ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Programs Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

YMCA

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 ...

ymcafw

Youth Programs Director

Fort Worth, TX

$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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrograms Director Jobs

Programs Director information

See salary details

$29.5K

$78.2K

$137K

How much do programs director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 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 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 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 is responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and evaluation of an organization's programs and initiatives. They ensure programs align with the organization’s mission and goals, manage budgets, supervise program staff, and track program outcomes. Programs Directors often collaborate with stakeholders, secure funding, and report on program effectiveness to leadership or funders. Their leadership is crucial for delivering impactful services and achieving organizational objectives.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,196 per year, or $37.6 per hour.
Programs Director

Programs Director

Whatcom Center for Early Learning

Bellingham, WA • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Priority will be given to applications submitted before July 1, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled.
Join our team of mission-driven professionals!
Whatcom Center for Early Learning (WCEL) provides transformational services for young children and their families across Whatcom County, WA-with majestic mountains, beautiful seaside views, and a thriving outdoor recreation culture. Founded in 1973, WCEL partners with families and caregivers to provide high-quality, equitable, and comprehensive therapy, early learning, and support services to children, with a focus on those experiencing developmental delays and disabilities. WCEL is a non-profit organization with a $5 million annual budget and approximately 60 employees. For more information, please visit .
Lived experience brings valuable insight
We are working to build a team that reflects the communities that we serve and brings a range of perspectives to help strengthen our services. We strongly encourage candidates who bring lived experience related to the barriers people may face in accessing early support services including, but not limited to, experiences related to race, culture, language, disability, identity, or involvement with support systems to apply. This perspective helps us better understand the needs of our communities, improve how we deliver services, and ensure that everyone feels welcomed and supported. If you meet the qualifications and feel your experience can help us grow in this way, we would love to hear from you.
Position Summary
The Programs Director provides strategic leadership, oversight, and support for WCEL's clinically-aligned services and its program managers.
This role supervises Program Managers and ensures that programs are high-quality, compliant, and aligned with organizational priorities, grant requirements, and community needs. The Programs Director drives consistency in program execution, strengthens accountability structures, and advances systems for planning, tracking, and reporting across all program areas.
The Programs Director partners closely with Finance, Development, and Culture & People to ensure program sustainability, regulatory compliance, and staff support-while enabling Program Managers to focus on service delivery, outcomes, and family impact.
Location: Primarily works from our Cordata location.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Leadership & Oversight
  • Provide direct supervision, coaching, and support to Program Managers across ESIT and Mental Health
  • Establish clear expectations, goals, and accountability structures for program performance and outcomes
  • Ensure alignment of program operations with WCEL's strategic priorities, mission, and equity commitments
  • Support service delivery and program metrics across programs at a strategic level, working towards long-term improvements and sustainability of service delivery
  • Serve as a senior leader in cross-program coordination and organizational planning

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
  • Utilize the expertise of each program manager to support ensuring all programs operate in compliance with applicable regulations
  • Oversee program adherence to allowable costs, service delivery requirements, documentation standards, and reporting timelines
  • Ensure audit readiness across programs, including documentation systems, file integrity, and reporting accuracy
  • Partner with Finance and Development to ensure alignment between program operations and funding requirements

Program Planning, Tracking & Reporting
  • Oversee development and implementation of program plans, including goals, outputs, outcomes, and evaluation metrics
  • Ensure consistent systems for tracking program performance, deliverables, and key indicators across all program areas
  • Review and approve program reports, dashboards, and funder applications for accuracy, clarity, and compliance
  • Support Program Managers in using data to inform decision-making, continuous improvement, and strategy

Financial & Grant Alignment
  • Partner with Finance to monitor program budgets, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and fiscal accountability
  • Oversee alignment between program activities and grant or contract deliverables
  • Support forecasting, resource planning, and sustainability efforts across programs
  • Collaborate with Development on grant strategy, reporting, and funding alignment

Systems & Continuous Improvement
  • Establish and standardize program management systems, tools, and documentation practices across all program areas
  • Oversee development and maintenance of SOPs related to program operations, compliance, and reporting workflows
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, clarity, accountability, and cross-program consistency
  • Ensure Program Managers are equipped with tools, templates, and systems needed for effective program execution

Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Collaborate with DCPE on staffing, performance management, and team development within programs
  • Partner with Administrative and IT functions to ensure strong data systems and reporting infrastructure
  • Serve as a liaison between programs and executive leadership, elevating risks, needs, and strategic opportunities
  • Contribute to organizational decision-making as a member of the leadership team

Skills and Abilities:
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through others, including supervising and developing Program Managers with clear expectations, accountability, and coaching
  • Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance environments (e.g., IDEA Part C/ESIT, Medicaid, licensing, and grant requirements) and ability to translate requirements into program operations
  • Ability to think strategically while ensuring strong execution, connecting organizational priorities to program-level implementation
  • Experience building and standardizing systems, including program tracking, reporting, and SOP development across multiple program areas
  • Strong data literacy, including the ability to interpret dashboards, analyze trends, and use data to guide decision-making and continuous improvement
  • Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously
  • Effective cross-functional collaboration skills, with experience partnering across different departments and functions
  • Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with staff, leadership, and external partners
  • Strong problem-solving and conflict management skills, with the ability to navigate complex program and personnel challenges
  • Commitment to equity, inclusion, and family-centered practices in program design, service delivery, and outcomes

Education and Knowledge:
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., early childhood education, social services, public health, nonprofit management) or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Experience scaling programs
  • Experience directly supervising staff or managers
  • Demonstrated experience managing or overseeing regulated programs (e.g., early intervention, healthcare, education, or similar)
  • Strong knowledge of program compliance, documentation standards, and accountability structures
  • Experience with program planning, performance measurement, and reporting
  • Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools and data/reporting systems

Preferred
  • Experience with health equity initiatives
  • Direct experience with Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) / IDEA Part C systems and requirements
  • Experience overseeing multiple programs or service lines within a nonprofit, healthcare, or early learning environment
  • Experience with grant-funded programs, including compliance and reporting requirements
  • Training or experience in reflective supervision and staff development
  • Background in early childhood, mental health, or family-centered service delivery
  • Experience building or improving program systems, SOPs, and cross-program workflows
  • Multilingual skills or lived experience reflective of the communities served

Benefits:
  • Simple IRA with 3% company match
  • Health insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision) - including family coverage options
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Professional development stipend after 90 days of employment
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid time off

Other Requirements
  • Vehicle in working condition, driver's license, and auto insurance

FLSA Status Options
Exempt: This position is exempt from overtime pay in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Washington State regulations.
Whatcom Center for Early Learning (WCEL) is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Apply