments, often in nonprofit, education, or government sectors
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly found in organizations managing large-scale initiatives, overseeing program staff and budgets
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare Programs Director with Program Coordinator to understand differences in responsibilities and seniority

The Programs Director typically holds a higher-level leadership role, overseeing multiple programs and strategic planning, while a Program Coordinator handles day-to-day program operations. The comparison helps job seekers and employers distinguish between strategic oversight and operational roles within organizations.

What are the four major jobs of program directors?

Program directors are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs to meet organizational goals. They oversee staff, manage budgets, coordinate activities, and ensure compliance with policies and regulations. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.

What is the role of a program director?

A program director oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of multiple projects within an organization or department. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, set goals, and ensure programs meet organizational objectives, often requiring strong leadership, communication skills, and familiarity with project management tools. The role may also involve reporting to stakeholders and ensuring compliance with policies and regulations.

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

To thrive as a Programs Director, you need strong leadership abilities, strategic planning skills, and experience managing multiple projects or initiatives, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with project management software, budgeting tools, and reporting systems is typically required, along with certifications like PMP being advantageous. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and team-building skills help a Programs Director lead diverse teams and engage stakeholders effectively. These skills and qualities are essential for driving organizational goals, ensuring program success, and maintaining alignment between teams and strategic objectives.

What are some common challenges a Programs Director faces when overseeing multiple projects simultaneously?

Programs Directors often manage several projects at once, which can make balancing competing priorities and resources a major challenge. Coordinating cross-functional teams, ensuring consistent communication, and aligning project goals with organizational strategy require strong leadership and adaptability. It’s important to implement effective project management systems, delegate tasks appropriately, and foster collaboration to keep all programs on track and within budget. Regularly reviewing progress and being proactive in addressing issues can help mitigate these challenges and ensure overall program success.

What does a programs director do?

A programs director oversees the planning, development, and implementation of programs within an organization. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, set goals, and ensure programs meet objectives and standards, often requiring strong leadership and project management skills.
More about Programs Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Programs Director jobs? Cities with the most Programs Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Programs jobs? The most popular types of Programs jobs are:
What states have the most Programs Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Programs Director jobs include:
Programs Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Programs Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,196 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Programs Director

Richland County First Steps

Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Programs Director Richland County First Steps
Columbia, South Carolina
Full-Time- Exempt
Position Overview
Richland County First Steps (RCFS) is seeking an experienced and dynamic Programs Director to serve as a key member of the organization's leadership team. This position is responsible for the strategic oversight, implementation, and continuous improvement of programs serving children from prenatal to age five and their families.
The Programs Director will provide leadership for program operations, ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, manage program budgets and grants, and foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement. This role requires a collaborative leader with strong supervisory skills, extensive knowledge of early childhood systems, and the ability to build meaningful partnerships that advance the mission of the organization.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide leadership and oversight of evidence-based programs supporting young children and families.
  • Ensure programs promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development while strengthening caregiver-child relationships.
  • Supervise, mentor, and support program staff, fostering a culture of high performance, engagement, and professional growth.
  • Monitor program outcomes and utilize data to evaluate effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
  • Lead the implementation of new initiatives aligned with the organization's strategic priorities.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, licensing requirements, and Head Start Performance Standards.
  • Oversee program planning and budgeting and support grant development, reporting, and compliance activities.
  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen community partnerships and enhance service delivery.
  • Serve as a representative of RCFS at meetings, conferences, and community events as needed.

Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Administration, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, or a related field required.
  • Master's degree preferred.

Experience
  • Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in leadership, program management, compliance, or a related field.
  • Experience with Early Head Start, Head Start, or similar early childhood education initiatives strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience managing large-scale programs, budgets, grants, and regulatory requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Comprehensive knowledge of early childhood education systems and family support services.
  • Strong understanding of Head Start Performance Standards, funding requirements, and compliance practices.
  • Proven leadership, personnel management, and conflict resolution skills.
  • Experience using data to evaluate program performance and inform decision-making.
  • Excellent communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and program management and reporting systems.

Why Join Richland County First Steps? At Richland County First Steps, our mission is to help children and families enter kindergarten ready to thrive.
We are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for children and families while fostering a workplace culture built on collaboration, service, and excellence. If you are a strategic leader who is passionate about early childhood education and committed to making a lasting impact in our community, we encourage you to apply.

Apply