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Program Director Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated October 8, 2025
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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7 min read

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.

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

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Program Director Job Description Examples:

Example 1

Namao Mighty Learners is a new Early Learning & School Age Program. We are looking for a strong leader with management experience for the position of Program Director.

Qualification requirement for Applicants
  • Level 3 Early Childhood Educator (required). Early Childhood Education Diploma or Degree from a recognized College or University
  • Valid First Aid/CPR Certification (required)
  • Current Clean Criminal Record Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search (required)
  • Food Safe, or willing to complete the course
  • Management Experience and Education is an asset

Applicants must have
  • Minimum of five years’ experience in an Early Learning & Care program
  • Must demonstrate solid understanding of regulations including Child Care Licensing, Alberta Health, Fire, and all related authorities.
  • Experience with programming and implementing licensing regulations for children ages 3-12 years
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work closely with a team of educators
  • Strong organizational and administrative skills
  • Effective time management skills
  • Demonstrate cultural competency and respect for families and educator’s background

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • No weekends

Application question(s):
  • Please indicate the Level of your Certification (i.e. Early Childhood Educator Level 3
  • Do you have a Valid First Aid/Level B CPR?
  • Do you have a current Criminal Record Check with a Vulnerable Sector search? (Requirement by start date: 2022-08-01

Example 2

Tiny Toes Castle is a Licensed & Award-winning Early Learning & Child Care Center. We are looking for a strong leader with management experience for the position of Program Director.

Qualification requirement for Applicants:
  • Level 3 Early Childhood Educator (required). Early Childhood Education Diploma or Degree from a recognized College or University
  • Valid First Aid/CPR Certification (required)
  • Current Clean Criminal Record Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search (required)
  • Food Safe, or willing to complete the course
  • Management Experience and Education is an asset

Applicants must have:
  • Minimum of five years’ experience in an Early Learning & Care program
  • Must demonstrate solid understanding of regulations including Child Care Licensing, Alberta Health, Fire, and all related authorities.
  • Experience with programming and implementing licensing regulations for children ages 12 months-12 years
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work closely with a team of educators
  • Strong organizational and administrative skills
  • Effective time management skills
  • Demonstrate cultural competency and respect for families and educator’s background

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
  • No weekends

Application question(s):
  • Please indicate the Level of your Certification (i.e. Early Childhood Educator Level 3)
  • Do you have a Valid First Aid/Level B CPR?
  • Do you have a current Criminal Record Check with a Vulnerable Sector search? (Requirement by Licensing)
  • Have you worked as a Program Director? If so, how many start date: 2022-06-22

Example 3

A new daycare opening this Septmber in the Athalone, Calder and Lauderdale area is seeking to hire an experienced program directors to join us and start the journey to success with our team.

We offer:

1- A full-time position

2- Benefits after a probation period of 3 months

3- A competitive compensation package

4- Profit-Sharing Plan

5- Bounces: New Registration bounces and Quarterly Assesment bounces

6- Fun and comfortable environment to work in.

7- Onsite childcare with 40% discount

8- Hourly rate = $26 to $28 NOT Including TOPUP

An ideal candidate would have:

1- Level 3 with 5 years experience as a daycare program director in Edmonton. Applications with less than 5 years experience as a daycare director will be automatically rejected.

2- First Aid certification

3- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector (willing to get it)

4- Food handling certificate from AHS

5- Flexibility and a positive attitude

6- Fluency in English

7- Must be physically agile, highly energetic and be able to work both indoors and outdoors.

8- Living close to the daycare will be a bounce.

A detailed job description will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.

If this sounds like you and you want to know more about what we have to offer you, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Looking forward to working together :)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00-$28.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40 per week

Benefits:
  • Company events
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Flexible schedule
  • On-site childcare
  • On-site parking
  • Paid time off
  • Profit sharing
  • RRSP match
  • Vision care
Flexible Language Requirement:
  • French not required
Schedule:
  • Monday to Location: In person

Example 4

Position Summary

Responsible for the management, supervision and evaluation of employees, ensuring contractual obligations are met. Participate in strategic planning, budget proposals and change management initiatives.

Education and Training

Bachelor Degree in related field, such as Social Work or Business + two years supervisory experience.

