Program Associate Jobs in California
Program Associate jobs in California concentrate in nonprofit management, public health, education policy, and government-funded social services, with demand active enough to make California among the most competitive markets for the role nationally. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento, where organizations like Kaiser Permanente, RAND Corporation, and the University of California system maintain large program operations. Coordination, grants management, and community health program support are the most sought-after specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) has built a global reputation based on its immersive and innovative management programs. We provide students a transformative leadership experience, pushing the boundaries of knowledge with faculty research, and offering a portfolio of entrepreneurial and non-degree programs that deliver global impact. We invite you to be part of our mission of developing innovative, principled, and insightful leaders who change lives, change organizations, and change the world.
Success at the GSB is defined by The GSB Way - a commitment to shared purpose, community, and excellence in all that we do. We seek individuals who elevate themselves and those around them through the practice of academic candor, generous collaboration, and bringing curiosity and rigor to solving meaningful problems. At the GSB, impact means taking ownership, and contributing to a purpose-driven, collaborative, and high-performing community in service to the institution’s mission.
Executive Education is responsible for the development and management of GSB’s non-degree program offerings. The mission of our organization is to “use GSB faculty ideas to inspire global leaders to change their thinking and drive positive impact throughout their organizations.” Executive Education also provides an ideal vehicle for the GSB to experiment with innovation in both content and pedagogy.
The Executive Education Product and Business Development team of the Stanford Graduate School of Business seeks an Associate Director of Program Development. Program development is a collaborative and iterative process involving faculty, corporate client partners, and other Stanford units, to create meaningful and impactful learning experiences for senior corporate executives. The Associate Director, Program Development is responsible for program and curriculum design across in-person, online, and blended modalities. This could be in the context of creating open enrollment programs for individual leaders, custom programs for clients from organizations around the world, or other educational products.
This is a full-time, hybrid position with a minimum requirement of 2 days per week
Core Duties :
- Lead the planning and operations for programs or functions that have significant business, regulatory and/or technical challenges requiring subject matter expertise.
- Evaluate programs or functions, policies and procedures. Identify issues, and develop alternative solutions which may include changes to programs, policies and procedures.
- Review and analyze trends to advise and develop recommendations to achieve or modify the goals of the program or function.
- Represent the program or function within the department, unit or school. Commit resources and provide information and/or training. Represent the program or function at the university level and/or to external/internal stakeholders and constituencies.
- Manage and contribute to the development of outreach strategy that may include relationship development, communications and compliance.
- May develop and/or oversee budgets; manage finances including monitoring, analyzing, forecasting, and reporting.
- Assess training needs and may develop associated training. May direct and/or supervise staff.
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Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :
- Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time-sensitive projects with multiple deadlines.
- Ability to accomplish goals working through formal and informal channels, with diplomacy and tactfulness.
- Demonstrated creativity, problem solving, critical analysis, initiative, judgment and, decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and meet budget goals.
- Demonstrated solid planning and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated experience working independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
- Strong relevant subject matter knowledge.
- Ability to direct the work of others, for jobs requiring supervision.
See All 82 Program Associate Jobs in California
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Find Program Associate JobsProgram Associate Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Program Associate Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Technology & Software
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Science & Research
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in program associate jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in public health, social work, public policy, or a related field
- One to three years of program coordination or administrative project support experience
- Demonstrated experience managing program budgets, grants, or contract deliverables
- Proficiency with data tracking tools, spreadsheets, and case management or reporting systems
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder and community engagement
- Familiarity with California state-funded program compliance requirements and reporting standards
Program Associate Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a program associate in California?
Most California employers require a bachelor's degree in public health, social work, public policy, nonprofit management, or a closely related field. No single state-issued license governs the role, but positions in health-focused organizations often expect familiarity with California Department of Public Health program frameworks. Entry-level candidates typically build experience through internships or AmeriCorps service before applying to associate-level positions at county agencies or nonprofits.
Which companies hire program associates in California?
California program associate roles are posted by Herc Rentals, Adventist Health, and United Rentals and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's dense concentration of research universities, county health departments, and nationally headquartered nonprofits means openings appear across a broader range of employer types than most other states.
Which California cities have the most program associate jobs?
Sacramento, San Francisco, and San Diego account for the largest share of program associate openings in California. Los Angeles leads because of its scale of county social services and nonprofit sector, San Francisco draws openings from foundations and public health agencies, and Sacramento concentrates state government and policy-linked program roles that require associates to work directly with California departments.
Are there remote program associate jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many comparable roles, because program associate work is largely desk-based and involves coordination, reporting, and stakeholder communication that translate well to remote settings. About 44% of program associate openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, which reflects strong adoption across the nonprofit and policy sectors. Grant reporting, data coordination, and policy research functions are the most consistently remote.
How can I get hired as a program associate in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through AmeriCorps California placements or California Health Corps, which give hands-on program coordination experience that directly translates to associate-level roles. Large California employers such as county departments of social services and UC-affiliated research centers run new-grad associate programs that accept candidates without prior professional experience. Moving laterally from program assistant, case aide, or community health worker roles is equally common. A completed bachelor's degree paired with a capstone project or volunteer coordination experience gives candidates a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to program associate jobs in California?
You can find and apply to program associate jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across nonprofit, government, healthcare, and education employers. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly from the listing.
See All 82 Program Associate Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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