1

State Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Develop and monitor program requirements to ensure it meets federal and state policies and grants ... Preside over, or serve on, boards of directors, management committees, or other governing boards.

Provide daily coaching and oversight to four Program Director 1 employees * Communicate with partners across FSSA divisions, state agencies, contractors, and advocacy groups to ensure alignment and ...

Program Director

Mendota Heights, MN · On-site

$90K - $113K/yr

The Program Director works in collaboration with operations, MTM support departments, and ... To be considered for this role you must reside in the State of Minnesota* What you'll do: * Provide ...

Program Director

Mendota Heights, MN · On-site

$90K - $113K/yr

The Program Director works in collaboration with operations, MTM support departments, and ... To be considered for this role you must reside in the State of Minnesota* What you'll do: * Provide ...

At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to ... Establish and monitor program objectives, KPIs, and actions to achieve them. * Direct, plan, or ...

Program Director

Fresno, CA · On-site

$350K - $400K/yr

The Program Director organizes, coordinates, and supervises aspects of the integrated OB-GYN ... Full and unrestricted practice of license from the California State Medical Board with current OBGY ...

New

Program Director

New York, NY · On-site

$88K - $92K/yr

Program Director Program: Compass House Women's Shelter (Employment) Salary Range: $88,000-$92,000 ... Ensures that the facility follows all state and local regulations and reporting requirements ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

State Program Director information

See salary details

$29.5K

$78.2K

$137K

How much do state program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for state program 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 is the difference between State Program Director vs State Program Coordinator?

AspectState Program DirectorState Program Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees program strategy, manages staff, and ensures compliance with regulationsAssists in program implementation, coordinates activities, and supports daily operations
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; often advanced degrees or certifications in public administration or related fieldsBachelor's degree; relevant experience may suffice
Work EnvironmentLeadership role, often in government agencies or large organizationsOperational role, working closely with the program team
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in government, non-profits, and large agenciesUsed in similar settings, often as a support role

In summary, the State Program Director holds a higher-level leadership position with strategic responsibilities, while the State Program Coordinator focuses on supporting program activities and daily operations. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and seniority within the organization.

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

To thrive as a State Program Director, you need strong leadership, program management, policy analysis skills, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in public administration or a related field. Familiarity with government regulations, budgeting software, and project management tools is often required. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and stakeholder engagement abilities set top candidates apart. These skills ensure effective oversight, compliance, and successful delivery of state programs impacting communities.

How does a State Program Director typically collaborate with both state agencies and external stakeholders to ensure program objectives are met?

A State Program Director often acts as a liaison between state agencies, community partners, and external stakeholders such as federal agencies or nonprofit organizations. They facilitate regular meetings, coordinate cross-functional teams, and communicate program goals and progress to ensure alignment and transparency. Building and maintaining these relationships is crucial for securing resources, addressing challenges, and achieving program targets. Effective collaboration also involves adapting strategies based on stakeholder feedback and policy changes.

What are State Program Directors?

State Program Directors are responsible for overseeing and managing government-funded programs within a specific state. They ensure that programs comply with federal and state regulations, coordinate with local organizations, and monitor program effectiveness. Their duties often include budgeting, reporting, and supervising staff to achieve program goals. State Program Directors play a critical role in implementing policies and delivering services to the public.
What cities are hiring for State Program Director jobs? Cities with the most State Program Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of State Program jobs? The most popular types of State Program jobs are:
What states have the most State Program Director jobs? States with the most job openings for State Program Director jobs include:
State Program Director

State Program Director

State of Indiana

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


State Of Indiana rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 183 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 50 rated states


Job description

Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA):
The Division of Family Resources (DFR) within the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) is responsible for establishing eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits. The division also manages the timely and accurate delivery of SNAP and TANF benefits. DFR also provides employment and training services to some SNAP and TANF recipients. The division's overarching focus is the support and preservation of families by emphasizing self-sufficiency and personal responsibility.
Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $75,010.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.
DFR Contract Compliance Manager
The DFR Contract Compliance Manager is responsible for ensuring full compliance with all Division of Family Resources (DFR) contracts, program requirements, and federal/state regulations. This role oversees contract monitoring, vendor performance, corrective action, audit readiness, and ongoing alignment with policy, fiscal, and operational standards.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
  • Lead contract oversight for all DFR vendor and partner agreements, ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive contract monitoring plans, including scheduled reviews, site visits, performance audits, and compliance evaluations.
  • Identify risks, gaps, and performance issues and develop corrective action plans aligned with DFR standards.
  • Serve as subject matter expert for interpreting laws, regulations, and policy changes affecting DFR contracts.
  • Prepare and deliver compliance reports, audit documentation, dashboards, and executive briefings.
  • Collaborate with internal teams, legal partners, and external vendors to resolve compliance issues.
  • Monitor contract budgets, spending patterns, and financial compliance requirements.
  • Ensure operational alignment between DFR program needs and contracted service delivery.
  • Develop and maintain documentation, SOPs, training materials, and communication plans for contract compliance processes.
  • Provide leadership, coaching, and development to staff involved in monitoring, quality assurance, or compliance review activities.
  • Determine, analyze, identify and implement long-range objectives and specifying the strategies, KPIs, and actions to achieve them.
  • Analyze operations to evaluate performance of the specific program or its staff in meeting objectives or to determine areas of potential cost reduction, program improvement, or policy change.
  • Interpret and explain in-depth and complex policies, rules, regulations, or laws to organizations, government or corporate officials, or individuals.
  • Develop and implement corrective action plans to solve organizational or departmental problems.
  • Prepare and present reports for approval, including those for funding or implementation of services to executive leadership.
  • Develop and oversee program financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
  • Develop and monitor program requirements to ensure it meets federal and state policies and grants compliance.
  • Develop, coordinator, and deliver communication plans and communications.
  • Preside over, or serve on, boards of directors, management committees, or other governing boards.
  • Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
  • Experience in contract management, compliance oversight, auditing, or program administration within human services or government environments.
  • Knowledge of Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or related DFR program policies and funding structures.
  • Ability to analyze complex regulatory requirements and translate them into operational procedures.
  • Strong skills in performance monitoring, data-driven evaluation, and root-cause analysis.
  • Effective communication and partnership-building abilities across agencies and vendor organizations.
  • Leadership experience in supervising compliance, monitoring, or program staff.

A degree is not required. However, at least 12 + years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered. Completion of relevant education degree(s) may substitute for equivalent years of experience.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without accomodations.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.
Difficulty of Work:
Your work is broad in scope involving many complex program elements which require critical and administrative analytical abilities. Your work assignments involve the development of new programs and procedures and an assessment and recommendation on whether to implement those already established. Guidelines are established but require broad interpretation and judgment in application and implementation.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
Current Employee? Click here to apply.

What State Of Indiana employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom