ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Administrative Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wisconsin

Administrative Director

Madison, WI · On-site

The Administrative Director reports directly to the Vice Dean for Research and works closely with the Vice Dean on a broad range of administrative, executive, and strategic responsibilities ...

Buffalo Biodiesel Inc

Administrative Director

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$175K/yr

Buffalo Biodiesel is seeking an Administrative Director to assist our corporate office in a wide range of general office duties and tasks. The ideal candidate will have 5 years of previous experience ...

Chick-fil-A

Administrative Director

Aurora, CO

$26/hr

Administrative Director | Part time 20-25 hrs a week At Chick-fil-A Gardens on Havana, we are passionate about creating a positive impact through exceptional leadership, operational excellence, and ...

Chick-fil-A

Administrative Director

Aurora, CO

$26/hr

Administrative Director | Part time 20-25 hrs a week At Chick-fil-A Gardens on Havana, we are passionate about creating a positive impact through exceptional leadership, operational excellence, and ...

O2B Early Education

Administrative Director

Odessa, FL · On-site

We are currently looking for an administrative director for our Odessa location. The ideal candidate would love to work in a positive environment, help coach others, and have opportunities for growth.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAdministrative Director Jobs

Administrative Director information

See salary details

$35K

$103K

$169.5K

How much do administrative director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for administrative director in the United States is $103,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $129,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Administrative Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Administrative Director, you generally need strong leadership, organizational, and strategic planning skills, often backed by a bachelor's or master's degree in business administration or a related field. Familiarity with management software, budgeting tools, and HR systems is typically required, along with certifications like Certified Manager (CM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) being advantageous. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities help someone stand out in this leadership role. These skills and qualities are essential for effectively overseeing operations, leading teams, and driving organizational success.

What is the role of an administrative director?

An administrative director oversees the administrative functions of an organization, including managing staff, developing policies, and ensuring efficient operations. They often coordinate between departments, handle budgets, and implement strategic plans to support organizational goals.

What is another name for an administrative director?

An administrative director is also commonly referred to as an director of administration or operations manager, depending on the organization. These roles involve overseeing administrative functions, managing staff, and ensuring efficient office or department operations.

What are Administrative Directors?

Administrative Directors are senior-level professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations and administrative functions of an organization or department. They manage teams, develop and implement policies, coordinate budgets, and ensure compliance with regulations. Their role often involves strategic planning, resource allocation, and acting as a liaison between departments and executive leadership. Administrative Directors play a key role in improving efficiency and supporting the organization's overall mission.

What is the difference between Administrative Director vs Office Manager?

AspectAdministrative DirectorOffice Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; experience in administrationHigh school diploma or associate's; relevant experience
Work EnvironmentCorporate, healthcare, or large organizationsSmall to medium offices, various industries
Employer UsageUsed in large organizations overseeing multiple departmentsCommon in small to mid-sized offices managing daily operations

The Administrative Director typically holds a higher-level leadership role, overseeing broader administrative functions across departments, while the Office Manager focuses on daily office operations and staff management. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but the Administrative Director usually has more strategic responsibilities and credentials.

What is the highest paying administrative job?

The highest paying administrative roles are often executive-level positions such as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) or Chief Operating Officer (COO), which can offer salaries exceeding $150,000 annually, especially in large corporations. These roles typically require extensive experience, strategic leadership skills, and advanced degrees or certifications.

How does an Administrative Director typically collaborate with other departments to achieve organizational goals?

An Administrative Director often works closely with leaders from various departments—such as finance, human resources, and operations—to streamline processes and ensure alignment with the organization's strategic objectives. This role involves regular meetings, cross-functional project management, and facilitating effective communication between teams. By fostering collaboration, Administrative Directors help resolve interdepartmental challenges and support the overall efficiency and productivity of the organization. Strong interpersonal and leadership skills are key to building these relationships and driving collective success.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

An Administrative Director typically earns less than $10,000 per month, but high-level executive roles such as certain sales managers, real estate brokers, or entrepreneurs can reach or exceed this income level without requiring a college degree. Success in these roles often depends on experience, skills, and performance rather than formal education. Some specialized trades or self-employment opportunities may also generate this level of income without a degree.

What Does an Administrative Director Do?

Administrative directors oversee the daily operations and logistics of a business or organization. As an administrative director, you manage other administrative departments and positions within the organization, such as facility maintenance, office staff, and executive administrative assistants to ensure they maintain efficiency. The director handles budgeting concerns, oversees inventory stocking, and manages workflow between various departments. You communicate with outside vendors and other contacts, such as landlords and service providers, and you may also assist human resources with hiring, training new employees, and conducting performance reviews.

