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Associate Director Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Naylor LLC

Associate Director

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

We are seeking an Associate Director to help implement the strategic goals of assigned client organizations while providing day-to-day operational leadership and exceptional client service. This role ...

UNAVAILABLE

Associate Director

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$95.95 - $137.87/hr

The Associate Director develops and implements processes and best practices to ensure digital investment success for our company and clients. The Associate Director works on a variety of accounts and ...

Archdiocese of Chicago

Associate Director

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$53K - $65K/yr

If so, we invite you to apply for our role as Associate Director of Campus Ministry at Calvert House, the University of Chicago's Newman Center located on campus in Hyde Park. In this position you ...

Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V

Associate Director

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$97K - $139K/yr

Overview The Associate Director, Strategy is the day-to-day steward on media issues for assigned brands, including accurate budget control and flow of online media activity. They will be required to ...

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All JobsAssociate JobsAssociate Director JobsAssociate Director Jobs in Illinois

Associate Director information

See Illinois salary details

$29.6K

$99.5K

$167.6K

How much do associate director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate director in Illinois is $99,546.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,800.00 and $136,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate director?

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.

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.

Is an associate director a high position?

An associate director is a senior management role that typically ranks below a director but above managers, often involving significant responsibilities and leadership duties. It is generally considered a high-level position within an organization, requiring experience, strategic thinking, and leadership skills.

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 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 Illinois? The most popular types of Director jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Director jobs in Illinois? For Associate Director jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Director jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Director jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Associate Director jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Associate Director job openings:
Associate Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Director job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,546 per year, or $47.9 per hour.