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Programs Director Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

ViClarity, LLC.

Director of Audit Services

Iowa, IA · On-site

We are hiring a Director of Audit Services to lead the strategy, growth, and delivery of ViClarity's national audit program serving credit unions and banks. This is a unique opportunity to shape ...

Danaher

Director, Global Security - REMOTE USA

Ames, IA · Remote

The Director, Global Security is responsible for leading the company's global security strategy and ... In this role, you will have the opportunity to help build and lead world class security programs ...

Workiva, Inc.

Director of Global Benefits

Ames, IA · On-site

We are looking for a Director of Global Benefits to act as the architect of our health, wellness, and retirement programs worldwide. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Total Rewards, you ...

LifeWise Academy

Volunteer Elementary Teacher

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$41K - $56K/yr

Take attendance in each class and provide attendance records to LifeWise program director and/or school officials as needed * Maintain accurate class rosters including health concerns, special needs ...

LifeWise Academy

Elementary Teacher

Johnston, IA · On-site

$41K - $56K/yr

Take attendance in each class and provide attendance records to LifeWise program director and/or school officials as needed * Maintain accurate class rosters including health concerns, special needs ...

LifeWise Academy

Elementary Teacher

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$41K - $56K/yr

Take attendance in each class and provide attendance records to LifeWise program director and/or school officials as needed * Maintain accurate class rosters including health concerns, special needs ...

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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 Sep 3, 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 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 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 does a programs director do?

A programs director oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of organizational programs to ensure they meet goals and standards. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, develop strategies, and often use project management tools to track progress. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.

What is the role of a programs director?

A programs director oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs within an organization. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, develop strategies, and ensure program goals align with organizational objectives, often requiring strong leadership and project management 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, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,490 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Program Manager - DIRECT HIRE/ADL

Department of Transportation

Ames, IA • On-site

$147K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

545th of 855 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

The position is for Supervisory Program Manager that will lead a team responsible for the coordination, streamlining, implementation, and oversight management of competitive grants administration and delivery. Responsibilities include providing senior leadership input on grants policy matters, providing strategic direction for ongoing and new grant program and knowledge transfer opportunities, and creating a corporate approach to information sharing and grant management.

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.
To qualify for the Grade 15, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-14 it must include:

  • Experience leading the planning, evaluation, and administration of multi-million-dollar competitive grant programs and directing cross-functional technical teams to ensure statutory compliance across federal, state, and local entities.
  • Experience isolating, identifying, and recommending solutions to critical problems affecting grant or financial assistance activities.
  • Experience with the management of construction and/or transportation infrastructure grants and the interaction between these activities and project delivery requirements.

 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1.        Leadership and Communication - Influences, motivates, and challenges others; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations. Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.

2.        Technical Knowledge and Skills - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. Knowledge of principles, laws, regulations, policies, practices, and guidelines (for example, Executive Orders, Code of Federal Regulations, OMB circulars) of grant or agreement programs, including their order of precedence.

3.       Program Management - Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools for the coordinated management of a program to include providing oversight of multiple projects, integrating dependent schedules and deliverables, and related activities (for example, benefits management, life cycle management, program governance).

For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).  Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4
All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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