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Unit Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Unit Director information

See California salary details

$22.2K

$75.3K

$145.1K

How much do unit director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for unit director in California is $75,279.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,900.00 and $103,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Unit Director, you need strong leadership abilities, strategic planning skills, and relevant experience in the specific field, often backed by a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with budgeting software, project management tools, and organizational systems is typically required. Outstanding communication, conflict resolution, and team-building skills help you lead diverse teams and drive unit performance. These competencies ensure effective oversight, operational efficiency, and achievement of organizational goals.

What are Unit Directors?

Unit Directors are professionals responsible for overseeing the operations and management of a specific department, unit, or division within an organization. They ensure that their unit meets its goals, manages staff effectively, and operates within budgetary and organizational guidelines. Unit Directors also develop and implement policies, coordinate with other departments, and report to higher-level management. Their role is critical in maintaining the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of the services provided by their unit.

What are the primary challenges a Unit Director faces when managing multidisciplinary teams?

Unit Directors often oversee teams with diverse professional backgrounds, such as nurses, administrative staff, and allied health professionals. One of the main challenges is ensuring clear communication and collaboration across these varied roles to maintain high standards of care and operational efficiency. Balancing administrative responsibilities, such as budgeting and staffing, with hands-on leadership and staff development can also be demanding. Successful Unit Directors frequently rely on strong interpersonal skills and adaptability to foster a positive, cohesive team environment.

What is the difference between Unit Director vs Program Coordinator?

AspectUnit DirectorProgram Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; management experience preferredBachelor's degree typically required; experience in program support beneficial
Work EnvironmentLeads teams within organizations like healthcare, education, or social servicesSupports program implementation, often in similar settings
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, healthcare, education, government agenciesNonprofits, educational institutions, community programs

The main difference is that a Unit Director oversees entire units or departments, managing staff and operations, while a Program Coordinator supports specific programs within those units, focusing on coordination and logistics. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibility.

What are the most commonly searched types of Unit jobs in California? The most popular types of Unit jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Unit Director jobs in California? For Unit Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Unit Director jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Unit Director jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Unit Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Unit Director job openings:
Unit Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unit Director job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,279 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Unit Director

Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast

Buena Park, CA • On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Mission Statement
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast is to ensure every child has mentors and champions in life.
Organization Structure and Interfaces
Position Reports To: Director of School Partnerships
Direct Reports: Assistant Unit Director, Mentor Coaches, Volunteers/Interns
Primary Interfaces:
Youth Members, Families, School Staff, Community Partners, Operations Team
Hours: 25-28 hours per week with a consistent Monday-Friday schedule unless otherwise approved.
Daily Hours Include: 1:00 PM-6:30 PM and Wednesdays/Minimum Days 12:00 PM-6:30 PM
Position Summary
The Unit Director serves as the leader of the site and is responsible for the overall quality, safety, effectiveness, and operational success of Club programming.
This role is accountable for site culture, staff performance, member experience, program quality, compliance, partnerships, and youth outcomes. Success is measured not only by what the Unit Director personally accomplishes, but by their ability to develop staff, build systems, and ensure consistent execution across the site.
Working closely with school partners, families, and Club leadership, the Unit Director develops and executes site strategy, monitors performance through data, and ensures alignment with organizational priorities. The Unit Director serves as the primary decision-maker on site and is responsible for
maintaining a safe, engaging, and outcome-driven environment for youth and staff.
Core Competencies
  • Safety Leadership
    • Accountability
    • Communication
    • Relationship Building
    • Problem Solving
    • Team Development
    Safety Leadership:
    Maintains a physically and emotionally safe environment through proactive supervision, risk management, and adherence to all safety protocols.
    Accountability:
    Demonstrates ownership of results, follows through on commitments, and holds self and others accountable to organizational standards.
    Communication: Communicates clearly, professionally, and proactively with staff, families, school partners, and organizational leadership.
    Relationship Building:
    Establishes trust and positive relationships with youth, families, staff, school personnel, and community partners.
    Problem Solving: Identifies challenges, analyzes root causes, and implements practical solutions while utilizing available resources and support systems.
    Team Development: Recruits, develops, coaches, and retains high-performing staff while building future leaders.

Commitment to Safety
  1. Contribute to environment of safety through the learning and implementation and monitoring of all safety-related best practices, policies, and procedures.
  1. Promote accountability to safety through consistent observation, adherence to all safety
    rules
    and
    practices
    and
    proactive
    communication
    among
    members,
    parents,
    peers, and leadership.
  1. Obtain and maintain Mandated Reporter training and complete annual Child Abuse Prevention training.
  1. Be trained and understand school district Emergency Response procedures and ensure
    the
    consistent
    execution
    of
    Emergency
    Preparedness
    protocols
    across
    all
    school sites, including drills and communication practices.

