ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Programs Director Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Think Tank, Inc.

Program Director

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

The Program Director will provide senior executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational ... Proven experience managing programs in civil, mechanical, marine, electrical, or related ...

American University

Program Director

Washington, DC · On-site

WAMU is the source for local, regional and NPR news and original programs in Washington DC. Since ... The Program Director is responsible for the strategic design, performance optimization, and ...

eSimplicity

Program Director

Columbia, MD · On-site

$156K - $187K/yr

The Program Director will operate in a transparent, collaborative delivery model with customer ... related programs and platform teams. Requirements: Required qualifications * 10+ years in ...

Sparksoft Corporation

Program Director

Columbia, MD · Hybrid

As the program director, oversees coordination of personnel and resources required to successfully complete projects. Prepares budget, directs staffing, recruitments and client/stakeholder ...

eSimplicity

Program Director

Columbia, MD · On-site

The Program Director will operate in a transparent, collaborative delivery model with customer ... related programs and platform teams. Requirements Required qualifications * 10+ years in ...

eSimplicity

Program Director

Columbia, MD · On-site

$156K - $187K/yr

The Program Director will operate in a transparent, collaborative delivery model with customer ... related programs and platform teams. Requirements Required qualifications * 10+ years in ...

eSimplicity

Program Director

Columbia, MD · On-site

$156K - $187K/yr

The Program Director will operate in a transparent, collaborative delivery model with customer ... related programs and platform teams. Requirements Required qualifications * 10+ years in ...

Unissant

Program Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$147K - $213K/yr

The Program Director must have at least 10 years of Program Management experience involving large ... manage programs supporting multiple businesses * Ability to think and act strategically and ...

Unissant, Inc.

Program Director

Ashburn, VA · On-site

The Program Director must have at least 10 years of Program Management experience involving large ... manage programs supporting multiple businesses * Ability to think and act strategically and ...

UNISSANT

Program Director

Washington, DC · On-site

The Program Director must have at least 10 years of Program Management experience involving large ... manage programs supporting multiple businesses * Ability to think and act strategically and ...

Sparksoft Corporation

Program Director

Columbia, MD · On-site +1

$160K - $210K/yr

As the program director, oversees coordination of personnel and resources required to successfully ... Training and development programs that build new skills and prepare you for leadership roles * A ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrograms JobsPrograms Director JobsPrograms Director Jobs in Washington, DC

Programs Director information

See Washington, DC salary details

$33.4K

$88.6K

$155.2K

How much do programs director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for programs director in Washington, DC is $88,564.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $104,800.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Programs jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Programs jobs in Washington, DC are:
Programs Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Programs Director job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,564 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Program Director

Think Tank, Inc.

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

*Authorized to work in the US required; US Citizenship preferred

*Remote Position TBD

*Applicants residing in the DMV area preferred as the client is located in Silver Spring, MD

*Three references required

POSITION DESCRITPION:

The Program Director will provide senior executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for professional engineering and technical support services in support of NOAA. This role is responsible for ensuring the successful planning, execution, and delivery of complex, multi-disciplinary programs that support the full life cycle of NOAA's marine, aviation, and associated mission platforms.

The Program Director serves as the primary authority for program performance, quality, financial stewardship, and compliance, ensuring all contractor activities align with the project requirements, applicable regulations, and NOAA mission objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for complex engineering and technical services programs supporting NOAA mission objectives.
  • Plan, manage, and oversee all phases of program execution, from requirements definition through contract closeout, ensuring cost, schedule, performance, and quality objectives are met.
  • Deliver senior-level technical oversight across multidisciplinary engineering, logistics, acquisition, and life-cycle management activities.
  • Direct program financial management, including budgeting, cost estimating, forecasting, and resource allocation.
  • Establish and enforce program management, quality assurance, and compliance standards in accordance with contract requirements and federal regulations.
  • Serve as the senior point of contact with Government stakeholders, providing clear communication of program status, risks, and outcomes.
  • Lead, supervise, and develop senior management and professional staff while fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, engineering management, or business-related discipline
  • 10+ years of progressively responsible experience directing and managing professional services programs of comparable size, scope, and complexity.
  • Demonstrated experience across one or more technology areas, including:
    • Strategic planning
    • Concept development and requirements analysis
    • Systems design, engineering, and integration
    • Test and evaluation
    • Integrated logistics support
    • Acquisition and life-cycle management
  • Proven experience managing programs in civil, mechanical, marine, electrical, or related engineering disciplines.
  • Demonstrated success leading programs from initial concept through execution and contract closeout.

Think Tank is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Compensation for the successful candidate will be determined based on a variety of factors, including education, relevant work experience, work location, specific job responsibilities, professional certifications, and other job-related criteria.

Think Tank also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; long-term and short-term disability; and a 401(k) plan. All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements.