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Programs Director Jobs in Watertown, CT (NOW HIRING)

American

Program Director

Washington, CT · Hybrid

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 ...

Dungarvin

Program Director

Bristol, CT · On-site

$64K/yr

As the Program Director you will have oversight and be responsible for coordinating and managing ... Will travel between different programs located throughout Connecticut. (Mileage reimbursement is ...

Dungarvin

Program Director

Bristol, CT

$64K/yr

As the Program Director you will have oversight and be responsible for coordinating and managing ... Will travel between different programs located throughout Connecticut. (Mileage reimbursement is ...

Dungarvin

Program Director

Bristol, CT · On-site

$64K/yr

As the Program Director you will have oversight and be responsible for coordinating and managing ... Will travel between different programs located throughout Connecticut. (Mileage reimbursement is ...

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Programs Director information

See Watertown, CT salary details

$28.7K

$76K

$133.1K

How much do programs director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for programs director in Watertown, CT is $75,993.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $89,900.00 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 Watertown, CT are hiring for Programs Director jobs?

Cities near Watertown, CT with the most Programs Director job openings:

Programs Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Programs Director job openings in Watertown, CT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,993 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Director of Programs - Mental Health Waiver

Advanced Behavioral Health, Inc

Middletown, CT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The MH Waiver Program Director leads the day-to-day operations of ABH's Mental Health Waiver Program. This role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategic plan aligned with ABH's mission and values, establishing internal policies and procedures, and identifying opportunities for program growth, innovation, and community collaboration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning & Program Development

  • Build and maintain a statewide provider network for all Mental Health Waiver services.
  • Develop ongoing training for clinical staff, provider agencies and direct care staff.
  • Oversee new service development from concept through launch; identify key projects, partnerships, and program ventures
  • Establish and maintain performance metrics and reporting structures to track outcomes and support data-driven decision-making
  • Identify strategic risks and develop mitigation plans; advise senior leadership on complex programmatic issues

Budget & Financial Oversight

  • Oversee fiduciary responsibilities for the Mental Health Waiver (authorizations, claims and participant self-direction of services.
  • Identify areas for resource reallocation, efficiency improvements, or growth investment
  • Partner with executive leadership on long-range financial planning and program sustainability

SUPERVISORY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Team Leadership & Operations Management

  • Oversee daily program operations and establish clear weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual performance goals
  • Assign work, set deadlines, monitor productivity, and ensure staff understand their roles and responsibilities
  • Conduct regular team meetings and coordinate vendor relationships to support program delivery and consensus-building
  • Manage client assessment coordination, service tracking, and network-wide care continuity
  • Serve as primary organizational contact for DHMAS and DSS assigned staff; participate in ongoing project meetings
  • Lead full-cycle hiring, onboarding, and performance management for direct reports
  • Provide ongoing coaching, constructive feedback, and professional development support to team members
  • Foster a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and accountability
  • Partner with HR to address employee relations issues, disciplinary matters, and complaints in accordance with policy and applicable law

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master's degree in Behavioral Health, Human Services, Public Health, Business Administration, or related field
  • Progressive management and supervisory experience in behavioral health or human services
  • Knowledge of CMS waivers and state/federal behavioral health regulatory frameworks
  • Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered
  • Active Connecticut professional license: LCSW, LMFT, LPC, or RN

 Preferred:

  • Experience engaging community organizations and individuals in recovery
  • Proficiency in data analysis and program reporting

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge

  • Behavioral health issues, community case management, and coordinated care across multiple providers and agencies
  • State and federal regulations governing behavioral healthcare, including confidentiality, compliance, and reporting requirements
  • Ethical standards, professional conduct, and conflict of interest principles relevant to behavioral healthcare
  • Program development, quality improvement, strategic planning, and data-driven outcome measurement

Skills

  • Strong leadership and supervision: communicating clear goals, organizing workflow, providing timely feedback, and developing team capability
  • Excellent written and verbal communication for staff, clients, stakeholders, external partners, reports, and executive presentations
  • Organizational and time management skills to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Client service orientation with professional, empathetic handling of inquiries, complaints, and stakeholder concerns
  • Research and data analysis to interpret reports, ensure compliance, and support planning and documentation
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and internet-based platforms

Abilities

  • Forward-thinking and results-oriented with strong attention to detail
  • Collaborative and effective across a network of community-based services and diverse stakeholders
  • Adaptable and composed under pressure; responds constructively to shifting priorities and unforeseen challenges
  • Skilled at navigating complex interpersonal dynamics and facilitating conflict resolution with external partners
  • Committed to continuous professional development and staying current with industry trends and regulatory changes
  • Demonstrates emotional intelligence and empathy in all professional interactions

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations and the ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and lift/carry/move light to medium weights of 10-20 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, and visual acuity to operate a keyboard and read materials. The associate must regularly sit, reach, talk, and hear. Regularity and consistency of attendance is essential to ensure high-quality service delivery.

NOTE: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.

Benefits

Medical - Dental - Vision - Health Savings Account - LTD and other Voluntary plans

401k with Match

Management Incentive Plan

Vacation, Sick, Personal, Floating, & Holiday Time available

Apply