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Program Director Jobs in Columbus, OH (NOW HIRING)

CESO, Inc.

Program Director

Columbus, OH

$107K - $227K/yr

At CESO, a Program Director is responsible for the execution of a portfolio-which may include a client program, a collection of related projects, or a regional operational area. The Program Director ...

Sevita

Program Director

Columbus, OH · On-site

Program Director, IDD Services Have you been looking for a fantastic role to continue your career path in Social and Human Services? Look no further. This role is critical to our success and ...

YMCA

Rapid ReHousing Program Director

Columbus, OH

$58K - $72K/yr

Rapid ReHousing Program Director Rate: $58,000 to $72,000 based on education, experience, and program Full Time - 40 hours/week The YMCA of Central Ohio is seeking enthusiastic and passionate ...

CESO, Inc.

Program Director - Public Works

Columbus, OH · On-site

$107K - $227K/yr

At CESO, a Program Director for Public Works is responsible for growing and maintaining a regional market area. The Program Director is responsible for the growth of client accounts. They will ...

CESO, Inc.

Program Director - Public Works

Columbus, OH · On-site

$107K - $227K/yr

At CESO, a Program Director for Public Works is responsible for growing and maintaining a regional market area. The Program Director is responsible for the growth of client accounts. They will ...

FACCES

Food Program Director

Columbus, OH

FACCES is seeking a dynamic and highly organized Food Pillar Director to oversee and manage our Urban Garden, Kitchen, and Fresh Market programs. In this leadership role, you will be responsible for ...

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Program Director information

See Columbus, OH salary details

$28.5K

$75.5K

$132.3K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Columbus, OH is $75,529.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,200.00 and $89,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Program Directors?

Program Directors are professionals responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing specific programs within an organization. They manage budgets, coordinate staff, evaluate program effectiveness, and ensure goals align with the organization’s mission. Program Directors often work in fields such as education, healthcare, nonprofit, and media. Their leadership ensures that programs run smoothly, meet objectives, and deliver value to stakeholders.

What are some common challenges Program Directors face when overseeing multiple projects or initiatives?

Program Directors often encounter the challenge of balancing competing priorities across several projects, while ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic goals. Managing diverse teams, coordinating resources, and addressing unexpected obstacles—such as shifting stakeholder requirements or budget constraints—are common aspects of the role. Effective communication, adaptability, and strong organizational skills are essential for navigating these complexities and ensuring successful program delivery. Collaboration with senior leadership and cross-functional teams is also crucial for resolving issues promptly and maintaining program momentum.

What is a program director?

A program director is a professional responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and evaluation of specific programs within an organization. They coordinate staff, manage budgets, and ensure program goals are met, often requiring leadership skills and relevant certifications. The role typically involves strategic decision-making and compliance with organizational policies.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Program Director can earn $10,000 or more per month, especially in large organizations or with extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and industry expertise. High-paying roles often require significant responsibility, strategic planning, and management skills, but may not always require a formal degree if supplemented by relevant experience and certifications.

What is the role of a program director?

A program director oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of specific programs within an organization. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, set goals, and ensure that program objectives are met efficiently and effectively, often requiring leadership, organizational skills, and relevant certifications.

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

To thrive as a Program Director, you need strong leadership, project management, and strategic planning skills, usually supported by a relevant degree and several years of management experience. Experience with budgeting software, project management tools like Asana or MS Project, and familiarity with compliance standards are often necessary. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution abilities are critical soft skills that set top Program Directors apart. These skills are crucial for aligning teams, driving program success, and ensuring organizational goals are consistently met.

What Is a Program Director?

A program director is an upper-management position found within organizations across almost all industries. Your primary job duties include coordinating, implementing, and overseeing all details of a company’s operation and programs. You monitor the budget, create community programs, supervise other managers, and develop better business practices. The exact job duties vary widely depending on industry and employer. Some program directors oversee the entire organization while others oversee specific departments. Though almost all industries utilize program directors, the two most commonly seen are business and healthcare.

What is the difference between Program Director vs Project Manager?

AspectProgram DirectorProject Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree; often prefers PMP or similar certificationsRequires a bachelor’s degree; PMP or CAPM certifications are common
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects within a program, strategic focusManages individual projects, tactical focus
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in nonprofits, corporate, government sectors for large initiativesCommon across industries for specific project execution

The Program Director focuses on overseeing multiple related projects to achieve strategic goals, while the Project Manager handles the planning and execution of a single project. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What degree do you need to be a program director?

