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Programs Director Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Programme Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120.98 - $130.98/hr

Job Summary The Programme Director is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of projects within Marks. This role requires balancing creativity with ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 Experiential Programs and Strategic Partnerships

Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL • On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Posting Number:
0601287
Position Title:
Director of Experiential Programs and Strategic Partnerships
FLSA:
Exempt
Job Type:
Full-Time
Staff Term:
12 Months
Staff Work Schedule (hours/dates):
35 hours per week
Academic Year Schedule (dates):
Faculty Term:
Position Type:
Staff
Department:
Student Affairs
Job Summary/Basic Function:
The Life and Career Design Institute (LCDI) empowers ALL student members of the Wheaton College community to find their unique goals for work and life by leveraging design thinking. The Institute takes the liberal arts and co-curricular learning to new distinction. Introduced in June 2024, the LCDI is building the framework for students to connect classroom learning to their career aspirations through robust experiential education offerings. For these opportunities, the LCDI prioritizes student engagement with external employers and alumni to lay the foundation for networking that will support them throughout the entirety of their careers, both at and beyond Wheaton.
Wheaton seeks an experienced and energetic leader to join the growing LCDI Team as Director of Experiential Programs and Strategic Partnerships, reporting directly to the AVP for Life & Career Design to support our vision of building a robust employer pipeline to increase career and experiential learning opportunities. This role will be largely employer-facing, with some student interactions in developing pathways for experiential learning, full-time employment, and opportunities for student employment. This role will also be the primary point person for the Career and Graduate School Fairs, and other employer-engaged events, and manage the campus Handshake account. This role supports the College's focus on students' career readiness and outcomes, meaningful external engagement, and organizational recruitment within the Life & Career Design Institute (LCDI).
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree from an Accredited Four-Year Institution Required
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's Degree preferred
Compensation and Benefits
To attract and retain the most talented individuals, Wheaton College maintains a flexible and competitive staff compensation and benefits program.
When determining and establishing hiring rates or recruitment ranges for a position, the College considers a number of factors including the budget for the position, the range of the grade, the external market for the position or similar positions, level and scope of responsibilities, required education, skills and relevant experience as well as internal equity. All salary offers must have the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
The anticipated hiring or recruitment range for this position is $95K-$105K. The actual salary offered will be commensurate with the qualifications, education and experience of the candidate hired.
Physical Demands
ADA Statement:
Individuals must possess these knowledges, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Eeo Statement
Wheaton College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability. In a continuing effort to maintain and enrich an intellectually diverse learning environment, the Department and the College actively encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented groups.
Wheaton's core belief is that valuing diversity is pivotal to personal development, intellectual expansion, and societal equity. Our community is united by a shared dedication to equity and access that is essential to providing a transformative education in the Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Posting Date:
05/26/2026
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled
Yes
Contact(s):
Office of Human Resources
Contact Phone/Extension:
508-286-8206
Contact Email:
careers@wheatoncollege.edu