Special offer 

Jumpstart your hiring with a $100 CAD credit to sponsor your first job.*

Sponsored jobs are 4.5X more likely to result in a hire.**
  • Invite matched candidates to apply
  • Increase your visibility in job search results
  • Appear to more candidates longer

Program Director Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Program Director, or Program Manager, is an executive professional who handles the planning, promotion, implementation, and evaluation of programs at an organization. They manage team members and ensure all programs operate within budget and on time.

Build a Job Description

Program Director duties and responsibilities

A Program Director is responsible for developing a well-structured plan of action that will support programs from start to finish. In addition to this, Program Directors are responsible for coordinating various interrelated tasks, which include:

  • Managing the overall operation of an organization’s programs
  • Designing, directing, implementing, and disseminating objectives and operational strategies
  • Creating and managing program budgets
  • Developing, processing, and monitoring evaluation toolkits and indicators to measure program performance
  • Ensuring project operations are consistent with regulatory guidelines and internal processes
  • Developing innovative work systems and processes to simplify operations of current programs
  • Collecting, recording, and analyzing project data
  • Developing insightful reports for top management
Build a Job Description

Program Director Job Description Examples:

What does a Program Director do?

Program Directors direct and coordinate the tasks and employees responsible for executing programs and projects in an organization. These professionals work for organizations that provide specific and ongoing services. They take care of various duties, including planning, scheduling, and coordinating programs to ensure they run within the set budget. Most importantly, they hire and mentor the right talent to succeed in the programs they oversee. Program Directors need to understand the laws and procedures regarding an organization’s operations for them to work within program parameters.

Program Director skills and qualifications

A successful Program Director needs to be ambitious and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment. They inspire and mentor team members in executing their tasks effectively. Some of the specific skills and qualifications of a Program Director include:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to multitask
  • Proven leadership and interpersonal skills
  • Vigorous business acumen, excellent customer service skills, and a strategic mindset
  • Organization skills and outstanding knowledge of data management skills
  • Working knowledge of performance metrics and program management techniques
  • Outstanding knowledge of program management software such as MS Project, Basecamp, and office tools like MS Office

Program Director experience requirements

A successful candidate needs to have applied knowledge of program management processes, budgeting, information analysis, and reporting. Candidates with experience as a Project Manager, Program Coordinator, Program Director, or other management role can be ideal.

Other requirements include at least 2 years of working experience in relevant roles and practical human management skills. For senior positions, a minimum of 5 years relevant experience is acceptable.

Program Director candidates should have prior experience in business management, especially in handling tasks such as recruitment, staff mentorship and training, performance benchmarking, policy design, and strategy development.

Program Director education and training requirements

Given the nature of a Program Director’s roles, most organizations prefer a Program Director with at least a Bachelor’s degree. Ideally, look for graduates of business management, project management, accounting, human resources, or any other business-related degree.

In some situations, candidates with a master’s degree will be ideal for this role. Besides this, applicants can improve their skills and competitiveness by completing relevant certifications such as Activity Director Certification (ADC) with an accredited organization.

Program Director salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary of a Program Director in Canada is $80,165 per year. This amount varies depending on the candidate’s education, previous experience, and the company’s location.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this Program Director job description sample isn’t what you’re looking for, related samples include:

Ready to Hire?Build a Job Description

Program Director Job Description FAQs

What is the difference between a Program Director and a Program Manager?

A desirable Program Director candidate has considerable experience in project management and a track record of successfully overseeing programs and projects. They need to research, plan, and develop sound processes for efficient program operations. The best Program Director candidates are professional and personable, making them able to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and levels of experience.

What key things make a Program Director candidate desirable?

A Program Director contributes to a successful program by overseeing it in its entirety. They design the program, assign funds, monitor performance, make adjustments and coordinate many various parts of the program. Their considerable prior experience in project management will allow them to ensure the smooth running of a program from beginning to end.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

No search results found