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Special Programs Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Community Programs Director

Claryville, NY · On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

The Community Programs Director provides strategic leadership for the planning, growth, and quality ... special community events. This role focuses on building strong relationships across the local ...

ACAC Greenville

Youth Programs Director

Greenville, SC · On-site

... a Youth Programs Director to take our youth offerings to the next level-from After School ... Plan and run special events that make your department (and the club) shine ?? * Keep things clean ...

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How much do special programs director jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for special programs director in the United States is $115,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $122,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Special Programs Director, you need strong program management, strategic planning, and leadership skills, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with grant management software, data analysis tools, and compliance systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and adaptability help you effectively lead teams and build partnerships. These skills ensure programs are executed successfully, meet objectives, and create meaningful organizational impact.

What are some common challenges faced by a Special Programs Director and how can they be addressed?

Special Programs Directors often face the challenge of coordinating multiple projects with diverse stakeholders and ensuring that program goals align with organizational priorities. Balancing limited resources and adapting to changing regulations or funding requirements can also be demanding. To address these challenges, successful directors prioritize clear communication, proactive planning, and strong relationship-building with team members and external partners. Regular evaluation and flexibility in adapting strategies are also key to keeping programs effective and impactful.

What is a Special Programs Director?

A Special Programs Director is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing specialized projects or initiatives within an organization, such as educational enrichment, grant-funded programs, or community outreach. They coordinate staff, manage budgets, and evaluate program effectiveness to ensure goals are met. This role often requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills to work with various stakeholders and adapt to changing needs. Special Programs Directors may work in schools, nonprofits, government agencies, or private companies, depending on the type of programs offered.

What is the difference between Special Programs Director vs Program Manager?

AspectSpecial Programs DirectorProgram Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree; certifications like PMP can be beneficialUsually requires a bachelor's degree; PMP certification is common
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects or initiatives, often at a strategic levelManages specific projects or programs, focusing on execution
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in nonprofit, government, and corporate sectors for specialized initiativesCommon across various industries for project execution

The Special Programs Director focuses on strategic oversight of multiple initiatives, often leading large or complex projects, while the Program Manager handles the day-to-day management of individual projects within a program. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibility.

What cities are hiring for Special Programs Director jobs? Cities with the most Special Programs Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Special Programs jobs? The most popular types of Special Programs jobs are:
What states have the most Special Programs Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Special Programs Director jobs include:
Special Programs Director jobs near you
Associate Director, Summer Session & Special Programs

Associate Director, Summer Session & Special Programs

Barnard College

New York, NY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

If you are a current Barnard College employee, please use the internal career site to apply for this position.
Job:
Associate Director, Summer Session & Special Programs
Reporting to the Director of Lifelong Learning Initiatives, the Associate Director of Summer Session and Special Programs will play a key leadership role in designing, implementing, and evaluating non-degree academic offerings for Barnard and other visiting student populations. The role requires strategic planning, cross-departmental coordination, program development, and operational oversight. The Associate Director ensures a high-quality student experience while aligning programs with Barnard's mission and goals.
Job Description:
The Associate Director will be responsible for managing the administration and budget development of all special programs in their portfolio. Coordinating inter-departmental curricula and faculty relations (including with the Office of the Provost), and creating/maintaining procedures among affiliated departments. The Associate Director is the key partner for the Director of Lifelong Learning Initiatives for managing all summer session and special program offerings, including but not limited to post baccalaureate initiatives, alumnae auditing and faculty led programs. Key responsibilities include:
Program Development & Management:
  • Design and manage summer session and other special programs, including the College's faculty-led programs and auditing, in coordination with faculty, academic departments, the Office of the Provost, and campus partners - in line with strategic direction for the unit's objectives.
  • Evaluate curriculum, identify instructional needs, and oversee course and instructor selection.
  • Develop innovative program offerings to attract a diverse and talented student population.

Strategic Planning & Enrollment:
  • Set and track progress toward the achievement of enrollment and revenue targets and implement strategies to meet recruitment and retention goals based on an understanding of Barnard's offerings and market demands.
  • Execute outreach strategies, including email campaigns, digital marketing, and events, in collaboration with internal stakeholders and Barnard's Communications Team.
  • Throughout the academic year, coordinate with Registrar, Bursar,Financial Aid, and other campus partners to ensure clarity of summer session and special program processes, deadlines, and policies.

Operations & Logistics:
  • Oversee day-to-day program operations, including scheduling, registration, budgeting, and room reservations
  • Collaborate with the Director of Program Development and Execution to develop and maintain procedures for prospective student communications, recruitment, application review of visiting students and registration, housing, and orientation.

Staff Management & Supervision:
  • Train and supervise student workersProvide ongoing training and performance feedback to ensure program excellence.
  • Facilitate the hiring and recruitment of faculty for various departmental initiatives in coordination with the Office of Human Resources
  • Coordinate the end-to-end faculty payroll process, ensuring timely and accurate compensation for full-time and adjunct staff

Student Experience & Support:
  • Ensure a supportive and inclusive environment for participants.
  • Design supportive student-facing programming for summer session participants in collaboration with cross-campus stakeholders; serve as individual point of contact for student questions and advising needs.
  • Collaborate with cross-campus partners to execute orientations, events, and programs to support visiting students and other summer session students to ensure community engagement.
  • Manage student conduct issues and respond to emergencies as needed.

Assessment & Reporting:
  • Collect and analyze program data to assess effectiveness and inform future planning.
  • Prepare reports and presentations for internal stakeholders and leadership.

Other Duties include:
  • Coordinate special projects as assigned.
  • Serve as the supervisor for student employees in Workday.
  • Assist with the onboarding of summer course assistants.
  • Maintain contracts and institutional memberships as required and maintain a master schedule of contract expirations.
  • Maintain/organize all electronic office files.
  • Assist with various committees and outreach to student and faculty departments.
  • Serve as conduit for administrative, faculty and students on office related activities.
  • Answer telephones, direct calls, take messages, and respond to inquiries and requests for information as appropriate.
  • Act as Customer Service conduit on all employee, external and internal stakeholders.
  • Update website as required and coordinate content as needed.
  • Serve on on-call rotation with other Summer Session staff members during the summer session
  • Other duties as assigned.

Skills, Qualifications & Requirements:
Required:
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • 5+ years of experience in academic program administration, preferably in summer or non-degree programming.
  • Demonstrated success in project and staff management.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed during peak program periods.

Preferred:
  • Master's degree in education, higher education administration, or related field
  • Experience working with high school students and/or non-traditional learners.
  • Familiarity with CRM and student information systems (e.g., Slate, Banner, Salesforce).
  • Knowledge of FERPA and best practices in student safety and risk management.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Ability to organize work, set priorities, and follow through on projects requiring meticulous attention to accuracy and detail.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and work well under pressure.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Experience and proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite of computer programs such as Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Knowledge of web programs (SIS, Courseworks, Vergil, Terradota) (Drupal, imodules) and payroll systems (Workday) and CRM (SLATE, Salesforce, CampDoc) preferred.
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid
| Salary Range: $80,000 - $85,000
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the College's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Company:
Barnard College
Time Type:
Full time
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About Barnard College

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1889

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