Program Director Jobs in Wisconsin
Program Director jobs in Wisconsin are concentrated in Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay, with strong demand in healthcare administration, nonprofit management, and government-funded social services. Large employers with a lasting presence in the state include Advocate Aurora Health, UW Health, and the University of Wisconsin System, all of which regularly hire program directors at the manager, senior, and executive levels. Healthcare program leadership and community services coordination are among the most active specialties in the current Wisconsin market. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 40+ Program Director jobs
- JR10015106
- Remote
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Outreach and Community Engagement
- Closing at: Sep 30 2026 - 11:00pm CDT
Job Category:
Academic StaffEmployment Type:
RegularJob Profile:
Outreach Program Associate Director (B)Job Summary:
The Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER) seeks an Outreach Program Associate Director to support the strategic growth, visibility, and long-term success of the Simulation Lab (SimLab).
The UW SimLab’s vision is to set a global standard for the training and assessment of professionals’ interaction skills during challenging situations. The SimLab seeks to bring transformative change to professional training and assessment. Rather than relying on idiosyncratic field-based placements for learning skilled professional practices, the SimLab uses modern assessment design, AI, and evidence-based professional learning approaches to provide learning environments that can be controlled and studied. The SimLab supports the development of multidisciplinary professionals’ inclusive and evidence-based professional practices. By helping instructors and researchers develop, use, and analyze interaction-based tasks for instructional and research purposes, the lab encourages professionals’ exploration, professional self-efficacy, understanding of professional practice, and capability in enacting transformative skills.
Reporting to the SimLab Director, this position develops and advances strategic partnerships, leads business engagement initiatives, and coordinates communications and outreach efforts that expand the SimLab's impact across the university and beyond.
The Outreach Program Associate Director serves as the primary relationship manager for the SimLab, cultivating and maintaining partnerships with campus units, school districts, foundations and funding organizations, professional associations, industry collaborators, and other external stakeholders. This position leads strategic projects, develops marketing and communication strategies, coordinates publications and promotional efforts, supports funding and business development opportunities, and represents the SimLab at the campus, regional, and national levels. Working collaboratively with faculty, researchers, WCER leadership, and external partners, the Outreach Program Associate Director plays a critical role in advancing the SimLab's mission, expanding its network of collaborators, and increasing awareness of its innovative work in simulation-based professional learning.
Responsibilities:
Outreach, Engagement & Partnership Development
Develop and implement strategies that expand the SimLab's partnerships, visibility, and long-term sustainability.
Build, cultivate, and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including campus leadership, faculty, school districts, healthcare organizations, professional associations, nonprofit organizations, industry collaborators, and funding partners.
Identify and pursue opportunities to establish new partnerships that advance the SimLab's strategic priorities and organizational growth.
Represent the SimLab in meetings, conferences, professional organizations, and other engagement activities to strengthen relationships and increase organizational visibility.
Marketing, Communications, & Publications
Develop and implement strategic marketing and communication plans that increase awareness of the SimLab's mission, programs, research, and impact.
Coordinate publications, promotional materials, presentations, newsletters, website content, digital communications, and other outreach initiatives.
Collaborate with WCER communications staff to promote SimLab accomplishments, events, partnerships, and innovations.
Ensure consistent messaging and branding across communication channels and stakeholder audiences.
Strategic Project Leadership
Lead and coordinate strategic initiatives that support the continued growth and expansion of the SimLab.
Facilitate collaboration across WCER, the School of Education, campus partners, and external organizations to achieve project objectives.
Evaluate processes and recommend improvements that enhance organizational effectiveness, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development.
Develop policies, procedures, and institutional agreements on behalf of the lab.
Organizational Growth & Strategic Initiatives
Identify and support funding, sponsorship, partnership, and outreach opportunities that advance the SimLab's strategic priorities.
Assist in developing proposals, collaborative initiatives, and partnership opportunities that strengthen the SimLab's long-term sustainability.
Support strategic planning efforts that expand the SimLab's regional and national presence and increase organizational impact.
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Directs long-range and short-term strategic plans and initiatives to further the growth of the outreach program
- Assists with developing and monitoring the budget
- Develops organizational and operational policies and procedures and monitors performance to ensure alignment with strategic objectives
- Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
- Serves as the unit liaison to internal and external stakeholder groups providing organizational information and representing the interests of the unit
Reviews recommendations for and provides input on the design and development of new outreach programs or services
Department:
School of Education / Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER) Simulation Lab (SimLab)
Compensation:
Minimum: $100,000
Commensurate with qualifications and experience. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.
Required Qualifications:
Demonstrated ability to develop, cultivate, and sustain collaborative partnerships with diverse internal and external stakeholders
Experience leading strategic initiatives, organizational development efforts, or complex projects involving multiple partners and competing priorities
Knowledge of outreach, stakeholder engagement, relationship management, strategic communications, marketing, and partnership development.
Demonstrated experience developing written communications including reports, presentations, publications, promotional materials, website content, or other communication products
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical audiences
Demonstrated ability to build consensus, influence stakeholders, and foster collaborative relationships without direct supervisory authority
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives and meet deadlines
Ability to identify opportunities that strengthen outreach, partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and organizational impact.
Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite and other business technology applications
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working in higher education, research centers, nonprofit organizations, or similarly complex environments
Experience developing strategic partnerships that support organizational growth, innovation, or program expansion
Experience developing and implementing marketing, communication, or stakeholder engagement strategies
Experience supporting grant development, sponsored projects, outreach initiatives, partnership development, or external funding opportunities.
Experience representing an organization through presentations, conferences, professional organizations, or external networking activities
Knowledge of educational research, simulation-based learning, educational technology, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, mixed reality, or related fields
Experience coordinating interdisciplinary initiatives involving faculty, researchers, community organizations, government agencies, or industry partners
Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices through collaborative partnerships and organizational engagement
Education:
Master’s degree or higher in Educational Policy, Public Policy, or similar area
How to Apply:
To begin the application process,
Important: The application has only one attachment field. Upload the following documents in that field, either as a single combined file or as multiple files in the same upload area.
Upload a copy of:
Current Resume/CV
Cover Letter addressing how your training and experience align with the required and preferred qualifications listed above
Note: References will be requested from final candidates. All applicants will be notified once the search concludes and a candidate is selected. Incomplete application packages that do not include all of the requested documentation will not be considered
Contact Information:
Jessica Tierney
SimLab Operations Manager
jtierney5@wisc.edu
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.
- JR10015106
- Remote
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Outreach and Community Engagement
- Closing at: Sep 30 2026 - 11:00pm CDT
Job Category:
Academic StaffEmployment Type:
RegularJob Profile:
Outreach Program Associate Director (B)Job Summary:
The Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER) seeks an Outreach Program Associate Director to support the strategic growth, visibility, and long-term success of the Simulation Lab (SimLab).
The UW SimLab’s vision is to set a global standard for the training and assessment of professionals’ interaction skills during challenging situations. The SimLab seeks to bring transformative change to professional training and assessment. Rather than relying on idiosyncratic field-based placements for learning skilled professional practices, the SimLab uses modern assessment design, AI, and evidence-based professional learning approaches to provide learning environments that can be controlled and studied. The SimLab supports the development of multidisciplinary professionals’ inclusive and evidence-based professional practices. By helping instructors and researchers develop, use, and analyze interaction-based tasks for instructional and research purposes, the lab encourages professionals’ exploration, professional self-efficacy, understanding of professional practice, and capability in enacting transformative skills.
Reporting to the SimLab Director, this position develops and advances strategic partnerships, leads business engagement initiatives, and coordinates communications and outreach efforts that expand the SimLab's impact across the university and beyond.
The Outreach Program Associate Director serves as the primary relationship manager for the SimLab, cultivating and maintaining partnerships with campus units, school districts, foundations and funding organizations, professional associations, industry collaborators, and other external stakeholders. This position leads strategic projects, develops marketing and communication strategies, coordinates publications and promotional efforts, supports funding and business development opportunities, and represents the SimLab at the campus, regional, and national levels. Working collaboratively with faculty, researchers, WCER leadership, and external partners, the Outreach Program Associate Director plays a critical role in advancing the SimLab's mission, expanding its network of collaborators, and increasing awareness of its innovative work in simulation-based professional learning.
Responsibilities:
Outreach, Engagement & Partnership Development
Develop and implement strategies that expand the SimLab's partnerships, visibility, and long-term sustainability.
Build, cultivate, and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including campus leadership, faculty, school districts, healthcare organizations, professional associations, nonprofit organizations, industry collaborators, and funding partners.
Identify and pursue opportunities to establish new partnerships that advance the SimLab's strategic priorities and organizational growth.
Represent the SimLab in meetings, conferences, professional organizations, and other engagement activities to strengthen relationships and increase organizational visibility.
Marketing, Communications, & Publications
Develop and implement strategic marketing and communication plans that increase awareness of the SimLab's mission, programs, research, and impact.
Coordinate publications, promotional materials, presentations, newsletters, website content, digital communications, and other outreach initiatives.
Collaborate with WCER communications staff to promote SimLab accomplishments, events, partnerships, and innovations.
Ensure consistent messaging and branding across communication channels and stakeholder audiences.
Strategic Project Leadership
Lead and coordinate strategic initiatives that support the continued growth and expansion of the SimLab.
Facilitate collaboration across WCER, the School of Education, campus partners, and external organizations to achieve project objectives.
Evaluate processes and recommend improvements that enhance organizational effectiveness, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development.
Develop policies, procedures, and institutional agreements on behalf of the lab.
Organizational Growth & Strategic Initiatives
Identify and support funding, sponsorship, partnership, and outreach opportunities that advance the SimLab's strategic priorities.
Assist in developing proposals, collaborative initiatives, and partnership opportunities that strengthen the SimLab's long-term sustainability.
Support strategic planning efforts that expand the SimLab's regional and national presence and increase organizational impact.
