Program Directors have many roles, so we’re looking for someone that’s ready to take on a big role. As a program director, you’ll overlook the program staff and help with program preparation, evaluation, and budgeting. You’ll also help plan the program activities, so creativity is a must for this position.
Other duties will include establishing a reasonable budget, evaluating the program’s effectiveness, giving feedback for areas that need improvement, and coordinating the colleague’s tasks. To be qualified for this job, we’re looking for someone who has strong critical-thinking skills, effective communication skills, the ability to solve complex problems, and someone who has good time management skills. This position does require a bachelor’s degree in either business administration or another related field. Employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree, it just depends on the company.
Sample job description
A motivated and talented program director is needed to lead [Your Company Name]. Your position will be at the forefront of the organization, and you will be in charge of every aspect of management. This will include managing employees, hiring staff and new team members, managing the budget and overseeing finances, and working on marketing in coordination with the team marketer. The program director must be willing to work hard and full-time and must be dedicated enough to work overtime if needed. This position is not for the faint of heart. If this sounds like you, and like a position you could excel in, please consider applying!
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Oversee the administrative aspects of program implementation
- Evaluate program effectiveness and provide recommendations for areas of improvement
- Plan and manage program activities
- Coordinate the tasks of colleagues
- Maintain accurate records of all projects
- Establish a plan and budget
Education and experience
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a specific industry-related field. Many employers prefer candidates who have a master’s degree.
Required skills and qualifications
- Critical-thinking and decision-making skills
- Expertise in communication and organization
- Proficient in finding creative solutions to complex problems
- Strong time management skills and ability to multi-task
- Ensure program meets the objectives of the organization
Preferred qualifications
- 5+ years of experience managing employees
- Strong sense of purpose and self-driven
- Excellent time management skills
- Master’s degree in business
- Ability to interview and hire dedicated employees
Typical work environment
Program directors work in organizations and often non-profit industries. These program directors are required to manage and oversee all aspects of the operation in an organizational initiative. Program directors will oftentimes be responsible for developing, troubleshooting, and deploying a non-profit’s initiatives and programs. A program director may be in charge of managing employees and staff, hiring new employees, working on the marketing aspect of the initiative, and managing finances. This position will require travel, as the program director will oftentimes be in charge of multiple locations and areas of the organization. Strong communication and leadership skills are required for a program director to be successful, as well as the ability to streamline and resolve problems in operations.
Typical hours
Typical hours for this position are from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, in an office setting.
Available certifications
A program director is not required to have any certifications, as this position is largely based on leadership and organizational skills. There are certain certificates that can benefit a program director, however, such as the following:
- Program Director Certification (PDC). The program director certification is an online course offered to help train and certify program directors. This course is offered by the BVOP, and can be beneficial for both beginning program directors, aspiring program directors, and established program directors.
- Program Management Professional (PgMP). The Program Management Professional Certification is offered by the Program Management Institute, which is a recognized and reputable organization for program directors. This certification course and exam costs $1,000 for non-members and $800 for members. It ensures that program directors are of professional level skill sets.
Career path
The path to becoming a program manager starts by earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a specific industry-related field. Employers may prefer candidates who have a master’s degree, as well as those with on-the-job experience. Program directors may have the opportunity to advance to positions such as senior program manager.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 11-9151
| 2020 Employment | 174,200 |
| Projected Employment in 2030 | 200,700 |
| Projected 2020-2030 Percentage Shift | 15% increase |
| Projected 2020-2030 Numeric Shift | 26,400 increase |
Position trends
Specifically, within a service-oriented industry, program directors will have increased opportunities as a result of population growth, an aging population, and an increase in those seeking treatment for addiction and substance abuse. In other industries, demand for program directors should increase with the development of new organizations and the expansion of existing ones.