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Senior Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior plc

Senior Program Manager

Burbank, CA · On-site

$123K - $124K/yr

The Senior Program Manager will direct the completion of new programs that achieve budget and schedule requirements. The execution of new programs requires the following: * Manage to a Product ...

Senior plc

Senior Program Manager

Burbank, CA · On-site

$124K - $124K/yr

The Senior Program Manager will direct the completion of new programs that achieve budget and schedule requirements. The execution of new programs requires the following: * Manage to a Product ...

ADL

Program Director

Los Angeles, CA

Senior Director, Programs SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May take on future supervision responsibilities LOCATION: Los Angeles, California Grade/Class: Grade G, Exempt, PSA-Eligible ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

Adl

Program Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Senior Director, Programs SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May take on future supervision responsibilities LOCATION: Los Angeles, California Grade/Class: Grade G, Exempt, PSA-Eligible ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

Anti-Defamation League

Program Director

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$90K - $100K/yr

Senior Director, Programs SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May take on future supervision responsibilities LOCATION: Los Angeles, California Grade/Class: Grade G, Exempt, PSA-Eligible ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

AIDS Healthcare Foundation

Senior Program Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site

$131K - $132K/yr

This leadership role provides direct support and program development including quality assurance ... The Senior Program Manager leads a multidisciplinary team and routinely coordinates with other AHF ...

Sierra Health and Wellness

Program Director

Concord, CA · On-site

$125 - $145/hr

The Program Director engages with staff and clients to maintain a structured, safe, and efficient ... Provide regular operational, staffing, and productivity reports to senior administration. * Oversee ...

NATIVE DIRECTIONS INC

Program Director

Stockton, CA · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

Program Director Company: Native C.O.R.E. (Community Outreach, Referral, and Education) Location ... Mid-Senior (3-5 years required) Native C.O.R.E. is a community-based outreach organization ...

Sierra-Health-and-Wellness

Program Director

Concord, CA · On-site

$90 - $160/hr

Job SummaryThe Program Director provides on-site leadership at assigned facilities and ensures ... Provide regular operational, staffing, and productivity reports to senior administration.Oversee ...

Sierra Health and Wellness

Program Director

Concord, CA · On-site

Job Summary The Program Director provides on-site leadership at assigned facilities and ensures ... Provide regular operational, staffing, and productivity reports to senior administration. * Oversee ...

NATIVE DIRECTIONS INC

Program Director

Stockton, CA · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

Program Director Company: Native C.O.R.E. (Community Outreach, Referral, and Education) Location ... Mid-Senior (3-5 years required) Native C.O.R.E. is a community-based outreach organization ...

CorDx

Program Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

Program Director Location: Onsite - Atlanta/San Diego Job Overview: We are seeking a highly skilled ... Facilitate effective communication across internal teams, senior leadership, and external partners.

CorDx

Program Director

San Diego, CA

Program Director Location: Onsite - Atlanta/San Diego Job Overview: We are seeking a highly skilled ... Facilitate effective communication across internal teams, senior leadership, and external partners.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsProgram JobsSenior Program Director JobsSenior Program Director Jobs in California

Senior Program Director information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$113.6K

$153.5K

How much do senior program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior program director in California is $113,646.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior program director?

Senior Program Directors are high-level managers responsible for overseeing multiple projects or programs within an organization. They provide strategic direction, ensure alignment with organizational goals, and manage teams of project managers or program coordinators. Their duties include budgeting, stakeholder communication, performance monitoring, and risk management. Senior Program Directors play a critical role in ensuring that programs are delivered on time, within scope, and meet the expected outcomes.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a senior program director?

To thrive as a Senior Program Director, you need extensive experience in program management, strategic planning, and leadership, typically supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with project management tools (such as MS Project or Asana), budgeting software, and sometimes certifications like PMP or PgMP are highly valued. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and team-building skills set standout leaders apart in this role. These capabilities are crucial for effectively overseeing complex programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve successful outcomes.

How does a senior program director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure program success?

Senior Program Directors play a crucial role in aligning multiple departments—such as product development, marketing, finance, and operations—toward common program goals. They facilitate regular meetings, set clear expectations, and coordinate resources to address challenges and keep projects on track. Effective communication and relationship-building are essential, as the director must balance the needs and perspectives of various stakeholders while maintaining focus on overarching objectives. By fostering collaboration, they help ensure that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to a high standard.

What is the difference between Senior Program Director vs Program Manager?

AspectSenior Program DirectorProgram Manager
CredentialsOften requires advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, PMP) and extensive experienceTypically requires a bachelor's degree; PMP or related certifications are common
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, overseeing multiple programs or departmentsOperational focus, managing specific projects or programs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large organizations, nonprofits, government agenciesCommon across various industries, including corporate, tech, and healthcare
Search & Comparison IntentHigh-level strategic roles, leadership responsibilitiesProject execution, day-to-day management

The main difference between a Senior Program Director and a Program Manager lies in scope and responsibility. Senior Program Directors focus on strategic oversight and leadership across multiple programs, often requiring advanced credentials and extensive experience. Program Managers handle specific projects, focusing on execution and operational management. Both roles are vital but differ in their level of strategic involvement and organizational impact.

What are the most commonly searched types of Senior Program jobs in California?

The most popular types of Senior Program jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Program Director jobs in California?

For Senior Program Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Program Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Program Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Program Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Program Director job openings:

Senior Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Program Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,646 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

Program Director, Space

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company

Moorpark, CA • On-site

$230K - $260K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD), we believe that our strengths are built on our most important resource - our people. Join EBAD and you'll be a part of a team who creates cutting edge technology that will blast us into the future. No other company can match the innovative energetic solutions that we provide. At EBAD you will actively contribute to successful missions putting men, women and satellites into space, and protecting our armed service men and women around the world. If this is the culture and work environment you are seeking, then EBAD is the place for you!

Job Description

At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD), we believe that our strengths are built on our most important resource - our people. Join EBAD and you'll be a part of a team who creates cutting edge technology that will blast us into the future. No other company can match the innovative energetic solutions that we provide. At EBAD you will actively contribute to successful missions putting men, women and satellites into space, and protecting our armed service men and women around the world. If this is the culture and work environment you are seeking, then EBAD is the place for you!

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Program Director to lead strategic programs within our Space Segment business. This individual will own both customer relationships and program execution, ensuring exceptional delivery performance while driving commercial success. The ideal candidate brings deep aerospace experience, strong leadership capability, and a track record of managing complex, high-stakes programs with discipline and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end program performance, including cost, schedule, quality, and customer satisfaction

  • Serve as the primary customer interface, building trusted relationships with key stakeholders

  • Lead cross-functional teams to deliver complex aerospace and space programs successfully

  • Drive program execution discipline, risk management, and continuous improvement initiatives

  • Partner with business leaders to support growth, profitability, and strategic objectives

  • Ensure alignment between customer expectations and internal execution capabilities

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred

  • Proven experience as a Program Director or senior program leader in aerospace, defense, or space industries

  • Demonstrated success managing complex mechanical, electro-mechanical, or energetics programs

  • Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance customer needs and business outcomes

  • Experience leading customer-facing programs with high visibility and accountability

  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills

Compensation and Rewards

We recognize that exceptional leaders deliver exceptional results. This role offers a competitive package including:

Base Salary: $230,000- $260,000

Relocation: Comprehensive support for a seamless transition

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.

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