Program Director Jobs in Connecticut
Program Director jobs in Connecticut are concentrated in Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport, where healthcare systems, nonprofits, and defense contractors maintain deep program management functions across clinical services, social programs, and government contracting. Major employers with a lasting presence in the state include Yale New Haven Health, Hartford HealthCare, and Raytheon Technologies, all of which hire program directors at both mid-level and senior tiers. The most in-demand specialties are behavioral health program management, federally funded grant programs, and defense or aerospace program oversight. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 37+ Program Director jobs
About Chelsea Piers
Chelsea Piers Connecticut brings together sports, fitness, recreation and events in a dynamic destination in Stamford. We create experiences that help people of all ages build skills, connect with others and enjoy active lives.
Our team makes those experiences possible. We value teamwork, hospitality, accountability and a commitment to making someone’s day. Joining Chelsea Piers means working alongside passionate colleagues across a diverse business, with opportunities to contribute ideas, grow professionally and make a meaningful impact on our community.
The Opportunity
The Camps Director & Sports Program Assistant is responsible for coordinating, growing, and ensuring successful execution of the Summer Camps, School Break Camps, Kids Unleashed, and other youth and family-based programs and business lines. They will oversee the operational execution of all of these programs at Chelsea Piers Connecticut and report directly to the Vice President of Sports. This role is a relationship and business management-driven position, with camps and youth programs serving as major entry points for new families into the Chelsea Piers ecosystem.
This role requires a highly organized, growth-driven leader who can oversee curriculum development and delivery, develop staff, host training sessions, strategically monetize underutilized business areas for youth and family programs, and deliver best-in-class guest experiences while ensuring strong operational execution across camps, specialty sport- and enrichment-related youth programs.
Schedule: Full-Time, in-person, 40 hours per week. Schedule may vary based on events and business needs, and may include weekday evenings and weekends.
Compensation: $55,000 - $60,000
Key Responsibilities
Camp and Programs Development & Growth:
- Coordinate and grow summer camps, school break camps & sport/specialty youth programs business across Chelsea Piers Connecticut
- Own the financial performance of camps and assigned youth programs, including revenue growth, profitability, labor management, and enrollment targets.
- Support sports directors in building and retaining a committed team of counselors and coaches for summer camps, school break camps, Kids Unleashed, enrichment programs and partnerships, and specialty youth programs
- Ability to identify trends and develop and execute new programming for toddlers up to teens from end to end.
- Ability to build out and deliver staff training that motivates a team and creates a camp culture across all programs
- Coordinates schedules with sports directors
- Must be comfortable having conversations with parents regarding their child’s physical, social & emotional progress or experiences in programming
- Identify and launch new revenue-generating youth and family programs that maximize facility utilization during traditionally underutilized days and times, in collaboration with VP of Sports
- Must be the OEC expert for camps when it comes to timelines, deadlines, regulations, and ensuring compliance
- Build relationships with schools, camps, PTOs, community organizations, and families to generate new business opportunities
- Develop strategies to convert camp participants and families into year-round Chelsea Piers customers through sports programs, family memberships, events, and other experiences
- Work closely with Marketing
Operations & Execution
- Oversee operational execution of Summer Camps, School Break Camp and specialty youth programming
- Ensure staffing, scheduling, training, guest experience, safety, communication, and operational consistency across all programs. Build scalable systems and SOPs to support operational excellence and long-term growth
- Partner cross-functionally with Sports, Operations, Marketing, Fitness, and Guest Services to ensure best-in-class execution and customer experience
- Oversee recruitment, training and onboarding for all camp staff, in collaboration with sports directors and People Operations
- Manage the camps-ct@chelseapiers.com mailbox and ensure timely communication
- Support the Vice President of Sports on strategic initiatives, new programming opportunities, special events, and cross-departmental projects that advance the overall Sports business
Measures of Success
- Summer Camps revenue growth
- School Break Camps revenue growth
- Creation of new specialty early childhood and youth programming based on the needs of the business and community
- Camp enrollment and retention
- Camp, and early childhood and youth specialty program execution quality
- Camp inspection readiness and compliance
- Staff training completion rates
- Staffing coverage and scheduling efficiency
- Payroll accuracy and timeliness
- Labor cost management vs revenue generated
- Budget management
- Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, Education, Business Administration, Sports Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience considered.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in camps, afterschool programs, recreation, or youth programming, including at least 3 years in a leadership role overseeing staff and program operations.
- Demonstrated success developing, launching, and growing youth programs, including curriculum development, enrollment growth, and participant retention.