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Directs long-range and short-term strategic plans and initiatives to further the growth of the outreach program
- Assists with developing and monitoring the budget
- Develops organizational and operational policies and procedures and monitors performance to ensure alignment with strategic objectives
- Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
- Serves as the unit liaison to internal and external stakeholder groups providing organizational information and representing the interests of the unit
Reviews recommendations for and provides input on the design and development of new outreach programs or services
Department:
School of Education / Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER) Simulation Lab (SimLab)
Compensation:
Minimum: $100,000
Commensurate with qualifications and experience. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.
Required Qualifications:
Demonstrated ability to develop, cultivate, and sustain collaborative partnerships with diverse internal and external stakeholders
Experience leading strategic initiatives, organizational development efforts, or complex projects involving multiple partners and competing priorities
Knowledge of outreach, stakeholder engagement, relationship management, strategic communications, marketing, and partnership development.
Demonstrated experience developing written communications including reports, presentations, publications, promotional materials, website content, or other communication products
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical audiences
Demonstrated ability to build consensus, influence stakeholders, and foster collaborative relationships without direct supervisory authority
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives and meet deadlines
Ability to identify opportunities that strengthen outreach, partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and organizational impact.
Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite and other business technology applications
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working in higher education, research centers, nonprofit organizations, or similarly complex environments
Experience developing strategic partnerships that support organizational growth, innovation, or program expansion
Experience developing and implementing marketing, communication, or stakeholder engagement strategies
Experience supporting grant development, sponsored projects, outreach initiatives, partnership development, or external funding opportunities.
Experience representing an organization through presentations, conferences, professional organizations, or external networking activities
Knowledge of educational research, simulation-based learning, educational technology, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, mixed reality, or related fields
Experience coordinating interdisciplinary initiatives involving faculty, researchers, community organizations, government agencies, or industry partners
Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices through collaborative partnerships and organizational engagement
Education:
Master’s degree or higher in Educational Policy, Public Policy, or similar area
How to Apply:
To begin the application process,
Important: The application has only one attachment field. Upload the following documents in that field, either as a single combined file or as multiple files in the same upload area.
Upload a copy of:
Current Resume/CV
Cover Letter addressing how your training and experience align with the required and preferred qualifications listed above
Note: References will be requested from final candidates. All applicants will be notified once the search concludes and a candidate is selected. Incomplete application packages that do not include all of the requested documentation will not be considered
Contact Information:
Jessica Tierney
SimLab Operations Manager
jtierney5@wisc.edu
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.
See All 40 Program Director Jobs in Wisconsin
Find roles in Wisconsin that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Program Director JobsProgram Director Jobs by City in Wisconsin
Where Wisconsin roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Program Director Job Market in Wisconsin
A snapshot from current Wisconsin openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Investment & Asset Management
What Wisconsin Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in program director jobs across Wisconsin.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as healthcare administration, public administration, or business
- Five or more years of progressively responsible experience managing programs or departments
- Demonstrated ability to develop and manage program budgets and financial reporting
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and coordinating with external stakeholders or funders
- Proficiency with project management tools and data reporting systems used in Wisconsin nonprofit or healthcare settings
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for grant reporting, board presentations, and staff supervision
Program Director Jobs in Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a program director in Wisconsin?
Most program director roles in Wisconsin require a bachelor's degree at minimum, with many healthcare and government positions expecting a master's degree in public health, social work, healthcare administration, or a related field. Wisconsin does not issue a single universal license for program directors, but roles in behavioral health may require Wisconsin licensure through the Department of Safety and Professional Services, and healthcare program directors often need relevant clinical credentials alongside administrative experience.
Which companies hire program directors in Wisconsin?
Employers hiring program directors in Wisconsin right now include Sevita, UW Health, and Marquette University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Wisconsin's concentration of large hospital systems, public universities, and state-funded social service agencies means program director openings appear consistently across both the public and nonprofit sectors.
Which Wisconsin cities have the most program director jobs?
Milwaukee, Madison, and Waukesha account for the largest share of program director openings in Wisconsin. Milwaukee drives volume through its dense concentration of hospital systems, community health organizations, and corporate headquarters, while Madison's market reflects the University of Wisconsin System, state government agencies, and a growing technology sector that supports program leadership roles.
Are there remote program director jobs in Wisconsin?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields, since program directors typically oversee staff, facilities, or community operations that benefit from on-site presence. About 44% of program director openings tied to Wisconsin are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with flexibility most often found in grant management, policy coordination, and technology program leadership roles.
How can I get hired as a program director in Wisconsin with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is moving into a program coordinator or operations associate role first, then building toward director-level responsibilities. Large Wisconsin employers such as Advocate Aurora Health, United Way chapters, and county human services departments regularly hire program coordinators who can advance internally. Earning a relevant graduate degree from institutions like UW-Madison or Marquette University, or obtaining a Project Management Professional credential, strengthens a candidacy before making a direct application to director-level postings.
Where can I find and apply to program director jobs in Wisconsin?
You can find and apply to program director jobs in Wisconsin on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to the Wisconsin market. Search for roles that match your background, review the requirements, and apply directly to the ones that fit your experience level and target industry.
See All 40 Program Director Jobs in Wisconsin
Find roles in Wisconsin that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Program Director Jobs