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Programs Director Jobs in Smithfield, RI (NOW HIRING)

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Programs Director information

See Smithfield, RI salary details

$28.3K

$75.1K

$131.7K

How much do programs director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for programs director in Smithfield, RI is $75,142.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,900.00 and $88,900.00 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 Smithfield, RI are hiring for Programs Director jobs?

Cities near Smithfield, RI with the most Programs Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Programs Director job openings in Smithfield, RI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,142 per year, or $36.1 per hour.

Residential Services Director - Quaboag Valley Homes Program

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Worcester, MA

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking motivated and experienced candidates for the role of Program Director within Central Residential Services, a state-operated residential provider based in central Massachusetts.  The Program Director is responsible for the overall management of 9 homes providing 24-hour a day residential supports to 45 individuals.  The Program Director role has many critical functions that are imperative to ensuring the well-being of the individuals including, but not limited to, the following:  providing direct and indirect supervision to approximately 180 DDS employees; 24/7 on-call responsibilities for crisis and emergency management; and ensuring fiscal responsibility by monitoring all assigned budgets (i.e., household, overtime, personnel and furniture/equipment).

The Program Director will ensure that the homes are clean, safe, and well maintained, as well as in compliance with all applicable regulations.  The Program Director serves as a liaison to families/guardians along with the Area and Regional offices.  The Program Director is responsible for making hiring recommendations, conducting labor relations reviews, and ensuring compliance with required timeframes for entering information into the Home and Community Service Information System (HCSIS).  This includes documentation related to Individualized Service Plans (ISPs), incident reports, and medication occurrences.  It is the role of the Program Director to ensure a well-trained work force including maintaining all mandatory training requirements, education in Human Rights, and Positive Approaches to Behavioral Challenges (PABC).  Additional responsibilities include reporting and approving time through the Self Service Time and Attendance (SSTA) system and serving as a hiring manager with the MassCareers hiring system.

Please Note:

This position supports the Quaboag Valley Homes Program, serving communities in Monson, Belchertown, Palmer and Ware, MA. The primary office location is in Worcester, MA. 

Regular travel throughout Western MA is required. An alternate office location is available in Palmer, MA as needed.

Schedule: 8:00am - 4:00pm*
Days Off: Sunday/Saturday
*Flexibility required to meet the needs of the state-operated program.

About the Department of Developmental Services: 

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds 

Pre-Hire Process:  

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

  • Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

A criminal and tax history background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

  • Commission for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (CPPD) Abuse Registry Search: https:cppdmass.gov

  • Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
  • National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests.

For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.