DISCLAIMER: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast requires a 4-point background check for all employees before hire and during employment that includes social security verification, local comprehensive criminal history search, national comprehensive criminal history search, and sex offender registry search. Per the organization's Screening & Onboarding Policy, a person is ineligible to obtain employment
with
the
Boys
Girls
Clubs
of
Central
Orange
Coast
if
such
person
has
been convicted of any misdemeanor against children or any felony consisting of murder, child abuse,
domestic
violence,
abduction
or
human
trafficking,
rape
or
sexual
assault,
arson, weapons, physical assault or battery, or drug possession (use or distribution) in the last five years.
Program Leadership & Quality Assurance
  • Oversee delivery of high-quality programming aligned with the Club Impact Model.
    • Ensure ongoing compliance with all ASES, ELOP, district, grant, and organizational requirements.
    • Monitor attendance, enrollment, ratios, program schedules, and required documentation to ensure compliance standards are consistently met.
    • Conduct regular audits of site records, attendance data, and operational practices.
    • Train and hold staff accountable for compliance-related expectations and procedures.
    • Immediately address and escalate compliance concerns that could impact funding, safety, or program operations.
    • Monitor program quality through observation, coaching, and performance data.
    • Maintain a safe, engaging, and well-organized program environment.
    • Drive continuous improvement through quality assessments and action planning.

Culture & Team Leadership
  • Model and reinforce organizational values, leadership standards, and Blue Culture.
    • Create a positive, accountable, and solutions-oriented team environment.
    • Hire, onboard, train, coach, and develop staff.
    • Conduct staff meetings, coaching conversations, and performance discussions.
    • Spend a meaningful portion of each program day actively observing programming, staff performance, and member engagement.
    • Provide real-time coaching, feedback, and support during program operations.
    • Conduct regular classroom and activity observations to ensure quality standards are met.
    • Utilize observation data to inform coaching conversations, professional development plans, and performance evaluations.
    • Model best practices in youth development, behavior management, relationship building, and program facilitation.
    • Build leadership capacity through delegation, mentorship, and professional development.
    • Address performance concerns promptly and consistently.

Family & Community Engagement
  • Foster positive relationships with parents and guardians.
    • Respond to family concerns professionally and promptly.
    • Maintain strong relationships with school administrators and partners.
    • Represent the Club during meetings, events, and community engagements.
    • Support communication efforts that increase family engagement and participation.

Strategic Planning & Data Use
  • Plan, implement, and evaluate programs based on youth needs and outcomes.
    • Utilize attendance, quality, and outcome data to drive decision-making.
    • Prepare and submit required reports accurately and on time.
    • Monitor progress toward site goals and organizational priorities.

Operational Accountability
  • Ensure all assigned reports, compliance requirements, and deadlines are completed accurately and on time.
    • Maintain
    accurate attendance, staffing, payroll, and operational records.
    • Follow through on commitments and ensure staff do the same.
    • Utilize organizational systems, standard operating procedures, and support resources proactively.
    • Escalate concerns appropriately and in a timely manner.

Site Operations & Facility Management
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming environment.
    • Manage supplies, inventory, equipment, and site resources.
    • Ensure facilities consistently reflect organizational standards.
    • Oversee staff schedules, timekeeping, and operational systems.

Required Skills & Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree preferred; Associate's Degree and relevant experience considered.
    • Minimum two years of experience working with youth.
    • Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
    • Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
    • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
    • Proficiency with Office 365 and organizational data systems.
  • Must report suspected child abuse in accordance with California law.
    • Must be authorized to work in the United States.
    • CPR and First Aid Certification preferred or facilitated upon hire.
    • Valid TB clearance in accordance with organizational requirements.

Professional Mindset
  • Mission-driven and youth-centered.
    • Leads with accountability, professionalism, and integrity.
    • Develops people and builds strong teams.
    • Solutions-oriented and adaptable.
    • Collaborative and relationship-focused.
    • Committed to continuous learning and improvement.

Key Success Indicators
  • Maintains a safe and compliant site.
    • Meets attendance and enrollment targets.
    • Demonstrates strong program quality outcomes.
    • Develops and retains high-performing staff.
    • Maintains positive school and family partnerships.
    • Completes operational requirements accurately and on time.
    • Creates a positive and engaging member experience.

Physical Requirements
This position may require the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, lift, carry, push, or pull objects up to 50 pounds.
Disclaimer
This document reflects the general nature and level of work expected for this position and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all responsibilities.

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