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Chief program officer vs area director

The differences between chief program officers and area directors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a chief program officer and an area director. Additionally, a chief program officer has an average salary of $108,110, which is higher than the $100,433 average annual salary of an area director.

The top three skills for a chief program officer include human resources, oversight and project management. The most important skills for an area director are customer service, patients, and home health.

Chief program officer vs area director overview

Chief Program OfficerArea Director
Yearly salary$108,110$100,433
Hourly rate$51.98$48.29
Growth rate28%6%
Number of jobs150,63447,326
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age4744
Years of experience66

What does a chief program officer do?

The chief program officer (CPO) is responsible for developing, implementing, and supervising a non-profit organization's programming, such as creating an outreach program or job training courses for the homeless. They seek advice from the CEO and other executive managers at the organization on how to enhance the existing programming and services and coordinate new programs. Other duties and responsibilities include managing program implementation and funding, as well as giving guidance to program coordinators, staff, and volunteers. Additionally, they seek feedback and evaluate the effectiveness of programs.

What does an area director do?

Area directors oversee the operations of the company in a particular area. They manage the company's presence in their assigned area. Area directors come up with strategies so that their area meets company goals. They manage the company's performance in their area, from sales to marketing to finance to human resources. Area directors are expected to have in-depth knowledge of the situation and the context in the area they handle. They should be able to identify strengths and areas for improvement in their area. As such, they would be able to capitalize on their strengths and address their areas for improvement. Overall, area directors are responsible for the fulfillment of the company's vision in their area.

Chief program officer vs area director salary

Chief program officers and area directors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Chief Program OfficerArea Director
Average salary$108,110$100,433
Salary rangeBetween $68,000 And $171,000Between $55,000 And $182,000
Highest paying CityAlbany, NYBoston, MA
Highest paying stateNew HampshireNew Jersey
Best paying companyMcKinsey & Company IncAstraZeneca
Best paying industryTransportationHealth Care

Differences between chief program officer and area director education

There are a few differences between a chief program officer and an area director in terms of educational background:

Chief Program OfficerArea Director
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Chief program officer vs area director demographics

Here are the differences between chief program officers' and area directors' demographics:

Chief Program OfficerArea Director
Average age4744
Gender ratioMale, 63.2% Female, 36.8%Male, 63.9% Female, 36.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 8.0% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage12%10%

Differences between chief program officer and area director duties and responsibilities

Chief program officer example responsibilities.

  • Manage implementation of referrals, coordinate assignment of new physicians and create support network for transitioning patients during clinic closure.
  • Facilitate PMO strategy sessions and encourage PMO support.
  • Conduct fee analyses relate to Medicaid, Medicare and third party revenue sources.
  • Maintain federal and state medical regulations including Medicare and Medicaid.
  • Prepare program and budget estimates for reports for senior managers responsible for executive oversight of strategic war planning system.
  • Provide oversight to the integration of other U.S. governmental agencies into the USEUCOM exercise program including representatives serving in non-governmental organizations.
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Area director example responsibilities.

  • Manage all aspects of selling process such as ROI, quotes, budgetary approval and demos.
  • Manage due diligence requirements and rehabilitation plans.
  • Lead operations for contract rehabilitation practice across north and central Texas.
  • Establish and manage the mid-Atlantic regional office of a privately own legal education company that provide educational services to law students.
  • Provide administrative (programmatic and fiscal) oversight for residential homes for people with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities.
  • Offer risk management and insurance services to the healthcare industry.
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Chief program officer vs area director skills

Common chief program officer skills
  • Human Resources, 11%
  • Oversight, 10%
  • Project Management, 7%
  • Risk Management, 7%
  • Strategic Plan, 6%
  • Professional Development, 5%
Common area director skills
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Patients, 8%
  • Home Health, 8%
  • Oversight, 7%
  • Human Resources, 5%
  • Financial Performance, 4%

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