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Programs Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

WellQuest Corporate

Programs Director

Elk Grove, CA · On-site

$73K - $76K/yr

... Director to assure that an on-going program of activities, excursions and events are designed to meet the interests, desires and needs of the residents. Hire, evaluate, coordinate, monitor ...

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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All JobsPrograms Director JobsPrograms Director Jobs in California

Programs Director information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$77.2K

$135.2K

How much do programs director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for programs director in California is $77,172.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,300.00 and $91,300.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Programs jobs in California? The most popular types of Programs jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Programs Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Programs Director job openings:
Programs Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Programs Director job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, and 54% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,172 per year, or $37.1 per hour.
Programs Director

Programs Director

WellQuest Corporate

Elk Grove, CA • On-site

$73K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

The Activity Director is responsible for all resident activities and excursions for both independent and assisted living residents at a WellQuest Living community. The Activity Director is responsible for all programming, organizing, scheduling, budgeting, promotion, facilitating and directing the overall operations of the activities and excursions. Excursions are to be modeled after a "cruise ship" excursion program and do not include trips such as doctor visits, shopping trips, church attendance, and other regularly scheduled departures from the community for which the community provides transportation. All responsibilities must be completed in accordance with current standards, guidelines and regulations, company policies and procedures, and as may be directed by the Executive Director to assure that an on-going program of activities, excursions and events are designed to meet the interests, desires and needs of the residents. Hire, evaluate, coordinate, monitor performance, and supervise department staff in accordance with company policy. Make recommendations to the Executive Director with respect to staff evaluations, merit pay increases, reprimands, disciplinary actions and terminations. Reports to: Executive Director.
The essential duties and responsibilities described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the basic functions of the position. While every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of the position, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is an essential function of the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
  1. Primary responsibility is to provide an interesting, creative and rewarding social atmosphere throughout the property and promote resident participation through regularly scheduled high-quality activities, excursions, special events, guest speakers, movie showings, exercise sessions, establishment of clubs, games, art and creativity opportunities, educational classes and other such activities.
  1. Ensure activities and events acknowledge and meet the cultural, religious and ethnic diversity and interests of the residents.
  1. At WellQuest Living Communities (non-CCRC), personally meet with each new resident within thirty (30) days of move-in to ensure completion of a "Life's Journey Assessment", if applicable.
  1. At CCRC communities, ensure that within thirty (30) days of move-in, the resident's New Resident Profile has been reviewed so that the interests and hobbies of all new residents are addressed.
  1. Ensure that the department is staffed and activities and/or excursions are planned seven days a week. This position may be required to regularly work weekends.
  1. Create, develop, promote, coordinate, schedule, administer and attend two excursions per calendar week. The expectation is one excursion will occur on a weekday and the other will occur on a weekend date. There shall be no less than eight (8) excursions per calendar month.
  1. Create, develop, promote, coordinate, schedule, administer and attend one Grand Excursion per calendar quarter. The Grand Excursion may be a combined trip with the WellQuest Living communities in the area and may be planned by the Varenna Activity Department.
  1. All excursions involve research of future excursions; booking of all events; making reservations; purchasing tickets for events, following up with venues for confirmation; meeting contacts; establishing pricing for excursions; previewing venues; preliminary drives of excursion routes; anticipating and meeting comfort needs of residents during excursions; creating and distributing all excursion brochures; developing excursion registration materials; confirming with scheduled drivers, supplying any addresses needed.
  1. Create and distribute Excursions brochure with the assistance and approval of the Regional Director of Excursions (if applicable) and Executive Director.
  1. Create, develop, promote, coordinate, plan and attend all Special Events held at or hosted by the Community.
  1. Coordinate a "Mixer" event with other Activity Directors in the area on an occasional basis.
  1. Actively encourage resident participation in all excursions, special events and activities.
  1. Actively engage in residents' activities through personally leading activities no less than five (5) hours per week.
  1. Hire, evaluate, coordinate, motivate, monitor performance and supervise department staff in accordance with company policy. Make recommendations to the Executive Director with respect to staff evaluations, merit pay increases, reprimands, disciplinary actions and terminations.
  1. As directed, plan, schedule, prepare and conduct staff in-services.
  1. Possess the ability, licensure and willingness to drive community's vehicles.
  1. Coordinate and schedule transportation needs of the residents. Schedule community drivers to meet these needs, if applicable.
  2. Responsible for the ensuring that community's vehicles are maintained in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and as needed.
  3. Understand and ensure compliance with all Federal (Title 22) and state regulations concerning the department.
  4. Monitor compliance with Department's budget through the effective and timely completion of Monthly Spend Downs.
  5. Ensure compliance with all of company's policy and procedures for proper use of Petty Cash in conjunction with performance of job duties.
  6. Ensure all necessary vendor/entertainer check requests are completed accurately and timely and in accordance with all company policies and procedures. This includes the timely and accurate completion of W-9 submissions from the vendor/entertainer.
  7. Ensure knowledge remains current regarding senior activities through completion of continuing education courses and networking opportunities with other community professionals.
  8. Support the Executive Director in referral source development efforts, work cooperatively with Community Marketing Directors and assist with marketing events held at the community to build the census of the property.
  9. Develop, implement and manage a "New Resident Welcome" program at the community.
  10. Develop, implement and manage a "Resident Birthday" program at the community.
  11. Develop, recruit, manage and schedule Community Volunteers. Complete and maintain all required logs and paperwork associated with the Community's Volunteer Program.
  12. Ensure that a Resident Council Meeting is held each month.
  13. Accurately and timely Performance of all clerical work connected with the position (e.g., Monthly Activity Calendar, Quarterly Excursion Calendar, Community Newsletter).
  14. Assist with set-up of special events.
  15. Aid in community marketing effort through demonstrated proficiency and willingness to conduct community tours, participation in all required marketing events and through positive/friendly interaction with all potential residents, family members and referral sources.
  16. Arrange for coverage of job duties within the department during employee absences either through delegation or personal completion of duties.
  17. Participate in daily "Stand-Up" meetings to communicate key issues within the department.
  18. Encourage teamwork through cooperative interactions with co-workers and other departments.
  19. Support a positive and professional image through actions and dress.
  20. Maintain a safe and secure environment for all staff, residents and guests, following established safety standards.
  21. Perform other duties consistent with position and/or as assigned by the Executive Director.

