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Programs Director Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Director of School Age Programs The Director of School Age Programs is responsible for the daily operations of the B.R. Ryall YMCA's before- and after-school program and school day off program.

Freelance Program Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$117 - $152/hr

Freelance Program Director (open to remote EST or CST) Who we are looking for: VML is seeking a Freelance Program Director, who will be responsible for overseeing the overall delivery stack, all ...

New

Freelance Program Director (open to remote EST or CST) Who we are looking for: VML is seeking a Freelance Program Director, who will be responsible for overseeing the overall delivery stack, all ...

Resident Program Assistant

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Lead various activities as directed by the Resident Programs Director. * Order and maintain supplies for activities as needed. Qualifications * No programming experience is necessary! * You need to ...

Resident Program Assistant

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Lead various activities as directed by the Resident Programs Director. * Order and maintain supplies for activities as needed. Qualifications * No programming experience is necessary! * You need to ...

Resident Program Assistant

Oak Brook, IL

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Lead various activities as directed by the Resident Programs Director. * Order and maintain supplies for activities as needed. Qualifications * No programming experience is necessary! * You need to ...

Freelance Program Director (open to remote EST or CST) Who we are looking for: VML is seeking a Freelance Program Director, who will be responsible for overseeing the overall delivery stack, all ...

Resident Program Assistant

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Lead various activities as directed by the Resident Programs Director. * Order and maintain supplies for activities as needed. Qualifications * No programming experience is necessary! * You need to ...

Showing results 21-40

Programs Director information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$29.2K

$77.3K

$135.4K

How much do programs director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for programs director in Elgin, IL is $77,297.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,400.00 and $91,400.00 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 Elgin, IL are hiring for Programs Director jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Programs Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Programs Director job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,297 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Director Of School Age Programs

YMCA

Glen Ellyn, IL • On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,987 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

570th of 770 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Director of School Age Programs
Job Description
The Director of School Age Programs is responsible for the daily operations of the B.R. Ryall YMCA's before- and after-school program and school day off program. Working under the direction of the Senior Director of School Age Programs, this position ensures the delivery of safe, engaging, high-quality programs that support children and families while advancing the YMCA's mission.
The Director provides direct supervision to site staff, oversees day-to-day program operations, ensures compliance with all YMCA standards and trainings, and fosters positive relationships with families and school partners.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Education, Child Development, Recreation, Human Services, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
Minimum of two to four years of progressive leadership experience in youth development, child care, education, or a related field.
Experience managing multiple sites preferred.
At least two years of experience supervising staff teams.
Knowledge of child development principles and youth programming.
Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, staff, and school personnel.
Within 30 days of hire, complete Child Abuse Prevention, Working with Program Volunteers, CPR, First Aid, AED, and Bloodborne Pathogens training.
Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
Essential Functions
Manage the daily operation of the Safe 'n Sound Before- and After-School Program across assigned school locations.
Plan and oversee school day off program.
Ensure programs provide a safe, welcoming, and enriching environment for all participants.
Implement curriculum, activities, and enrichment opportunities that support youth development.
Monitor program quality through regular site visits and observations.
Address operational issues promptly and effectively.
Schedule, supervise, and evaluate site staff.
Ensure appropriate staffing ratios and staff coverage at all program locations.
Build positive relationships with program participants, families, and school staff through proactive communication and exceptional customer service.
Respond promptly and professionally to issues or concerns.
Maintain accurate reports, schedules, and program documentation.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Director.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
YMCA COMPETENCIES:
Mission Advancement: Models the Y's values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.
Collaboration: Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience.
Operational Effectiveness: Assists in the development of plans and manages best practices through engagement of teams. Holds themselves accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.
Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology. Continually strives for improvement and the pursuit of personal/professional development.
YMCA CORE VALUES:
Caring: Demonstrates a sincere concern for others, for their needs and well-being. Shows compassion, forgiveness, generosity and kindness.
Honesty: Tells the truth, demonstrates reliability and trustworthiness through actions that are in keeping with stated positions and beliefs. A person of integrity and fairness.
Respect: Treats others as they would like to be treated. Values the worth of every individual, including themselves. Shows acceptance, empathy, self-respect and tolerance.
Responsibility: Does what is right. Accountable for their choices of behavior and actions and promises. Shows commitment, courage, good health, service, professionalism and citizenship.
Ymca Careers
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