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Associate Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

HIKINEX

Associate Director

Los Angeles, CA

$23 - $26/hr

Associate Director - Los Angeles Level: Entry Position Type: Full Time Education Level: 4 Year Degree Description Reports To: Deputy Director FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Duties and Responsibilities: The ...

Hikinex

Associate Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Associate Director - Los Angeles Level: Entry Position Type: Full Time Education Level: 4 Year Degree Description Reports To: Deputy Director FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Duties and Responsibilities: The ...

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All JobsAssociate JobsAssociate Director JobsAssociate Director Jobs in California

Associate Director information

See California salary details

$30.1K

$101.4K

$170.7K

How much do associate director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate director in California is $101,382.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $139,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much is an associate director paid?

The salary of an associate director varies depending on the industry, location, and experience, but it typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. In larger organizations or high-cost areas, compensation can be higher, and additional benefits such as bonuses and stock options may be included.

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

To thrive as an Associate Director, you need strong leadership, strategic planning, and project management skills, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree and significant industry experience. Familiarity with budgeting software, CRM systems, and data analysis tools is often required, along with certifications like PMP depending on the sector. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and decision-making abilities help drive teams and projects forward while building strong stakeholder relationships. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring organizational goals are met efficiently and for successfully managing complex initiatives across departments.

What is the role of an associate director?

An associate director is a senior management professional responsible for supporting the director in strategic planning, overseeing departmental operations, and managing teams. They often handle project coordination, budget management, and ensure goals are met within their area of responsibility.

Is an associate director a big position?

An associate director is a senior management role that typically involves overseeing departments or projects and supporting the director or executive team. While it is a significant position within an organization, it is generally considered a mid- to upper-level leadership role rather than executive-level. The scope and responsibilities can vary depending on the industry and company size.

How does an Associate Director typically balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational responsibilities?

Associate Directors are often tasked with both setting long-term strategies and ensuring smooth daily operations. Balancing these responsibilities requires effective time management, delegation, and constant communication with their teams. They usually spend part of their week in meetings focused on organizational goals and performance metrics, while allocating time to oversee project execution and resolve immediate challenges. This dual focus allows them to ensure that their team's work aligns with broader company objectives and that operational issues are addressed promptly.

What is the difference between Associate Director vs Project Manager?

AspectAssociate DirectorProject Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, often advanced degrees or certifications in management or industry-specific fieldsBachelor's degree, PMP or similar project management certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing departments, collaborating with senior leadershipPlanning, executing, and closing projects within scope, time, and budget
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in corporate, nonprofit, and academic settings for leadership rolesWidely used across industries for managing specific projects

While both roles require strong organizational skills, the Associate Director focuses on strategic oversight and departmental leadership, whereas the Project Manager concentrates on executing specific projects. The Associate Director typically has broader responsibilities and higher-level decision-making authority.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying roles such as senior executives, investment bankers, specialized surgeons, and certain technology executives can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities, with compensation including base salary, bonuses, and stock options.

What is an Associate Director?

An Associate Director is a mid- to senior-level management professional who assists the Director in overseeing a department or division within an organization. They help develop strategic plans, manage teams, and ensure projects and initiatives align with organizational goals. Associate Directors often serve as a bridge between upper management and staff, taking on both leadership and operational responsibilities. Their role may also involve budgeting, performance evaluations, and representing the department in meetings. The specific duties can vary depending on the industry and organization.
What are the most commonly searched types of Director jobs in California? The most popular types of Director jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Director jobs in California? For Associate Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Director jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Director jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Associate Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Associate Director job openings:
Associate Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Director job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,382 per year, or $48.7 per hour.
Associate Director

Associate Director

Rider Levett Bucknall

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$166K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Title: Associate Director
Reporting to: President and Senior Director
The proposed compensation range for this position is: $166,000 - $180,000. The offered rate of pay will be based on work location, individual education, skills, qualifications, and experience level.
Overview of Role
The Associate Director is responsible for leading project cost management services and overseeing the successful execution of client commissions while supporting the operational, business development, sales, and marketing objectives of the Company's core service offerings. This role provides leadership in cost planning, commercial management, and project delivery across all phases of the project lifecycle, ensuring effective cost control, accurate financial reporting, strong client relationships, and successful project outcomes. The ideal candidate will proactively identify opportunities to add value, mitigate risks, and support clients in achieving their strategic, financial, and project objectives while mentoring staff and contributing to the organization's long-term growth and operational excellence.
Essential Functions
  • Lead and manage the delivery of cost management and quantity surveying services across all phases of a project, from pre-construction through closeout, ensuring projects are completed within budget and aligned with client objectives.
  • Develop and maintain project budgets, cost plans, estimates, cash-flow forecasts, and bid documentation, providing accurate financial oversight from pre-construction through project closeout.
  • Provide strategic cost advice, value engineering, and financial analysis to support client objectives, optimize project value, and ensure design and construction decisions remain aligned with approved budgets.
  • Manage procurement and bidding activities, including preparation of bid packages, contractor prequalification, bid evaluations, negotiations, recommendation of awards, and contract execution.
  • Track and control project costs, change orders, pay applications, financial reporting, forecasts, and final accounts while identifying and mitigating commercial risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Build and maintain strong client relationships, contribute to business development initiatives, identify opportunities to expand services, and support the growth of new and existing client accounts.
  • Support the Senior Director and company leadership with technical development initiatives, research and development efforts, strategic planning activities, and special projects that enhance service delivery and technical expertise.
  • Coordinate and communicate effectively with clients, contractors, consultants, designers, owners, and internal teams to ensure alignment on project objectives, schedules, budgets, and desired outcomes.
  • Review and evaluate contractor change orders, evaluate cost impacts, process payment applications, and ensure compliance with contract terms and company procedures.
  • Ensure all cost management and project controls processes comply with company standards, client requirements, and industry best practices.
  • Mentor, supervise, and develop junior staff through coaching, training, knowledge sharing, and performance management while fostering collaboration, effective communication, and high-performing project teams.

The Associate Director will demonstrate a positive proactive approach to the role, and will be committed to delivering customer service excellence, with good commercial results.
  • Minimum Education (or substitute experience) required: 4-year college degree in Construction Management, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Cost Estimating or equivalent recognized technical qualification.
  • Minimum Experience required: 8+ years' relevant experience in construction cost estimating of a variety of building types from program, conceptual, schematic, design development and construction document stages of design in elemental and CSI format for all architectural, structural, and civil components of new construction and renovation projects. Some MEP estimating experience preferred. AACE International and/or Certified Cost Professional preferred.
  • Knowledge and understanding of execution of cost management services; good planning, organization, and communication skills essential. Understanding of technical and non-technical documents related to cost management services required. Knowledge and use of industry-estimating software and Microsoft Office software programs.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
  • Indoor office environment. May require work on site location when necessary.
  • Equipment used includes computers and standard office machines.
  • Essential physical tasks include: the ability to work on a computer and the ability to answer and speak on a telephone.

RLB is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices based on race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above listed items.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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