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Programs Director Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

LifeWise Academy

Program Director

Bondurant, IA · 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 ...

Manatt's

Director, Marketing

Ankeny, IA

... programs, community events, and other MFB-sponsored activities Coordinate marketing support for ... Services Direct development of marketing collateral, presentations, promotional materials ...

Manatt's

Director, Marketing

Ankeny, IA · On-site

... programs, community events, and other MFB-sponsored activities Coordinate marketing support for ... Services Direct development of marketing collateral, presentations, promotional materials ...

Iowa State University

Program Specialist II

Ames, IA · On-site

... director. * Improve program operations by identifying opportunities to enhance student training ... Develop and deliver student training programs, workshops, and skill-building opportunities to ...

Iowa State University

Program Specialist II

Ames, IA · On-site

... director. * Improve program operations by identifying opportunities to enhance student training ... Develop and deliver student training programs, workshops, and skill-building opportunities to ...

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All JobsPrograms JobsPrograms Director JobsPrograms Director Jobs in Ames, IA

Programs Director information

See Ames, IA salary details

$28.9K

$76.5K

$134K

How much do programs director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for programs director in Ames, IA is $76,490.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,800.00 and $90,500.00 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 is the role of a programs director?

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 compliance standards. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and experience with project management tools are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a programs director?

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 compliance standards, often using project management tools and leadership skills.
What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Programs Director jobs? Cities near Ames, IA with the most Programs Director job openings:
Programs Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Programs Director job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,490 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Program Director

LifeWise Academy

Bondurant, IA • On-site

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

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, churches and community
    members
  • Serve as a trusted representative of LifeWise Academy in the local community
  • Communicate the vision and impact of the program

Leading Fundraising and Community Support
  • Coordinate local fundraising efforts and community giving campaigns
  • Lead donor communication, appreciation and stewardship
  • Conduct church presentations, fundraising events, sponsorship opportunities and
    community outreach initiatives
  • Encourage ongoing financial partnerships to help sustain and grow the program
  • Utilize the LifeWise Academy fundraising strategies

Leading and Supporting Team Members
  • Recruit, train, encourage and support team members
  • Foster a safe, welcoming, Christ-centered culture for students and families
  • Coordinate teams to ensure classes run smoothly and safely

Managing Program Operations
  • Oversee communication, scheduling, enrollment and basic administrative tasks
  • Assist with budgeting, fundraising coordination and stewardship ofresources
  • Maintain compliance with school policies and LifeWise Academy procedures

What Success Looks Like
  • Students receive excellent biblical instruction and experience the gospel as part of every class
  • Families are supported and are connected to the local church
  • Team members feel equipped and valued
  • Donors and community partners feel connected to the mission and impact
  • Schools experience professionalism and partnership
  • Churches unite around a mission that impacts the next generation
  • The program operates sustainably, with the funding,resources, systems and partnerships needed to grow and serve students for years to come

You Might Be a Great Fit If You:
  • Love building relationships and bringing people together
  • Are passionate aboutreaching public school students with the gospel
  • Enjoy leadership, organization and community engagement
  • Are comfortable inviting others to financially support a meaningful mission
  • Communicate clearly and professionally
  • Can manage details while keeping sight of the bigger mission
  • Thrive in ministry, nonprofit, education or community leadership settings
  • Are self-motivated, dependable and flexible

Experience in ministry, education, fundraising, administration, volunteer coordination or community
engagement is helpful, but a heart forthe mission is essential.
Why People Love This Role
  • Meaningful Impact: You'll help bring Bible education to students who may never otherwise hear the gospel
  • Flexible Part-Time Work: This role is ideal for someone seeking meaningful, mission-driven work while balancing family, ministry or other professional commitments
  • Strong Support and Training: You won't do this alone. LifeWise Academy provides systems,
    resources, coaching and ongoing support to help you succeed.
  • Be Part of a Growing Movement: LifeWise Academy is expanding rapidly across the country as
    more communities seek to bring released time religious instruction to local students

Position Details
  • Part-time position (approximately 15-20 hours per week)
  • Some daytime availability required during school hours
  • Occasional weekend, evening or community events

If you're excited about building something meaningful in your community and helping impact the next
generation, we'd love to talk with you. Apply today to learn more about joining the LifeWise Academy
mission.
Benefits
  • Retirement plan, including employer match

LifeWise Academy's hiring practices and EEO Statement are fully in compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the "religion"section of employment discrimination laws for religious
organizations and permitsthem to give employment preference to members of their own religion. LifeWise
Academy is in that category.
Classification: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Employment Type: Part-Time
Grid Level: 2a

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