Experience & Proficiencies

  • Responsible for the implementation, management, and evaluation of all activities of programs
  • Ensure effective program and service delivery, consistent with contractual requirements
  • Supervise employees to ensure they reach expected outcomes are met, implement strategies to remedy issues
  • Remain current on policies and contract amendments, implementing same in a timely and organized manner
  • Review monthly reports, quarterly and annual statistics as per contract requirements
  • Assist Executive Director to determine program needs and operational requirements within responsibility area
  • Support the Executive Director to implement, monitor and evaluate policies and procedures and strategic plan
  • Collaborate with Executive Director, assist with expansion of programs and form partnerships as appropriate
  • Maintain reports, records, and statistics with timely submission of monthly reports
  • Perform other duties as required
Other Requirements
  • Class 5 driver's license, clear driver's abstract and daily access to and use of vehicle
  • Detail and results oriented and ability to manage tasks a fast paced environment with conflicting demands
  • Maintain professional boundaries with employees, clients, and other stakeholders
  • Knowledge of the Society, its programs and funding agencies
  • Clear Criminal Record review
Submit Cover Letter and Resume to Audrey Parnell, Executive Assistant
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted

NCCS is committed to Employment Equality and encourages applications from qualified candidates. Comprehensive benefit packages and education/training opportunities are available.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $28.00-$35.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • Casual dress
  • Dental care
  • Extended health care
  • Flextime
  • Vision care
Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1P9: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work Degree (required)

Example 5

Vermilion Play Development is a non-profit charitable society that operates early learning and child care programs in Vermilion, Alberta. Our programs are licensed and follow best practices with a "learning through play" philosophy using the "Flight" curriculum. We are an equal opportunity employer that promotes diversity amount our employees.

Availability

Hours needed are between 730am to 6pm. We are closed holidays and 2 weeks at Christmas.

Qualifications

Applicants must love working with infants and toddlers understanding their special needs and requirements, have experience with early learning education, child development and child care. Team work and valuing an inclusive philosophy when working with children is essential for this position.

Preference will be given to applicants with education, certification and experience in this field. All applicants are required to have a criminal record check including vulnerable sector search and an intervention check before starting. First aid will be required or supplied by employer.

Job Description

1. Follows and references for all program activities the Alberta Early Learning and Child Care Regulation and Alberta Health Services

2. Oversees all staff, students, and volunteers

3. Oversees programming plans, activities, events, and correspondence related to the program, using "Flight" curriculum.

4. Creates, implements, and oversees cleaning, safety, Alberta Health, and licensing required documents

5. Responsible for communications with Licensing Authorities, program services, and Public Health officials.

6. Is professional in manner in regard to communications, appearance, and relationships with stakeholders

7. Reports on program to the Executive Board meetings and the AGM

8. Oversee communications between the program and families including newsletters, emails, interviews, orientations.

9. Conducts yearly performance reviews with staff, regularly communicates effective management of any issues. Regulates probationary staff and conducts reviews with them upon completion.

10. Responsible for initial and ongoing training for staff in regard to policy and procedures, program plan and mentoring plan.

11. Orientates new staff and families to the program following the policy and procedures.

12. Fostering a harassment-free work environment and setting an example about appropriate workplace behavior.

Accountable to: Operations Manager

Job Type: Permanent

Pay: $28.12-$32.12 per hour

Benefits:
  • Dental care
  • Extended health care
  • Life insurance
Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday



Application question(s):
  • Do you live near or close to Vermilion, Alberta Canada?

Licence/Certification:
  • ECE Level 3 certification? Location: In person

Example 6

The Eastman Immigrant Services (EIS) Program Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the EIS program, according to strategic direction from the Executive Director. The Program Director will oversee, mentor, coach and provide support and stability for all staff. As staff increases, this function will increase.

Duties and Responsibilities for the Eastman Immigrant Services Program Director

Program Development and Delivery

· The Program Director will plan, organize, direct, and supervise the activities of EIS

· Together with the Executive Director, will formulate and implement a strategic plan based on needs assessments and market analysis

· Initiate new programs as needed

· Communicate regularly to members of the Chamber board, community service providers and relevant government departments

· Build/foster good working relationship with Chamber Board and City Council.

