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Department Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

MedStar Health

Supervisor Call Center

Washington, DC · On-site

$49K - $87K/yr

Collaborates closely with the Department Director on the planning and implementation of both short- and long-term operational goals while supporting program development and process improvement ...

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All JobsDepartment JobsDepartment Director JobsDepartment Director Jobs in Reston, VA

Department Director information

See Reston, VA salary details

$55.1K

$97.1K

$166.5K

How much do department director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for department director in Reston, VA is $97,061.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,700.00 and $129,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a department director?

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 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.

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.

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 does a department director do?

A department director oversees the operations, staff, and strategic planning of a specific department within an organization. They set goals, manage budgets, ensure compliance, and coordinate with other departments to achieve organizational objectives. Strong leadership, communication skills, and industry knowledge are essential for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Department jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Department jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Department Director jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Department Director job openings:

Department Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Department Director job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,061 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Interim Assistant Director for Child Protective Services (CPS)

Loudoun County Government

Leesburg, VA • On-site

$110K - $209K/yr

Temporary

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Loudoun County Government has been named one of Forbes' 2025 Best Large Employers. We're proud to be recognized nationally for our commitment to employee satisfaction and excellence in public service. At Loudoun County, we bring together talented professionals from all backgrounds to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic, growing community - that's The Loudoun Difference.

Welcome and thank you for your interest in employment with Loudoun County Government. ALL SECTIONS OF THE APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE RESUME IS CONSIDERED SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ONLY.

APPLICATIONS THAT ARE INCOMPLETE OR INDICATE 'SEE RESUME' WILL NOT BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Job Summary The Loudoun County Department of Family Services (DFS) is seeking a highly experienced and accomplished child welfare leader to serve as a Temporary Interim Assistant Director for Child Protective Services (CPS). This is a unique opportunity for a proven leader to provide executive-level leadership to assist with ensuring continuity of mandated services for children, youth, and families.

This temporary assignment is anticipated to last at least six months. Reporting directly to the Department Director, the Interim Assistant Director will provide onsite operational oversight and program leadership for Child Protective Services and related child welfare programs. The position is responsible for the direct supervision of a Program Administrator and Program Manager and provides leadership and oversight for multiple supervisory and frontline staff teams responsible for CPS investigations, family assessments, ongoing services, and related child welfare functions.

The position will assist the Department Director with implementing strategic operations for the CPS team with a focus on enhancing a professional and contemporary service model. The Department seeks an individual with demonstrated significant experience leading complex CPS operations, supervising supervisors and other managers, strengthening workforce performance, and ensuring compliance with federal and state child welfare requirements. The successful candidate must be dependable and must be able to quickly assess CPS unit needs, implement operational improvements, require team accountability, and provide steady and leadership to support positive outcomes for clients.

The Assistant Director will play a key role in advancing organizational excellence by promoting and maintaining accountability, consistency, collaboration, workforce development, and continuous quality improvement within the department and across the County's child welfare programs while fostering strong partnerships throughout the County organization and the broader human services system. Key Responsibilities Provide executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for Child Protective Services. Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management to a Program Administrator and Program Manager responsible for CPS investigations, family assessments, ongoing services, and related child welfare functions.

Lead and support a multi-layered management structure, ensuring consistency in supervisory practices, decision-making, staff development, and program implementation. Monitor program performance through case reviews, quality assurance activities, workload analysis, and outcome measurement to ensure effective service delivery and regulatory compliance. Provide consultation and guidance on complex child welfare cases, safety assessments, risk determinations, service planning, permanency decisions, and critical incident response.

Lead workforce management efforts, including staffing plans, caseload management, succession planning, employee engagement, performance management, and professional development. Develop and implement strategies to improve collaboration, consistency, service delivery, and operational efficiency across child welfare programs. Establish and monitor performance metrics, data-driven outcomes, and quality improvement initiatives to evaluate program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.

Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, standards, and best practices governing child welfare services. Partner closely with County programs focused on youth development, family support, behavioral health, education, and related services to develop coordinated approaches that improve outcomes for children and families. Build and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with agency staff, County leadership, courts, attorneys, law enforcement, schools, community partners, advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders.

Provide leadership in organizational change management, strategic planning, development, policy implementation, and system improvement efforts. Monitor CPS program performance through case reviews, quality assurance activities, workload analysis, and outcome measurement. Provide consultation and guidance on complex child welfare cases, safety decisions, risk assessments, and permanency planning.

Ideal Candidate The successful candidate will be a collaborative, decisive, and results-oriented leader with a demonstrated record of advancing child welfare practice, improving organizational performance, and developing high-performing teams. This individual will possess exceptional communication skills, extensive child welfare expertise, strong leadership abilities, and the capacity to navigate complex systems while maintaining a focus on safety, permanency, and well-being of outcomes for children and families. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success leading Child Protective Services programs, supervising multiple levels of management, implementing quality improvement initiatives, and managing organizational change within a public child welfare environment.

Minimum Qualifications Education and experience equivalent to a master's degree in social services, or related field, and five (5) years of directly related, progressively responsible work experience, including three (3) years in a supervisory or management role preferably in government setting. The successful candidate should possess substantial knowledge and experience in the following: Administration and oversight of Child Protective Services and child welfare programs. Supervision of supervisors, program managers, or other leadership-level staff.

CPS investigations, family assessments, ongoing services, risk and safety assessment, and child welfare best practices. Workforce management, including caseload oversight, performance management, employee development, and succession planning. Development, implementation, and evaluation of performance measures, quality assurance activities, and outcome-based program management.

Federal and state child welfare laws, regulations, policies, and compliance requirements. Data analysis and use of performance metrics to improve service delivery and program outcomes. Effective collaboration with courts, attorneys, law enforcement, schools, behavioral health providers, and community partners.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, public presentation abilities, and stakeholder engagement experience. Experience serving culturally diverse populations and applying trauma-informed and family-centered practices. Preferred Qualifications Ten (10) years of directly related, progressively responsible work experience, including three (5) years in a supervisory or management role in a local government setting.

Clinical licensure (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, or equivalent). Experience serving as a CPS Program Manager, Assistant Director, Deputy Director, or equivalent senior leadership role within a public child welfare agency. Demonstrated experience supervising multiple levels of management, including program managers and supervisors.

Experience overseeing CPS investigations, family assessments, in-home services, foster care, permanency, and quality assurance functions. Experience leading organizational change initiatives, system transformation efforts, accreditation activities, or performance improvement projects. Experience responding to state or federal reviews, audits, or program monitoring activities.

Knowledge of evidence-based, trauma-informed, and family-centered child welfare practices. If you are a strategic and experienced child welfare leader with a passion for public service and a commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children and families, we encourage you to apply. Job Contingencies and Special Requirements Successful candidate will undergo required background and professional reference checks.

_________________________________________________________________________________________ Equal Employment Opportunity Loudoun County Government prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that promotes employee wellness and work-life balance. As an equal opportunity employer, we consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. Reasonable Accommodation Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process should call Human Resources directly at 703-777-0213 or email Human Resources.

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