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Department Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Indiana

Department Director

Indianapolis, IN

$102K/yr

About the Indiana Department of Transportation: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT ... Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports: This role may provide direct supervision for one or ...

Nexus HR

Emergency Department Director

Floresville, TX · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Emergency Department Director - Floresville, TX Compensation: $110,000 to $130,000 Annually Overview: Nexus HR is seeking an Emergency Department Director for a reputable acute-care hospital and ...

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Department Director information

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$53K

$93.3K

$160K

How much do department director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for department director in the United States is $93,296.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Department Director typically collaborate with other departments to achieve organizational goals?

A Department Director often works closely with peers leading other departments to align strategies, share resources, and ensure initiatives support the broader organizational vision. This collaboration may involve participating in cross-functional meetings, contributing to company-wide projects, and resolving interdepartmental challenges. Strong communication and relationship-building skills are crucial, as directors need to balance their department's needs with overall company priorities. Successful collaboration helps drive efficiency, innovation, and achievement of shared objectives.

Is a director higher than a manager?

In most organizational structures, a department director holds a higher position than a manager. Directors typically oversee multiple managers and have broader strategic responsibilities, while managers focus on day-to-day operations within their teams. The hierarchy can vary depending on the company's size and industry, but generally, directors are senior to managers.

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

To thrive as a Department Director, you need strong leadership abilities, deep industry knowledge, and typically a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with project management tools, budgeting software, and compliance systems is often required. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and conflict resolution skills enable a Department Director to effectively guide teams and influence stakeholders. These skills are crucial for driving departmental performance, aligning with organizational goals, and ensuring smooth operations.

What is the hardest job in film?

The role of a Department Director in film can be highly demanding due to the need to coordinate multiple departments, manage large teams, and meet tight production schedules. It requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations on set. The job often involves long hours and complex problem-solving to ensure smooth production flow.

What is the difference between Department Director vs Department Manager?

AspectDepartment DirectorDepartment Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; advanced degrees preferredBachelor's degree typically required; relevant experience valued
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, high-level decision making, overseeing multiple teamsSupervising daily operations, managing staff, implementing policies
Industry UsageCommon in large organizations across various industriesPrevalent in organizations of all sizes, often reporting to Directors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles, career progressionOperational responsibilities, team management

The main difference between a Department Director and a Department Manager lies in their scope and focus. Department Directors typically handle strategic planning and oversee multiple teams or divisions, while Department Managers focus on daily operations and team supervision. Both roles require relevant credentials and experience, but Directors usually operate at a higher strategic level within organizations.

What jobs make around $100,000 a year?

For a Department Director, salaries around $100,000 are common in mid- to large-sized organizations, especially with experience and in certain industries like healthcare, finance, or technology. Other roles that often reach this level include project managers, IT managers, and senior administrative positions, often requiring leadership skills and relevant certifications.

What are Department Directors?

Department Directors are senior leaders responsible for managing and overseeing a specific department or division within an organization. They develop strategies, set goals, and ensure that departmental operations align with the organization's overall objectives. Department Directors supervise managers and staff, allocate budgets and resources, and report on performance to executive leadership. Their role is crucial in maintaining efficiency, fostering innovation, and achieving departmental and organizational success.

What is the role of a department director?

A department director is responsible for overseeing the operations, staff, and strategic planning within a specific department of an organization. They set goals, manage budgets, ensure compliance, and coordinate with other departments to achieve organizational objectives. Strong leadership, communication, and management skills are essential for this role.
What cities are hiring for Department Director jobs? Cities with the most Department Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Department jobs? The most popular types of Department jobs are:
What states have the most Department Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Department Director jobs include:
Department Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Department Director job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,296 per year, or $44.9 per hour.
Department Director

Department Director

State of Indiana

Indianapolis, IN

$102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

State Of Indiana rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 183 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states

Job description

 Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Transportation: 
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) provides a dynamic workplace that serves Indiana citizens, improves our state’s quality of life, and enhances its economic opportunity. INDOT has a number of innovative programs and projects, including Public-Private Partnerships, Green Initiatives, and cutting-edge uses of materials and assets. As part of the State of Indiana, INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package, as well as outstanding work/life balance. Whether you are an established professional in the transportation field or just starting your career, INDOT has exciting and challenging opportunities for you.

Location:
This position is with INDOT's Central Office.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $102,024.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

  • Review and evaluate organizational effectiveness, goal determination, and strategic planning, etc., makes recommendations for improvement.
  • Develop and coordinate plans and policies, resources, and mission as well as goals, vision and expectations of agency or program.
  • Provide guidance to agencies and the public regarding applicable laws and rules.
  • Supervise subordinate personnel including hiring, determining workload, and delegating assignments, training, monitoring, and evaluating performance, and initiating corrective or disciplinary action.
  • Monitor agency or program budget including revenues, expenditures, and budget projections.
  • Communicate with news and other media, responds to media questions or requests in an appropriate public relations manner.
  • Coordinate with other government officials on planning issues (i.e. federal and/or state agency directors, etc.).  
  • Coordinate, review, and evaluate the use of appropriate controls and standards for the agency.
  • Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
  • Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees.  Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

  • Extensive knowledge of agency and/or organizational program(s) and business practices.
  • Extensive knowledge of state programs and resources, public policy, and program evaluation.
  • Ability to develop and/or measure program outcomes.
  • Ability to create and maintain strong working relationships with key public and private government and business leaders.
  • Ability to identify problems, determine accuracy and relevance of information, and use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and to make recommendations.
  • Ability to work with internal and external customers to assess needs, provide assistance, resolve problems, and satisfy expectations.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, establish credibility, and influence leaders at all levels.
  • Make sound, well-informed, and objective decisions. perceives the impact and implications of decisions.
  • Ability to identify problems. determine accuracy and relevance of information, and to use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and to make recommendations.
  • Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
  • Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.

A degree is not required.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.

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