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Programs Director Jobs in Naperville, 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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Programs Director information

See Naperville, IL salary details

$29.2K

$77.5K

$135.8K

How much do programs director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for programs director in Naperville, IL is $77,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $91,700.00 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 Naperville, IL are hiring for Programs Director jobs? Cities near Naperville, IL with the most Programs Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Programs Director job openings in Naperville, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,524 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Program Director-Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute (BCVI)

Northwestern Medicine

Chicago, IL • On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Northwestern Medicine rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 390 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

132nd of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description

The Program Director reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

  • The Program Director will lead planning and implementation activities for Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. This will include managing a portfolio of projects of strategic and operational importance to the organization. The Program Director will develop project work plans and performance metrics, monitor work plans and metrics to assure activities are executed on-time and on-budget, coordinate the internal and external resources to complete activities as assigned using established Process Improvement and Project Management Methodologies. The Program Directorwill effectively communicate at all levels of Management and will work closely with managers, directors and analysts to develop work plans, metrics and resources to achieve the department’s strategic goals and objectives.

The role will oversee the Valve, Aortic, Women’s Heart Care, and Adult Congenital Heart Programs within BCVI.

Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for providing Leadership to an assigned portfolio of projects/ initiatives through active engagement of NM Executives and all stakeholders.
  • Lead activities including project proposal/ charter definition, budget development, resource allocation, management, information distribution and meeting facilitation.
  • Provide proactive, clear, concise and timely communications regarding status of all initiatives and overall performance reporting among team members, NM Executives and vendor partners. Facilitate continuous exchange of ideas, information and developments.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge of Operational, Program and Project Goals:Recommends solutions that add value, strengthen project or operational outcomes, exhibits and understanding of Sponsor or user needs.
  • Achieves Results: Accountable for delivering projects and operational initiatives on-time and on-budget including successful execution/ activation, closeout and stabilization that meet stated Sponsor and stakeholder outcomes.
  • Leads in organizational development and enhancement of management competence. Develop educational, coaching and mentoring programs necessary to support the evolution as an execution-centered organization.
  • Sets explicit priorities, establishes effective action plans, and anticipates obstacles and alternatives for challenging but realistic work goals.
  • Demonstrated ability to direct and mobilize an organization by strategic thinking, decisiveness, enthusiasm, competence and integrity.
  • Demonstrate the ability to deal with the changing environment and to lead/facilitate and manage change efficiently and effectively where appropriate.Unquestionable integrity, credibility and character with demonstrated high moral, ethical behavior.

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree and minimum 8-10 years industry experience or Master’s degree and minimum 3 years experience.
  • Strong Knowledge of Microsoft: Word, Excel, Power Point, Project
  • Demonstrated project management and organizational skills, demonstrated analysis and problem solving skills, excellent oral and communication skills, demonstrated ability to effectively establish and maintain working relationships with peers and constituents at all levels of the organization.
  • Excellent capability to lead projects with budgets in excess of $1,000,000.
  • Demonstrated project management skills.
  • Excellent oral and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively establish and maintain working relationships with peers and constituents at all levels of the organization.
  • Demonstrated analysis and problem solving skills.
  • Demonstrated strong leadership capabilities.
  • Strong skills in working with and negotiating with external vendors.

Preferred

  • Master’s degree in related field preferred.

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well‑being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending on the job family.

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