What does a Program Director do?
Program Directors may be responsible for a single program or oversee the development and implementation of multiple programs within their organization. The role of a Program Director is to identify company objectives and create programs that further those goals, determining the type of content they want to produce through the program and setting benchmarks for success.
The Program Director determines the operations structure for each project and makes choices about funding, staffing, reporting and marketing. They appoint employees to key program roles and delegate tasks based on their skills and experience. Program Directors communicate with senior management about the progress of their programs.
Program Director skills and qualifications
A successful Program Director has a variety of skills and qualifications that allow them to manage their responsibilities effectively, which can include:
- Demonstrated leadership skills
- Strategic mindset
- Ability to multitask
- Problem-solving skills
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
Program Director salary expectations
A Program Director makes an average of $62,903 per year. Salary may depend on a candidate’s education, experience level and geographical location.
Program Director salary expectations
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Common salary:
72313.43 YEARLY -
Typical salaries range from
14000.00 -176000.00 YEARLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Program Director education and training requirements
Most employers require Program Directors to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a field such as human resources, accounting, business management, business administration or communications. Some entry-level jobs will provide cross-training opportunities to advance into the Program Director position. Other companies may require a master’s degree and specialized degrees in their specific industry. Some relevant certifications applicants can earn to increase their chances of being hired include the Activity Director Certified (ADC) and the Certified Project Director (CPD) designations.
Program Director experience requirements
Experience level for Program Directors can vary depending on the size and type of company. Many Program Directors start their careers in entry-level positions like Program Organizer or Administrative Assistant and gain on-the-job training that can help them advance them a senior role. Larger companies often require Program Directors to have 5 or more years of previous experience. Some businesses and organizations give experience credit for graduate work, especially for industry-specific degrees and MBAs. All Program Director applicants should have experience implementing and monitoring the success of new programs as well as organizing program activities using teamwork and goal-setting.
Program Director Job Description Template
We are looking for an experienced Program Director to supervise a wide range of programs. You will be responsible for the delivery and overall success of each program. You will supervise managers and inform management on progress and performance. A successful Program Director must have a broad knowledge of program management principles. They must have a strategic mindset as well as be able to lead and develop their subordinates. The goal is to ensure every program will be delivered successfully and add the highest possible value to the organization.
Responsibilities
- Initiate and set goals for programs according to the strategic objectives of the organization
- Plan the programs from start to completion involving deadlines, milestones and processes
- Develop or approve budgets and operations
- Devise evaluation strategies to monitor performance and determine the need for improvements
- Supervise all program and project managers involved to provide feedback and resolve complex problems
- Discover ways to enhance efficiency and productivity of procedures and people
- Apply change, risk and resource management principles when needed
- Read reports prepared by managers to determine progress and issues
- Ensure program operations and activities adhere to legal guidelines and internal policies
- Keep senior management informed with detailed and accurate reports or presentations
Requirements
- Proven experience as program director or other managerial position
- Thorough understanding of project/program management techniques and methods
- Excellent Knowledge of performance evaluation techniques and key metrics
- Outstanding knowledge of data analysis, reporting and budgeting
- Working knowledge of MS office and program management software (e.g. Basecamp, MS Project etc.)
- A business acumen with a strategic ability
- Excellent organizational and leadership skills
- An analytical mindset with great problem-solving abilities
- Excellent communication skills
Job description samples for similar positions
If this Program Director job description template isn’t what you’re looking for, see our job descriptions for related positions:
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