A program director typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business, management, or a specific industry-related area. Many roles also prefer or require a master's degree or higher, along with experience in leadership, project management, or the specific sector they oversee.
More about Program Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Columbus, OH? The most popular types of Program jobs in Columbus, OH are:
What are popular job titles related to Program Director jobs in Columbus, OH? For Program Director jobs in Columbus, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Columbus, OH look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Columbus, OH are:
What cities near Columbus, OH are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Columbus, OH with the most Program Director job openings:
Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Columbus, OH as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,529 per year, or $36.3 per hour.
Program Director

Program Director

CESO, Inc.

Columbus, OH

$107K - $227K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Are you seeking purpose, challenge, and talented colleagues?  With a diverse portfolio of residential, energy, commercial, light industrial and public programs, CESO has the opportunity for you to develop your career. We develop leaders and empower our associates to use their skills and talents to positively impact the world through service - to our coworkers, clients, and communities. We subscribe to the mission of "empowering our people to impact communities by bringing clients' visions to life," so if this speaks to you, let's connect!

At CESO, a Program Director is responsible for the execution of a portfolio-which may include a client program, a collection of related projects, or a regional operational area. The Program Director is responsible for the growth of client accounts.  They will develop and execute strategies to grow client accounts by fulfilling other client needs and bringing in other services not yet performed for the client. They will coordinate client activities, monitor & forecast overall portfolio performance, and ensure the delivery of client projects. They will train and develop team members and identify those who can grow into more advanced roles. 
Primary Responsibilities
  • Be accountable for the team's quality of work, productivity, and actions.
  • Assist team members by providing technical direction.
  • Directs and oversees the execution of complex, portfolio comprised of multiple, interrelated architecture and engineering projects.
  • Serves as the primary point of contact for clients at the portfolio level, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction and sustained relationships.
  • Leads planning, execution, and delivery, ensuring scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives are met.
  • Coordinates project teams and resources in collaboration with project managers, discipline leads, and operations staff.
  • Identifies portfolio-level risks and issues; implements mitigation strategies and ensures timely resolution.
  • Oversees portfolio financials, including budgeting, forecasting, tracking project costs, monthly billing and ensuring portfolio profitability.
  • Ensures adherence to contractual obligations, applicable codes, design standards, and regulatory requirements.
  • Provides regular portfolio reporting and updates to internal leadership and client stakeholders.
  • Supports proposal development and participates in portfolio-related business development efforts.
  • Supervising direct reports is a key responsibility of this job.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Surveying or related field, with a minimum of 15 years of experience directly managing projects in a design and construction related field is preferred;
  • Or 20 years related experience and/or training is required.
  • Experience leading a team and working with multiple projects.
  • Professional Licensure (RA, PE, PS, RLA) is preferred.
  • PMP certification is preferred.
  • Computer skills necessary to enter daily timesheet data and use Microsoft Outlook for email correspondence.
  • Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Suite products, Deltek, and Newforma.
  • Ability to travel.
Benefits and Perks
  • Flexible and Hybrid Work Schedule
  • Paid Time Off - Credited to You 100% Upfront
  • 401K with a Company Match
  • Rewards and Recognition Program
  • Training and Development to Foster Professional Growth
  • Paid Holidays
  • Medical / Dental / Vision Coverage
  • Welcome Box
  • Casual Dress Code
  • Reimbursement for Professional Licenses
  • Paid Time Off for Community Team Service Events
  • Voluntary or Supplemental Short-Term / Long-Term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Company Paid Bonding and Recovery
  • Employee Events such as Lunches and Outings to Foster a Positive Work Environment
$107,541 - $227,956 a year
CESO Compensation Transparency:
The pay band shown reflects the minimum and maximum base salary for this position at CESO. Actual pay is 
determined by several factors, including location, experience, education, skills, and internal equity. Our pay 
structures are benchmarked against industry and market data to stay competitive. Each offer is based on a full review 
of a candidate's background, qualifications, and fit for the role.

Below are the typical new hire pay ranges for this position based on location:
Columbus, OH: $113,515 - $150,607
Akron, OH: $107,541 - $142,681
Brentwood, TN: $119,490 - $158,534
Charlotte, NC: $119,490 - $158,534
Cincinnati, OH: $113,515 - $150,607
Dayton, OH: $113,515 - $150,607
CESO is a principle-centered organization that aligns with strong service values, integrity, and authenticity.  We develop and inspire through training and coaching on the job.  At CESO, we believe that work should be more rewarding than just a paycheck.  In addition to a comprehensive benefit and compensation program, we create memories and friendships through our employee and service events.

CESO, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This organization participates in E-Verify and is a drug-free workplace. Criminal background checks and drug/alcohol checks are required.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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