What does a Director do?

Directors serve in senior management roles at or near the top of the organizational structure. They manage and lead other managers just below them, serving as a mentor and ensuring their managers implement company policies, procedures and initiatives correctly. Directors work with managers to evaluate business operations and identify issues that might hurt the company. They often deal with budgets to ensure the organization or department meets financial goals.

The role is usually more hands-off since the Director doesn’t work with the majority of employees. The managers under the supervision of the Director should be more competent in their duties and not need as much hands-on support. This frees up the Director to work on bigger-picture concerns that improve the organization’s operation.

25713812964director3.08director of operations1.25executive director0.87non profit0.86healthcare administration0.861117321119809516000.00104901.78276000.00YEARLY61412558142025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Director skills and qualifications

A successful Director will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications needed for this position, including:

• Exceptional leadership skills to effectively lead managers
• Strong understanding of industry standards, business operations and regulatory requirements
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Planning and organization skills to facilitate goal-setting
• Innovative mindset to create new, effective solutions
• Analytical skills to interpret data
• Mathematical and financial skills for budgeting responsibilities

Director experience requirements

A Director should have at least seven to 10 years of experience, including at least five years in a management role. Many Directors move up through the management ranks to reach the senior leadership position. In some organizations, there are also associate or assistant Directors who fit in between the Director and managers. This can be a stepping stone to the Director position.

Director education and training requirements

A Director usually has a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a similar field. Some employers look for candidates with a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Directors of a specific department might have a degree in a related field. For example, a Director of Finance might have a finance degree. Most candidates entering a Director position shouldn’t need a lot of training other than learning about specific business practices for the organization.

Director salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Director is $80,485 plus $20,000 in annual cash bonuses and $13,535 in annual profit sharing. Salaries may vary based on the candidate’s experience, education and location.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Director job description isn’t quite what you’re looking for, consider these job descriptions for similar positions:

• Director of Operations
• Program Director
• Director of Communications
• Vice President

Director job description FAQs

What traits are good for Directors?

A successful 25713812964director3.08director of operations1.25executive director0.87non profit0.86healthcare administration0.861117321119809516000.00104901.78276000.00YEARLY61412558142025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Director looks at the big picture and doesn’t get caught up in the little details. They are people-focused, allowing them to be effective at mentoring and connecting with managers, and they know how to communicate with transparency. Directors should be decisive yet open-minded and able to adapt to different situations quickly. Being goal-driven is also an effective trait for a Director since the position focuses on setting and reaching company goals.

What is the difference between a Director and a Manager? 

Directors are in charge of the overall department and have a broader position in running the company. They’re in charge of a management team, which means they have fewer direct management tasks with their subordinates. Managers work directly with the employees, which means they spend more time evaluating, training, disciplining and supporting staff. Directors create the framework for business operations while managers put those plans into action, handling many of the day-to-day issues rather than the long-term planning that Directors do.

What should you look for in a Director resume?

When reviewing Director resumes, look for extensive managerial experience, particularly in the same or a similar field. Specific examples with concrete proof of improving performance, saving budgets, increasing profits and other responsibilities related to the position are also important. Calculate the length of relevant experience to ensure the candidate has been in the field long enough based on your standards. While education requirements are flexible, a candidate with an MBA on their resume is a plus.

What makes a good Director job description?

An effective job description includes a descriptive job title and a concise, attention-grabbing overview of the position and your company to show how it’s different from competitors. Since the 25713812964director3.08director of operations1.25executive director0.87non profit0.86healthcare administration0.861117321119809516000.00104901.78276000.00YEARLY61412558142025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Director position can vary, highlight specific responsibilities and describe who reports to the Director. Include specific requirements and preferred qualifications. Adding the salary and benefits can help attract quality Director candidates, who want to know if the salary is competitive and what kind of perks the position offers.