More about Administrative Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Administrative Director jobs? Cities with the most Administrative Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Administrative jobs? The most popular types of Administrative jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Administrative Director jobs? The top employers for Administrative Director jobs are:
What states have the most Administrative Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Administrative Director jobs include:
Administrative Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Administrative Director job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,000 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Administrative Director

Wisconsin

Madison, WI • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.Job Category:LimitedEmployment Type:RegularJob Profile:Administrative DirectorJob Summary:

The Administrative Director reports directly to the Vice Dean for Research and works closely with the Vice Dean on a broad range of administrative, executive, and strategic responsibilities, including special projects and initiatives supporting the School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) Office of Basic Research, Biotechnology, and Graduate Studies. This role serves as a key partner and representative of the Vice Dean for Research, enabling effective engagement with internal and external stakeholders and supporting fulfillment of institutional priorities and commitments.

This is a highly strategic and facilitative role that frequently operates independently or on behalf of the Vice Dean for Research on initiatives critical to the school's research mission and overall success. The Administrative Director applies independent judgment and strong analytical skills to conduct investigations, develop analyses, and respond to emerging issues based on the needs and direction of the Vice Dean. Responsibilities include key performance indicator (KPI) development and reporting, particularly related to research award activity, expenditure trends, and other research performance metrics, as well as ad hoc analyses to inform leadership decision-making.

The Administrative Director provides operational and administrative leadership support to the Vice Dean for Research and broader membership of the Office of Basic Research, Biotechnology, and Graduate Studies. The role works closely with members of the SMPH Dean's Office to help set major priorities, coordinate communication strategies, support policy development, and monitor progress on key initiatives and projects. The Administrative Director synthesizes and prioritizes critical issues, data, and background materials to ensure the Vice Dean for Research has timely, accurate, and actionable information to facilitate efficient and effective decision-making.

  • This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.

  • Candidates who demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will be given first consideration

    • Strong analytical and investigative skills, with experience conducting data-driven analyses to support leadership decision-making.

    • Proven ability to develop and deliver KPI and performance reporting, particularly related to research funding, awards, and institutional performance metrics.

    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information and present findings clearly to senior leadership and diverse stakeholders.

    • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across functional areas (e.g., finance, HR, research administration, compliance) within a complex organizational structure.

    • High level of organizational skill and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

    • Knowledge of research rankings such as Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research (BRIMR) and U.S. News and World Report (USNWR)

Key Job Responsibilities:

  • Directs, implements, and monitors strategic planning initiatives to ensure appropriate use of financial, administrative, and staffing resources

  • Supervises managerial, professional, and support staff of the unit or division and facilitates unit staff developmental opportunities

  • 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

  • Recommends, reviews, and directs personnel resource allocation to ensure appropriate utilization of resources

  • Develops and audits administrative operating reports, budgets, policies, and procedures to comply with regulations, institution policies, and business objectives

  • Serves as the unit liaison to internal and external stakeholder groups providing organizational information and representing the interests of the unit

Department:

School of Medicine and Public Health, Office of Basic Research, Biotechnology, and Graduate Studies

The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Office of Basic Research, Biotechnology and Graduate Studies supports faculty, trainees, and staff as they launch and grow cutting-edge research programs. With experts in proposal development, grants administration, research compliance, shared resources, basic research training and industry engagement, the Office of Basic Research, Biotechnology and Graduate Studies promotes research collaboration, innovation and fundamental discovery, helping to translate research outcomes to improve health in Wisconsin and beyond.

Compensation:

The starting salary for the position is $122,000 annually, but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage and the SMPH Faculty /Academic Staff Benefits Flyer 2026.

Required Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience within an academic medical center or research-intensive higher education environment, with demonstrated experience in research administration, finance, and/or human resources.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated experience supporting senior or executive leadership, including managing complex priorities, handling sensitive information, and exercising independent judgment.

  • Substantial experience working with research award data, extramural funding data sets, and expenditure reporting, including interpreting trends and reconciling discrepancies across reports.

  • Knowledge of and experience with current UW-Madison policies and systems related to research administration and/or financial management, including RAMP or Workday.

Education:

Bachelor's Degree required.

How to Apply:

For the best experience completing your application, we recommend using Chrome or Firefox as your web browser.

To apply for this position, select either "I am a current employee" or "I am not a current employee" under Apply Now. You will then be prompted to upload your application materials.

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.

  • Cover letter required

  • Resume

Your cover letter should address how your training and experience aligns with the required and preferred qualifications listed above. Application reviewers will rely on these written materials to determine which applicants move forward in the process. References will be requested from final candidates. All applicants will be notified once the search concludes and a candidate is selected

University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship and TN visas. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. This position is an ongoing position that will require continuous work eligibility. If you are selected for this position you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work.

Contact Information:

Kelly Rose, kelly.rose@wisc.edu, 608-265-8069

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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 OpportunityEmployer.

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 backgroundsand encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodationfor 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.

Apply