· Coordinate the purchase of appropriate and relevant resources

· Participate in research projects, partnership and participation with programs

· Participate and network with MANSO as well as with other regional settlement services providers

Marketing, Promotion and Public Relations

· The Program Director will develop, implement and evaluate a communications strategy designed to inform the general public of the mandate and initiatives of EIS

· Develop and implement strategies for publicity, and community awareness

· Initiate and maintain contact with the media

· Act as a spokesperson for the organization

· Develop and maintain networks with officials in the region

· Present EIS services to various organizations and community groups relevant to newcomers.

· Answer written and oral inquiries

Administration

· Plan, administer and maintain the budget including: interpret and analyze revenues and expenditures, making cost effective decisions and providing recommendations

· Provide program activity reports

· Prepare regular reports as required by funding organizations

· Conduct program evaluation and analysis for Program Development, and strategic planning

· Prepare funding applications including proposal and budget

Staff Support

· Provide ongoing support and feedback to staff

· Evaluate program delivery – develop employee evaluations and employee contracts

· Address human resource issues – as staff increases, this function increases

· Awareness of Workplace Health and Safety, Workers Compensation

· Hire and conduct orientation of new staff – Develop interview procedure and techniques, develop orientation document for new staff, provide ongoing PD opportunities as needed.

· Ensure that EIS operates within Employment Standards, maintaining awareness of new policies

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $25.00-$28.00 per hour

Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday



Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Steinbach, MB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:
  • Secondary School (preferred)


Work Location: In deadline: 2023-08-31

Example 7

St. Brigid’s Summer Camp
[phone number]

[website]

LIT Program Director

*About St. Brigid’s Summer Camp
For 50 years, St. Brigid’s Summer Camp has offered a summer camp experience to children and youth of all backgrounds. Our camp is located on beautiful Lake Manitou, near Low, Quebec. We are a waterfront-based camp that offers activities including swimming, canoeing, hiking, games, arts and crafts and campfires. St. Brigid’s Summer Camp is open to children aged 8 to 14 and each camp session runs from Monday to Friday (five days/four nights).

Your Role & How You Will Contribute
As an STB Leader-In-Training (LIT) Program Director, you will develop, organize and execute a dynamic leadership development program for a group of youth aged 14 to 15 and support the overall camp program and experience. The LIT Program Director is responsible for facilitating an inspiring camp experience that prepares LIT Program participants to be future leaders of tomorrow.

St. Brigid’s Summer Camp is looking for staff who believe in the mission of the camp and have a passion for working with children and youth. Applicants must have strong organization, time management, communication and leadership skills and be able to confidently lead small and large group activities. Applicants must be exceptional team players, with an ability to work effectively with a variety of personalities. All St. Brigid Summer Camp employees are expected to be full participants in camp life and possess enthusiasm, energy, patience and a sense of fun.

Key Duties & Responsibilities
This position reports to the Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director. Duties and responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):
  • Developing, planning and implementing an LIT program that builds leadership skills, includes team-building exercises and prepares participants to be leaders of tomorrow
  • Acting as a resource for the LIT program participants and monitoring participants’ daily progress and general welfare
  • Working with the Program Coordinator to develop, plan and implement camp programming that is engaging, safe, adaptive and inclusive
  • Ensuring that the LIT program is additive to the camp program and experience
  • Documenting incidents as required by camp procedures
  • Fulfilling other tasks as required by a member of the senior staff team and/or as directed by theCamp Director and/or Assistant Camp Director and/or Program Coordinator

Qualifications
Qualified applicants will have:

  • Experience working with children and youth
  • Experience developing, planning and implementing programming for groups
  • Proven leadership skills
  • All employees over the age of 18 years must provide a current Police Criminal Record Check

Salary
Based on experience and qualifications, starts at $1,200 per month and includes transportation to and from camp and room and board (all meals from Monday lunch to Friday lunch).

Application Process
Interested applicants can apply by emailing a resume and cover letter to the camp office.
Brigid’s Summer Camp invites applications from all qualified candidates. The application deadline is
Friday December 9, 2022.

Job Type: Seasonal

Salary: From $1,200.00 per month

Benefits:
  • Casual dress
  • Discounted or free food
  • Housing allowance
  • On-site parking
Flexible Language Requirement:
  • French not required
Schedule:
  • 8 hour Location: One location
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
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Download our free step-by-step guide on encouraging healthy risk-taking
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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

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Program Director Job Description FAQs

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