Director of Program Management

Impact: Strategic and Operational

Leads and oversees multiple complex programs within an organization, ensuring strategic alignment, successful execution, and achievement of business objectives. This role involves significant leadership, stakeholder management, risk mitigation, and resource allocation across various projects.

What the day looks like

People interaction
Extensive
Team vs solo
Primarily Team-Oriented
Client facing
Always
Impact visibility
Very High
Travel
Moderate (10-25%)
Schedule flexibility
Moderate
Remote work
Hybrid
Typical work hours
50-60 hours/week
Stress level
High

At a glance

Median salary
$150,000
Entry-level
$110,000
Senior
$200,000
Growth by 2033
10%
Demand
Growing
Freelance potential
Low
Salary growth potential
35%
Typical student debt
$40,000 - $80,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

  • Program Management Software
  • Budget Management
  • Risk Management
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Data Analysis

Soft skills

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Problem-Solving
  • Negotiation

Technical complexity: High

How to get there

Minimum education
Master's Degree
Licensing
No
Years to mid-career
7-10 years
Years to senior
12-15 years
Career switching
Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

    Where you can go from here

      Typical progression

      1. Project Manager
      2. Senior Project Manager
      3. Program Manager
      4. Director of Program Management
      5. VP of Programs

      Future outlook

      Automation probability
      5%
      AI disruption risk
      Low
      Demand trend
      Growing

      How people feel about it

      Overall satisfaction
      7.8/10
      Meaning
      8.5/10
      Work-life balance
      6.5/10
      Prestige
      5/10
      Social perception
      Very High

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