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Associate Director Jobs in Federal Way, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Director, HR

Seattle, WA · On-site

The Associate Director is a principal liaison to the Department Chair and Vice Chair of Finance and Administration and uses critical independent judgment, decision-making, problem-solving, and ...

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Associate Director information

See Federal Way, WA salary details

$34.1K

$114.7K

$193.2K

How much do associate director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate director in Federal Way, WA is $114,720.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,200.00 and $157,500.00 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 job categories do people searching Associate Director jobs in Federal Way, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Director jobs in Federal Way, WA are:
What cities near Federal Way, WA are hiring for Associate Director jobs? Cities near Federal Way, WA with the most Associate Director job openings:
Associate Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Director job openings in Federal Way, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,720 per year, or $55.2 per hour.
Associate Director of Admission

Associate Director of Admission

Whitman College

Seattle, WA • Remote

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted just now

Job description

Salary: $73,364-$81,515 annually

**This position is based in Seattle, WA**


WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitmans vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the colleges working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).


POSITION PURPOSE

Reporting to the Director of Admission Recruitment, the Associate Director is based in the greater Seattle metropolitan area and provides a sustained, high-touch admission recruitment presence in Whitman Colleges largest recruitment market. The Associate Director evaluates all recruitment opportunities in Western Washington, covering many recruitment events personally, and working with the rest of the admission recruitment team to ensure coverage when needed. In addition to visiting high schools, attending college fairs, interviewing students, and meeting with families, the Associate Director maintains proactive communication with interested students and families. They also work closely with both school-based and independent counselors in the greater Seattle area to raise awareness of and interest in the College. The Associate Director oversees programs that support admission recruitment, including leading initiatives of significant strategic importance to the Office of Admission. The Associate Director will also represent the Office of Admission independently in meetings with campus-based and other key constituencies.


PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Student Recruitment (60%)

  • 12-16 weeks of recruitment, primarily in the greater Seattle area, including high school presentations, prospective student interviews, community-based organization visits, and college fairs.
  • Coordinate support of constituencies (e.g., alumni, current parents, current students) in greater Seattle.
  • Present information sessions about Whitman College and the college admission process.
  • Maintain contact with prospective students and families by phone, email, text messaging, and handwritten communications.

Selection (20%)

  • Review applications, make recommendations on admissibility of candidates, and participate on the Admission Committee.
  • Oversee the application review process and chair admission subcommittees for areas of oversight (e.g., Athletics, International, Talent Scholarships).

Project Leadership (10%)

  • Oversee major projects and processes independently or with minimal supervision and guidance.
  • Represent the Office of Admission independently in meetings with other campuses and other constituencies.
  • Coordinate programs as assigned by the Director of Admission Recruitment.

Evolving Responsibilities (10%)

  • Center diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism as guiding principles when approaching recruitment work.
  • Contribute to additional initiatives as needed, adapting to evolving priorities and organizational needs.
  • Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current on admission best practices, applying new knowledge to enhance admission recruitment efforts.


REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,

  • Ability to articulate the value of higher education and a liberal arts college experience.
  • Strong understanding of the Greater Seattle area, especially the high school landscape and the trends among college-going students and their families.
  • Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and utilize data to inform decision-making and creative problem solving.
  • Sufficient knowledge of higher education administration to represent the Office of Admission independently in meetings with other campus constituencies.
  • Strong technical skills, including experience with a customer relationship management (CRM) system.
  • Team player with the ability to work in a deadline-driven environment and lead others through evolving challenges to achieve goals.
  • Strong presentation, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Comfort with travel and ability to work with people from a range of geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Outstanding listener with strong relational skills.
  • Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality.
  • Ability to actively and positively contribute to the Colleges core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and access.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelors degree.
  • 5+ years of experience in admission or enrollment management in higher education or transferrable skills from the corporate or non-profit sectors.
  • 2+ years of experience working with high school students in the greater Seattle area.
  • A valid drivers license and meet one of the following criteria: be at least 18 years old with 2 years of driving experience and complete a driver improvement course, OR be at least 19 with 3 years of experience and successfully pass a motor vehicle report (MVR) check.
  • OR a combination of relevant education, training and experience.


Whitman College values diverse pathways to acquiring skills and knowledge and encourages applicants to demonstrate how their background aligns with the role.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Graduate degree in a field that provides a solid foundation for higher education administration, management, data analysis, business processes, or related fields.
  • Experience working with the Technolutions Slate CRM.


Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.


WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Work is primarily performed at home, with frequent day travel in the Greater Seattle area.
  • Occasional travel to Whitmans campus in Walla Walla for recruitment events or to other recruitment territories as needed.
  • The nature of college admission recruitment is deadline-driven, requires a high level of responsiveness, and involves making difficult decisions.
  • Occasional evening and weekend work is required, primarily related to travel and on-campus recruitment events.


BENEFITS

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Benefit offerings and eligibility described reflect current offerings and may be subject to change in accordance with College policies and plan documents. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:


Medical/Dental/VisionInsurances.

Basiclife,accidental death and dismembermentandlong term disabilityinsurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.

403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Planwith a 10% matching contribution aftereligibility requirementsare met.

Paid Time Off:20 accrued vacation days,12 accrued sick days,13 paid holidays.

Tuition Remission Dependent Children

Employeetuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester.

Employee Assistance Program

Relocation assistance for eligible employees.

Learn more about benefits eligibilityhere.


DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES

Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process.


APPLICATION REVIEW

Application review will begin on March 2, and continue until the position is filled.


START DATE

July 1, 2026