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School Program Director Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

MAOF

Site Supervisor

Ontario, CA · On-site

$29.21 - $31.47/hr

Site Supervisor Program: Child Care/Pre-School Salary: $29.21-$31.47 Per Hour Status: Non-exempt (40 hours per week) Reports To: Program Manager and Program Director General Purpose Under direction ...

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All JobsSchool Program Director JobsSchool Program Director Jobs in Riverside, CA

School Program Director information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$23.5K

$69.9K

$128.8K

How much do school program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for school program director in Riverside, CA is $69,853.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,200.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a Program Director make in the US?

A School Program Director in the US typically earns between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and the size of the organization. Salaries can vary based on location, with larger or urban districts often offering higher compensation. Many roles require strong leadership, organizational skills, and relevant certifications in education or program management.

What are some common challenges faced by School Program Directors when managing multiple programs simultaneously?

School Program Directors often juggle several programs at once, each with distinct goals, resources, and stakeholders. A common challenge is balancing competing priorities while ensuring all programs maintain high standards and compliance with school policies. Effective time management, delegation, and strong communication with staff are essential to prevent burnout and to foster program success. Directors frequently collaborate with teachers, parents, and community partners, making adaptability and problem-solving skills particularly valuable in this role.

What is the difference between School Program Director vs School Coordinator?

AspectSchool Program DirectorSchool Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in education or related field; experience in program managementHigh school diploma or equivalent; some experience in school activities
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, school settings, program planningClassrooms, school events, student activities
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, nonprofit organizationsSchools, districts, educational programs
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on managing and overseeing programsFocuses on supporting daily school activities

The main difference is that a School Program Director oversees the planning and management of educational programs, requiring more advanced credentials and strategic responsibilities. In contrast, a School Coordinator typically supports daily school activities and student programs, often with less formal education requirements.

What does a school Program Director do?

A school Program Director oversees the planning, implementation, and management of educational programs within a school or district. They coordinate curriculum development, staff, and resources to ensure program goals are met, often requiring strong organizational and leadership skills. The role may also involve budgeting, compliance with educational standards, and collaboration with teachers and administrators.

Is a Program Director the same as a dean?

A School Program Director and a dean are different roles; a Program Director typically oversees specific programs or initiatives within an organization, focusing on program development and management, while a dean is a senior administrator responsible for an entire school or college, including academic policies and faculty oversight. The dean usually holds a higher administrative position with broader responsibilities.

What qualifications do you need to be a Program Director?

A School Program Director typically needs a bachelor's degree in education, administration, or a related field, along with several years of experience in education or program management. Leadership skills, strong organizational abilities, and knowledge of educational policies are also important. Some positions may require a master's degree or relevant certifications in program management or educational leadership.

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

To thrive as a School Program Director, you need expertise in educational leadership, curriculum development, and staff management, often supported by an advanced degree in education or administration. Familiarity with learning management systems, data analysis tools, and state education regulations is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, organizational abilities, and effective communication set exceptional School Program Directors apart. These competencies are crucial for ensuring program quality, fostering student achievement, and maintaining compliance with educational standards.
What are popular job titles related to School Program Director jobs in Riverside, CA? For School Program Director jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching School Program Director jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for School Program Director jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for School Program Director jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most School Program Director job openings:
School Program Director jobs near you

School Director

The Goddard School of Trabuco Canyon, CA

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Bonus opportunities
  • Professional development
  • State-of-the-Art facilities
  • Affiliation with leaders in the early childhood education industry
  • 401(k)
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Vision insurance

Join the founding team at The Goddard School of Trabuco Canyon. We are seeking an experienced early childhood learning leader to help open and lead a new Goddard School with an anticipated Fall 2026 opening. The Center Director will partner with ownership to prepare for launch, recruit and support a founding faculty, lead family tours and enrollment, uphold licensing and brand standards, and build a warm school culture.
Director Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Operations: Lead daily operations while upholding Goddard brand standards, licensing requirements, school policies, and professionalism. Build systems for communication, staffing, family experience, and launch readiness.
Enrollment and Family Experience: Lead family tours, admissions conversations, and enrollment. Build trust through warmth, responsiveness, professionalism, and clear communication while supporting enrollment goals.
Opening Preparation: Partner with ownership on staff onboarding, classroom readiness, family communication, licensing preparation, and Fall 2026 launch priorities.
Staff Hiring and Culture: Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and support a founding team of educators. Build a positive culture where teachers feel valued, supported, and equipped.
Curriculum, Licensing, and Safety: Support the Wonder of Learning program and classroom quality. Help maintain compliance with licensing, health, safety, supervision, records, staff qualifications, ratios, and safe classroom practices.
Family, Community, and Resources: Build strong family and community relationships. Partner with ownership on enrollment goals, staffing plans, classroom resources, and operational priorities. Ownership manages P&L, budgeting, and reporting.
Qualifications
California Director Qualifications: Must meet applicable California Director qualification requirements before employment and provide documentation of qualifying education, coursework, permits, and experience.
Education and Experience: Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or related field preferred. Equivalent coursework, permits, and leadership experience may be considered. Minimum 4 years of early childhood education experience preferred, including at least 2 years in a formal leadership role.
Center Leadership: Experience in a larger or multi-classroom early childhood center preferred. Premium preschool, franchise early childhood, or private school experience is a plus.
Infant Program Readiness: Candidates should have completed, or be willing and able to complete before licensing/employment requirements are finalized, required infant/toddler coursework and documentation.
Skills and Clearances: Strong communication, organization, follow-through, problem-solving, enrollment, family communication, and team leadership skills. Must pass required LiveScan DOJ/FBI background checks and complete required health screening, TB clearance, immunization documentation, and other requirements.
Compensation and Benefits
Base Salary: Annual exempt salary range of $100,000$120,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and role fit.
Performance Bonuses: Eligible for up to $15,000 in milestone-based bonuses tied to licensing readiness, staffing readiness, enrollment goals, and launch priorities.
Childcare Tuition Benefit: Tiered childcare benefit while employed, including complimentary tuition for the first enrolled child and discounts for additional children.
Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; Paid Time Off; paid holidays; professional development support; and the opportunity to help shape a new school with active ownership support.
Wonder of Learning is The Goddard Schools exclusive education program designed to embrace how children learn best through play and curiosity. The curriculum is designed to make learning enjoyable while supporting important skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and social-emotional development.

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