- Experience recruiting, supervising, coaching, and training seasonal and year-round staff while building a positive, service-focused team culture.
- Experience managing program budgets, staffing plans, labor costs, and payroll accuracy, with the ability to evaluate program profitability and operational efficiency.
- Working knowledge of camp and childcare licensing, safety practices, and regulatory compliance; experience with Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) requirements strongly preferred.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple programs, schedules, facilities, and departmental priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, including experience partnering with families, addressing sensitive concerns, and developing relationships with schools and community organizations.
- Strong business development mindset, with the ability to identify programming opportunities and collaborate with Marketing and department leaders to drive enrollment and cross-selling.
- Sound judgment and the ability to respond calmly and effectively to staffing challenges, participant concerns, and emergencies.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience using registration, scheduling, customer management, and payroll systems.
- Current CPR and First Aid certifications, or ability to obtain before assuming program oversight.
- Availability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required
Benefits
- Complimenary Chelsea Piers membership
- Discounts on Chelsea Piers programs for you and your family
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- FSA account
- Life insurance, long and short-term disability, and other voluntary benefits
- 401(k) investment and matching up to $1,000 per year after 1 year of employment
About Chelsea Piers
Chelsea Piers Connecticut brings together sports, fitness, recreation and events in a dynamic destination in Stamford. We create experiences that help people of all ages build skills, connect with others and enjoy active lives.
Our team makes those experiences possible. We value teamwork, hospitality, accountability and a commitment to making someone’s day. Joining Chelsea Piers means working alongside passionate colleagues across a diverse business, with opportunities to contribute ideas, grow professionally and make a meaningful impact on our community.
The Opportunity
The Camps Director & Sports Program Assistant is responsible for coordinating, growing, and ensuring successful execution of the Summer Camps, School Break Camps, Kids Unleashed, and other youth and family-based programs and business lines. They will oversee the operational execution of all of these programs at Chelsea Piers Connecticut and report directly to the Vice President of Sports. This role is a relationship and business management-driven position, with camps and youth programs serving as major entry points for new families into the Chelsea Piers ecosystem.
This role requires a highly organized, growth-driven leader who can oversee curriculum development and delivery, develop staff, host training sessions, strategically monetize underutilized business areas for youth and family programs, and deliver best-in-class guest experiences while ensuring strong operational execution across camps, specialty sport- and enrichment-related youth programs.
Schedule: Full-Time, in-person, 40 hours per week. Schedule may vary based on events and business needs, and may include weekday evenings and weekends.
Compensation: $55,000 - $60,000
Key Responsibilities
Camp and Programs Development & Growth:
- Coordinate and grow summer camps, school break camps & sport/specialty youth programs business across Chelsea Piers Connecticut
- Own the financial performance of camps and assigned youth programs, including revenue growth, profitability, labor management, and enrollment targets.
- Support sports directors in building and retaining a committed team of counselors and coaches for summer camps, school break camps, Kids Unleashed, enrichment programs and partnerships, and specialty youth programs
- Ability to identify trends and develop and execute new programming for toddlers up to teens from end to end.
- Ability to build out and deliver staff training that motivates a team and creates a camp culture across all programs
- Coordinates schedules with sports directors
- Must be comfortable having conversations with parents regarding their child’s physical, social & emotional progress or experiences in programming
- Identify and launch new revenue-generating youth and family programs that maximize facility utilization during traditionally underutilized days and times, in collaboration with VP of Sports
- Must be the OEC expert for camps when it comes to timelines, deadlines, regulations, and ensuring compliance
- Build relationships with schools, camps, PTOs, community organizations, and families to generate new business opportunities
- Develop strategies to convert camp participants and families into year-round Chelsea Piers customers through sports programs, family memberships, events, and other experiences
- Work closely with Marketing
Operations & Execution
- Oversee operational execution of Summer Camps, School Break Camp and specialty youth programming
- Ensure staffing, scheduling, training, guest experience, safety, communication, and operational consistency across all programs. Build scalable systems and SOPs to support operational excellence and long-term growth
- Partner cross-functionally with Sports, Operations, Marketing, Fitness, and Guest Services to ensure best-in-class execution and customer experience
- Oversee recruitment, training and onboarding for all camp staff, in collaboration with sports directors and People Operations
- Manage the camps-ct@chelseapiers.com mailbox and ensure timely communication
- Support the Vice President of Sports on strategic initiatives, new programming opportunities, special events, and cross-departmental projects that advance the overall Sports business
Measures of Success
- Summer Camps revenue growth
- School Break Camps revenue growth
- Creation of new specialty early childhood and youth programming based on the needs of the business and community
- Camp enrollment and retention
- Camp, and early childhood and youth specialty program execution quality
- Camp inspection readiness and compliance
- Staff training completion rates
- Staffing coverage and scheduling efficiency
- Payroll accuracy and timeliness
- Labor cost management vs revenue generated
- Budget management
- Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, Education, Business Administration, Sports Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience considered.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in camps, afterschool programs, recreation, or youth programming, including at least 3 years in a leadership role overseeing staff and program operations.
