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Senior Program Director Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

philaymca

Senior Program Director

Spring Valley, PA

We are looking for a Senior Program Director to help lead the daily operations and success of one of our YMCA branches. Working closely with the Branch Executive, you'll provide strategic leadership ...

philaymca

Senior Program Director

Spring Valley, PA

We are looking for a Senior Program Director to help lead the daily operations and success of one of our YMCA branches. Working closely with the Branch Executive, you'll provide strategic leadership ...

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Senior Program Director information

See Reading, PA salary details

$37.5K

$110.6K

$149.3K

How much do senior program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior program director in Reading, PA is $110,588.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,400.00 and $111,900.00 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 job categories do people searching Senior Program Director jobs in Reading, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Program Director jobs in Reading, PA are:

What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Senior Program Director jobs?

Cities near Reading, PA with the most Senior Program Director job openings:

Senior Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Program Director job openings in Reading, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,588 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Senior Program Director

Spring Valley, PA

philaymca
Non-Profits • 1 - 5K employees

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

499th of 781 rated non-profit organizations

Respectful managers

Good training

Learn new skills

Learn more about philaymcaexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

We believe that great people build great communities.

We are looking for a Senior Program Director to help lead the daily operations and success of one of our YMCA branches. Working closely with the Branch Executive, you'll provide strategic leadership for our Camp, Sports, and Programming departments while driving operational excellence, developing high-performing teams, and delivering exceptional experiences for members and participants.

Some rewards for joining our team:
  • Free YMCA membership - access to all branches!
  • Flexible work schedule
  • Sweet discounts on child care and summer camp programs
  • Planning for your future? Ask us how we do it at the Y - it's awesome!
What is needed for this job as our Senior Program Director:
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent leadership experience
  • Five or more years of leadership experience in recreation, hospitality, retail, nonprofit, fitness, or another customer-focused industry
  • Experience leading large teams in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience managing departmental or branch budgets and financial performance
  • Demonstrated success improving customer experience, program participation, or operational performance
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, based on business needs
  • CPR, First Aid, and other required YMCA certifications, or the ability to obtain
The responsibilities we will trust you with as our Senior Program Director:
  • Partner with the Branch Executive to lead daily branch operations and achieve organizational goals
  • Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for Camp, Sports, and Programming, ensuring high-quality experiences and strong program performance
  • Develop, expand, and evaluate programs that increase participation, engagement, retention, and community impact
  • Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and develop department leaders, staff, and volunteers across assigned program areas
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and exceptional member service
  • Manage departmental budgets and monitor financial performance to achieve revenue and operational goals
  • Coordinate branch-wide communication, special events, and cross-functional initiatives
  • Ensure compliance with YMCA policies, safety standards, risk management practices, licensing requirements, and applicable regulations
  • Support volunteer engagement, fundraising efforts, and the YMCA Annual Campaign
  • Serve as a visible leader within the branch, helping create a welcoming, inclusive, and mission-driven environment
What you can expect:
  • Support from an experienced branch leadership team
  • Opportunities to grow your leadership career within one of the nation's largest YMCA associations
  • A collaborative environment where your ideas and leadership make a lasting impact
  • Meaningful work that strengthens individuals, families, and communities every day

YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected status.

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