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Associate Director Jobs in Waunakee, WI (NOW HIRING)

nVent

EH&S Associate Director

Madison, WI · On-site

$146K - $271K/yr

We're looking for people who put their innovation to work to advance our success - and their own. Join an organization that ensures a more secure world through connecting and protecting our customers ...

nVent

EH&S Associate Director

Madison, WI · On-site

$146K - $271K/yr

We're looking for people who put their innovation to work to advance our success - and their own. Join an organization that ensures a more secure world through connecting and protecting our customers ...

Wisconsin

Field Day Studio Director

Madison, WI · Hybrid

$110K/yr

Research Program Associate Director (B) Job Summary: The Field Day Studio Director is a creative leadership position responsible for overseeing the development of research-based, educational games.

Husch Blackwell LLP

Financial Reporting Manager

Madison, WI · On-site +1

$102K - $139K/yr

The Financial Reporting Manager is responsible for supporting the Associate Director of Financial Reporting & Analytics in managing the Firm's financial reporting and analysis functions. Leads the ...

Husch Blackwell Llp

Financial Reporting Manager

Madison, WI · On-site +1

$102K - $139K/yr

The Financial Reporting Manager is responsible for supporting the Associate Director of Financial Reporting & Analytics in managing the Firm's financial reporting and analysis functions. Leads the ...

Wisconsin

SMPH Finance Director

Madison, WI

$205K/yr

Reporting to the CFO, the Finance Director leads the SMPH fiscal organization through three Associate Directors overseeing shared financial services, budgeting and analytics, and clinical services ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAssociate JobsAssociate Director JobsAssociate Director Jobs in Waunakee, WI

Associate Director information

See Waunakee, WI salary details

$31.2K

$105K

$176.9K

How much do associate director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate director in Waunakee, WI is $105,048.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,600.00 and $144,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

Is an associate director a high position?

An associate director is a senior management role that typically involves overseeing departments or projects and supporting the director. It is considered a high-level position within organizations, often requiring leadership skills and industry experience.

What job categories do people searching Associate Director jobs in Waunakee, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Director jobs in Waunakee, WI are:

What cities near Waunakee, WI are hiring for Associate Director jobs?

Cities near Waunakee, WI with the most Associate Director job openings:

Associate Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Director job openings in Waunakee, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,048 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Associate Director for Outreach and Engagement University of Wisconsin - Madison

Ourlivesmadison

Madison, WI • On-site

$90 - $110/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Res Prog Assoc Dir

Job Summary:

The University of Wisconsin Aquatic Sciences Center (ASC) is a statewide leader in multidisciplinary research, education, and outreach focused on the protection and sustainable use of Wisconsin’s water resources—including lakes, rivers, groundwater, wetlands, and the Great Lakes. The Center administers two federally authorized programs: the Wisconsin Sea Grant College Program (funded by NOAA) and the Water Resources Institute (funded by USGS). Together, these programs invest over $6 million annually in research, education, and outreach and engagement activities that serve Wisconsin and the broader Great Lakes region. Both programs function as competitive grant programs supporting universities, communities, and partners statewide. ASC supports a network of approximately 30 staff located across Wisconsin who collaborate with universities, Tribal Nations, state and federal agencies, local communities, and industry partners. Over a dozen of our staff serve as statewide scientific experts across a variety of important topics such as coastal engineering, contaminants, aquatic invasive species, fisheries and aquaculture, coastal tourism, nutrient management, social sciences, and environmental education – conducting scientific research and engaging with communities directly to support their needs. The Associate Director for Outreach and Engagement provides strategic direction and oversight for outreach and engagement programs across Wisconsin Sea Grant and Water Resources Institute activities. This role ensures strong integration of research and community engagement across programs and statewide and national networks. The position reports to the Center Director and serves on the ASC leadership team.

Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Serves as a unit liaison to internal stakeholder groups to foster cross-unit partnership efforts regarding research programs and activities
  • Manages large research projects for a center or program
  • 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
  • Collaborates with project directors and the full range of clients whose knowledge and expertise varies
  • Strategic Program Leadership and Active Research: Provide the overarching vision, implementation, and supervision of ASC’s statewide outreach and engagement portfolio. If applicable, maintain an active program of independent or collaborative scholarly research, including securing external grants and publishing peer-reviewed findings. Align the center’s outreach and engagement capabilities with emerging freshwater challenges, state and federal program goals, and regional partnership networks.
  • Assists with planning, implementation, and management of strategic initiatives for a center or program
  • Serves as a consultant to project directors and provides technical expertise to research and operational personnel
  • Determines unit personnel needs and the unit personnel resource allocation plan
Department:

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, Aquatic Sciences Center

Compensation:

The starting salary for the position is $100,000 (but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications).

Benefits:

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Summary of benefits available for more information.

Required Qualifications:
  • At least 5 years of professional experience in program or project management within research, extension, outreach, or a related field
  • At least 3 years of experience supervising, mentoring, and developing personnel, with demonstrated ability to lead teams toward shared goals
  • Experience managing budgets, grants, or complex projects with multiple stakeholders
  • Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience engaging with community members on a shared interest or project
Preferred Qualifications:
  • 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in extension, outreach, or applied research programs
  • Demonstrated success integrating research, education, and outreach to achieve measurable impacts
  • Experience securing and managing external funding, including federal grants (e.g., NOAA, USGS, or similar)
  • Experience working in coastal, freshwater, or Great Lakes systems and communities
  • Experience with strategic planning, program evaluation, and reporting
  • Demonstrated success building partnerships across academic, governmental, Tribal, nonprofit, and community organizations
  • Experience with the full spectrum of community engaged research, from translating scientific or technical information for non-technical audiences, to working alongside community members on community driven projects where community agency, autonomy, and self-determination are valued and centered.
  • Familiarity with Sea Grant, Water Resources Institutes, or similar statewide or national programs
Education:
  • Master’s degree (required) in environmental science, natural resources, social science, public administration, or a related field
  • PhD (preferred) in environmental science, natural resources, social science, public affairs, or a related field
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