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Programs Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS SUMMER SEARCH, SEATTLE At Summer Search, we believe in 'No Ceilings' and envision a world in which young people, regardless of circumstances, can chart their own destiny. In the ...

Director of Programs Status: Regular, Full Time, Exempt Hours: 40 hours Mon-Fri. Requires regular presence during key program and event operations, including Sundays and Jewish holidays. Reports to ...

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Programs Director information

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$29.5K

$78.2K

$137K

How much do programs director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for programs director in the United States is $78,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Programs Directors in large organizations or corporations can earn around $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. High-level executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions also often reach or exceed this salary level, typically requiring strong strategic skills, industry expertise, and a track record of 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 are the four major jobs of program directors?

Program directors are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs to meet organizational goals. They oversee staff, manage budgets, coordinate activities, and ensure compliance with policies and regulations. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.

What is the role of a program director?

A program director oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of multiple projects within an organization or department. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, set goals, and ensure programs meet organizational objectives, often requiring strong leadership, communication skills, and familiarity with project management tools. The role may also involve reporting to stakeholders and ensuring compliance with policies and regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Programs Director, and why are they important?

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 standards, often requiring strong leadership and project management skills.
More about Programs Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Programs Director jobs? Cities with the most Programs Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Programs jobs? The most popular types of Programs jobs are:
What states have the most Programs Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Programs Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Programs Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,196 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Director, Strategic Programs

Crystal Stairs Inc.

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Crystal Stairs rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 77 rated education support services


Job description

Crystal Stairs, Inc.

Improving the Lives of Families through

Child Care Services, Research, and Advocacy

Director, Strategic Programs

Location: Los Angeles, California

100% On-site Position

Job Summary:

Crystal Stairs, Inc., a California nonprofit corporation dedicated to child care development for working low-income families, is looking for a dedicated, mission-driven Strategic Programs Director who leads development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative initiatives that advance our mission of improving the lives of families and children through child care services, early learning, and family support services.

Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, this senior leader will drive organizational strategy, strengthen program impact, and expand Crystal Stairs' reach across Los Angeles County. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with deep experience in social services, early childhood systems, parent support, community partnerships, and equity-centered program design.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

  • Partner with the executive leadership team to define and execute organizational strategic priorities.
  • Lead the design, scaling, and continuous improvement of programs that strengthen family stability, child development, and community well-being.
  • Monitor trends in early childhood education, child care policy, family services, and community development to inform program strategy.
  • Drive organizational effectiveness through innovative programs/services and continued relevance for families and communities served.
  • Collaborate with the COO and program leadership to support operational excellence and cross-functional initiatives.

Program Development & Innovation

  • Oversee the development and refinement of program models that integrate child care access, family support, provider engagement, and community partnerships.
  • Implement data-driven approaches to evaluate program outcomes and improve service delivery.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, exploring new methodologies, technologies, and evidence-based practices.
  • Develop and analyze performance metrics using existing data systems to ensure program quality and accountability.

Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build and sustain relationships with key partners, including child care providers, community-based organizations, county agencies, policymakers, and funders.
  • Advocate for policies that advance equitable access to child care and family support services.
  • Represent Crystal Stairs at conferences, community forums, and public events to elevate the organization's mission, impact and community presence.

Resource Development & Sustainability

  • Partner with the External Affairs team to identify funding opportunities and support proposal development.
  • Contribute to compelling narratives, reports, and presentations that demonstrate program impact to funders and stakeholders.
  • Support the development of sustainable program models that promote long-term financial health and organizational resilience.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Public Administration, Social Work, Education, Nonprofit Management, or related field preferred.
  • Minimum of 8 years of program management experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role within a nonprofit, social services, or early childhood organization.
  • Demonstrated expertise in developing and scaling programs serving families, children, or underserved communities.
  • Strong understanding of early childhood systems, child care access, family support services, and community-based program delivery.
  • Proven ability to build and maintain partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, providers, and community organizations.
  • Exceptional communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
  • Commitment to Crystal Stairs' mission and core values.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite required
  • Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Maintain "approachability" as an advisor; use tact and diplomacy in communicating with all levels of the Agency.

Total Package of Benefits

  • Medical/ Dental/ Vision - 95% paid by employer
  • 401k Matching Options
  • Flex Spending
  • Sick and Vacation Time
  • Paid Holidays
  • Opportunity for Growth and Development
  • Robust Learning Management System offering the following continuing education units: PDC, HRCI, CEU, CPE, PDU

Crystal Stairs, Inc. is committed to building and sustaining diverse workforce and culture. As part of this commitment, Crystal Stairs, Inc. provides equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, medical condition as defined by state law, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other legally protected status.

For more information about Crystal Stairs, Inc. please visit our website at: www.crystalstairs.org

www.crystalstairs.org


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