- Demonstrated success developing, launching, and growing youth programs, including curriculum development, enrollment growth, and participant retention.
- Experience recruiting, supervising, coaching, and training seasonal and year-round staff while building a positive, service-focused team culture.
- Experience managing program budgets, staffing plans, labor costs, and payroll accuracy, with the ability to evaluate program profitability and operational efficiency.
- Working knowledge of camp and childcare licensing, safety practices, and regulatory compliance; experience with Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) requirements strongly preferred.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple programs, schedules, facilities, and departmental priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, including experience partnering with families, addressing sensitive concerns, and developing relationships with schools and community organizations.
- Strong business development mindset, with the ability to identify programming opportunities and collaborate with Marketing and department leaders to drive enrollment and cross-selling.
- Sound judgment and the ability to respond calmly and effectively to staffing challenges, participant concerns, and emergencies.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience using registration, scheduling, customer management, and payroll systems.
- Current CPR and First Aid certifications, or ability to obtain before assuming program oversight.
- Availability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required
Benefits
- Complimenary Chelsea Piers membership
- Discounts on Chelsea Piers programs for you and your family
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- FSA account
- Life insurance, long and short-term disability, and other voluntary benefits
- 401(k) investment and matching up to $1,000 per year after 1 year of employment
See All 37 Program Director Jobs in Connecticut
Find roles in Connecticut that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Program Director JobsProgram Director Jobs by City in Connecticut
Where Connecticut roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Program Director Job Market in Connecticut
A snapshot from current Connecticut openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Connecticut Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in program director jobs across Connecticut.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in a field directly related to the program's subject area
- Five or more years of progressively responsible program or project management experience
- Demonstrated experience managing budgets, staff, and cross-functional teams simultaneously
- Familiarity with Connecticut state agency reporting requirements for publicly funded programs
- PMP certification or equivalent credential recognized by Connecticut employers in government contracting
- Experience with federal or state grant compliance, reporting cycles, and funder relationships
Program Director Jobs in Connecticut: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a program director in Connecticut?
Most program director roles in Connecticut require a bachelor's degree at minimum, with a master's degree strongly preferred in healthcare, social services, and government-funded programs. Connecticut does not issue a single statewide license for program directors, but roles in behavioral health may require licensure through the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and federally funded positions often require documented compliance training. Building experience in program coordination or management and earning a PMP credential strengthens most applications.
Which companies hire program directors in Connecticut?
Employers hiring program directors in Connecticut right now include Community Health Resources, Vinfen, and Hartford HealthCare, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Connecticut's concentration of large healthcare systems, defense contractors, and state-funded nonprofits means demand is consistent throughout the year across multiple program specialties.
Which Connecticut cities have the most program director jobs?
Hartford, Bridgeport, and Storrs have the most program director openings in Connecticut. Hartford leads because it is the state capital and home to major insurers, healthcare networks, and state agency contractors, while New Haven's concentration of academic medical centers and Bridgeport's nonprofit and community health sector drive demand in those markets.
Are there remote program director jobs in Connecticut?
Yes, though they are less common than in purely analytical fields because program directors typically oversee teams, facilities, or community-based services that require regular on-site presence. About 38% of program director openings tied to Connecticut are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with hybrid arrangements most common in grant management, policy-focused, and corporate program roles rather than direct-service or clinical oversight positions.
How can I get hired as a program director in Connecticut with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a program coordinator or program manager role first, building toward director-level responsibility over time. Large Connecticut employers like Hartford HealthCare and Yale New Haven Health regularly post coordinator-level openings that feed into director pipelines, and state-funded social service agencies often hire associate program staff under federal grant structures. Earning a PMP credential or completing a graduate certificate in nonprofit management or public health strengthens your candidacy before you have direct director experience.
Where can I find and apply to program director jobs in Connecticut?
You can find and apply to program director jobs in Connecticut on Migrate Mate, which lists current Connecticut openings. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your background and specialization, and apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 37 Program Director Jobs in Connecticut
Find roles in Connecticut that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Program Director Jobs