Education & Experience:
CALIFORNIA -
For communities licensed for sixteen (16) to forty-nine (49) persons:
  • Must have at least six (6) months experience in providing planned activities or be enrolled in an appropriate education or training program.

For communities licensed for fifty (50) or more persons:
  • Must have one (1) year of experience in conducting group activities and be knowledgeable in evaluating residents' needs, supervising other employees and in training volunteers.

These requirements may be waived if an exception to this requirement is made by the licensing agency upon the community's written presentation of a satisfactory alternative plan.
Prefer one (1) year of supervisory experience.
Mathematical
Skills:
Ability to perform simple mathematical calculations for preparing
pricing and producing reports.
Reasoning Skills:
Understand complex issues and ability to carry out plan of action
on own initiative.
Oral/Written Communication Skills
Demonstrates sound communications skills, both verbally and written in dealing with residents, staff, families, visitors and vendors.
Must be able to speak, read and write English.
Equipment Used:
Be proficient in basic office equipment (including a personal computer) for the purpose of accomplishing and maintaining a
high level of job performance.
Physical Effort:
Good physical health verified by a health screening, including a chest x-ray or an intradermal test result not more than 6 months prior or seven (7) days after employment. Be mobile and able to perform physical requirements of the job. Assist in loading and un-loading of residents into property's vehicle/van. Be mobile and able to perform physical requirements of the job. Will require physically assisting residents during activities.
Personal Characteristics:
Displays sincere compassion towards cognitively impaired older adults. Demonstrates genuine concern for the physical and
emotional needs of older people and their families.
Working Conditions:
Well-lighted, safe office with appropriate ventilation and temperature levels. Will be working in all resident care areas of the facility. Will accompany residents on outings outside of the
property.
Other:
(As required by Title 22)
Employee must pass a criminal record clearance prior to beginning work in the community. Employee must possess current first aid training. Employee must be at least eighteen (18)
years of age.

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