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Programs Director Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Discovery Behavioral Health

Program Director

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Discovery is currently seeking Program Directors, Primary Therapists, Facility Managers, Counselors ... Two years' experience in administration or management of mental health programs. Employment Status ...

The Salvation Army

Program Director

Chicago, IL

$72K/yr

Program Director LOCATION/DEPT: Adele and Robert Stern Red Shield Community Center PEOPLE MANAGER ... Offer programs that celebrate cultural diversity. * Programming will be offered in the areas of ...

Sevita

Program Director

Naperville, IL · On-site

$46K/yr

Manage the day-to-day operations of one to four programs in a community including organization and implementation of direct supports, person-centered planning, and implementation, health care ...

LifeWise Academy

Program Director

Flanagan, IL · On-site

What You'll Do As program director, you'll help lead and grow your community's LifeWise program by: Building Community Relationships * Develop positive partnerships with school leaders, parents ...

LifeWise Academy

Program Director

Yorkville, IL · On-site

What You'll Do As program director, you'll help lead and grow your community's LifeWise program by: Building Community Relationships * Develop positive partnerships with school leaders, parents ...

LifeWise Academy

Program Director

Decatur, IL · On-site

What You'll Do As program director, you'll help lead and grow your community's LifeWise program by: Building Community Relationships * Develop positive partnerships with school leaders, parents ...

LifeWise Academy

Program Director

Normal, IL · On-site

What You'll Do As program director, you'll help lead and grow your community's LifeWise program by: Building Community Relationships * Develop positive partnerships with school leaders, parents ...

Jobs for Humanity

Program Directors

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K/yr

The Professional Education Institute PROGRAM DIRECTOR Since 1983 the Professional Education Institute has helped thousands of students build wealth, develop success and change their lives. Our ...

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Programs Director information

See Illinois salary details

$28.6K

$75.8K

$132.8K

How much do programs director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for programs director in Illinois is $75,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,400.00 and $89,600.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Programs jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Programs jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Programs Director jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Programs Director job openings:
Programs Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Programs Director job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,773 per year, or $36.4 per hour.
Assistant Program Director - Restoration Program

Assistant Program Director - Restoration Program

Refuge for Women

Crystal Lake, IL • On-site

$40K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Refuge for Women is a non-profit, faith-based organization providing specialized care for women who have escaped human trafficking or sexual exploitation. With multiple locations across the U.S., Refuge for Women offers safe housing, at no charge to the resident, with around-the-clock care as clients progress through evidence-based, trauma-informed programming. The compassionate staff is trained to help residents work through the program to reclaim their identities and reach their goals to overcome addictions, heal from trauma and develop life skills leading to healthy, balanced living and financial independence. Refuge for Women strives to help each woman complete the program with a vision for her future, equipped to succeed and sustain a life marked with dignity and hope.
Refuge for Women is a faith-based organization and it is important for staff to share the same basic values and expectations held by Refuge for Women. We require that all staff are believers in Jesus Christ. Read our Statement of Faith.
Must be able to successfully pass a background check and drug test upon receiving an offer of employment.
To view Refuge for Women's benefits, click HERE.
Position Overview:
The Assistant Program Director reports to the Program Director and assists with all duties related to running the program and day-to-day safe house activities. The APD is expected to lead house operations during temporary absences of the Program Director or when PD is off-site. In addition, this position works closely with residents in providing case management services.
Your team contribution:
This position will cultivate a strong partnership with the Program Director to help create and maintain a consistent, stable and safe environment. The APD will set up and maintain the administrative systems of the home as well as be a point of contact for residents and staff when the PD is not present.
You'll be successful if:
You love to be the person that fills in the gaps with administrative processes and procedures. You see the big picture of how the program should run and know how to do the administrative tasks to help keep the house on track. You have strong follow-through. But, you're not entirely task-focused. You can switch gears and use your administrative gifts to help residents take the necessary steps to meet their goals as well.
Work with Program Director to:
  • Complete administrative duties as assigned including office procedures and filing
  • Maintain resident records and all in house documentation
  • Assist Program Director with resident intake process and maintain all intake and discharge paperwork
  • Uphold program requirements, house schedule and standards of conduct per resident guidelines
  • Assist with application and oversee recordkeeping for medical insurance and food stamps
  • Assists with making appointments and coordinating transportation for residents
  • Oversee all medication needs of residents
  • Assist the program director with case management, staff meetings, trainings and development activities as requested
  • Lead a trauma-informed care training once a quarter for staff meetings (topics set by PD/APD)
  • Help maintain positive, functional working relationships with community, government and referral agencies
  • Occasionally oversee house operations when Program Director is off-site and/or out of town
  • Be available one weekends per month in an on-call capacity scheduled with the Program Director
  • Train and supervise volunteers to assist with day to day administrative needs of the home

Case Management
  • Facilitate monthly resident assessments, score and enter life skills surveys into tracking file, enter grant activity data
  • Responsible for developing and implementing individual service plans, making community referrals, on-going reassessment of the service plans and follow up. Updates service plans as needed.
  • Coordinate all services for each individual client, including advocacy, giving information about community resources, etc.
  • Assist with transportation to and from meetings

Skills and Expectations
  • Strong written and verbal communications skills including proficiency in MS Office and Google applications
  • Ability to adapt to frequently changing priorities and handle crisis situations
  • Experience with office administration, identifying resources and service providers in the community
  • Strong servant leadership and teamwork skills
  • Teachable, self-motivated, organized
  • Loving but firm temperament, willing to take initiative in stressful situations

Qualifications
  • Proficiency with emergency or crisis procedures
  • Knowledge about addict behaviors and trauma is very helpful
  • Familiarity with 12-step or similar healing and recovery program (e.g. Celebrate Recovery)
  • Must be able to operate a motor vehicle safely and confidently at all times of day or night

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