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Director For Operations Jobs in Laurel, MD (NOW HIRING)

First Book

Director, Operations

Washington, DC · On-site

$102K/yr

The Director of Operations is responsible for the daily, weekly, and monthly operational rhythms that support performance management and the successful execution of projects that enhance the member ...

First Book

Director, Operations

Washington, DC · On-site

The Director of Operations is responsible for the daily, weekly, and monthly operational rhythms that support performance management and the successful execution of projects that enhance the member ...

First Books

Director, Operations

Washington, DC · On-site

$102K/yr

The Director of Operations is responsible for the daily, weekly, and monthly operational rhythms that support performance management and the successful execution of projects that enhance the member ...

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All JobsFor Operations JobsDirector For Operations JobsDirector For Operations Jobs in Laurel, MD

Director For Operations information

See Laurel, MD salary details

$33.7K

$106.8K

$178K

How much do director for operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for director for operations in Laurel, MD is $106,761.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,900.00 and $134,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director for operations do?

A Director for Operations oversees the daily activities of an organization to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in meeting business goals. They are responsible for developing operational strategies, managing budgets, streamlining processes, and leading teams in various departments. This role often involves collaborating with other executives to improve overall organizational performance and implement company policies. Directors for Operations play a key part in decision-making and are essential to driving organizational success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director for operations, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director for Operations, you need strong leadership, strategic planning, and process optimization skills, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in business, management, or a related field. Familiarity with ERP systems, project management software, and relevant certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities help set top candidates apart. These skills ensure effective oversight of operations, drive organizational efficiency, and foster high-performing teams.

What are some common challenges faced by a director for operations, and how can they be managed effectively?

Directors for Operations often encounter challenges such as balancing strategic planning with day-to-day operational demands, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring process efficiency while staying within budget. Effective management involves strong communication skills, the ability to prioritize tasks, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Collaborating closely with department heads and leveraging data-driven decision-making can help address these challenges and drive organizational success.

What is the difference between Director For Operations vs Operations Manager?

AspectDirector For OperationsOperations Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, often advanced degrees, extensive experienceBachelor's degree, relevant experience, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, executive meetings, cross-department oversightDay-to-day operations, team management, process implementation
Employer & Industry UsageLarge corporations, multi-department organizationsMid-sized companies, various industries

The Director For Operations typically holds a higher-level, strategic role overseeing multiple departments and setting long-term goals, while the Operations Manager focuses on managing daily operations and team performance. Both roles require strong leadership and industry knowledge, but the Director For Operations is more involved in strategic planning and organizational growth.

Is a director for operations a high position?

A director for operations is a senior management role responsible for overseeing daily business activities, strategic planning, and operational efficiency. It is considered a high-level position that often requires extensive experience, leadership skills, and sometimes industry-specific certifications.
Director For Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director For Operations job openings in Laurel, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,761 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Associate Director for Finance and Budget Officer

Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E)

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

ARPA-E advances high-potential, high-impact energy technologies that are too early for private sector investment.  ARPA-E is seeking an Associate Director for Finance who will lead ARPA-E’s efforts to identify, assess, and resolve financial issues and policy matters, with a view to facilitating program planning and execution.  In this role, you will support the ARPA-E executive leadership team on all financial matters and oversee all budget formulation, execution, and evaluation activities for the agency.  The Associate Director for Finance has a tremendous impact on the energy innovation community through the technologies ARPA-E supports with the intent to disrupt today’s systems and transform how the United States generates, stores, and uses energy.  As an agency, ARPA-E values innovation, flexibility, creativity, collegiality, and a passion for its energy mission, while striving to be a “flat organization” with a limited management hierarchy.

WHO IS THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR FINANCE (ADF)?

ARPA-E’s Associate Director for Finance serves as the Chief Financial Officer for ARPA-E and fulfills the agency’s responsibilities for the planning, analysis, justification, control, and reporting of all fiscal resources to plan, develop and carry out ARPA-E’s goals, programs, objective and operations.  The ADF provides executive leadership to ensure sound financial stewardship.  The ADF also serves as the agency’s Budget Officer and oversees annual budget formulation and justification processes ensuring that ARPA-E’s needs are appropriately justified and effectively communicated across the Administration and to Congress.  The ADF oversees the administrative control of all agency funds ($300-$400M per year) for effective use of ARPA-E resources, the agency’s invoicing review process to ensure funded projects receive payment in a consistent and timely manner, and safeguards proper conduct of all accounting and financial operations in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The ADF also supports the Deputy Director for Operations in the management and oversight of the ARPA-E organization and all assigned resources (including a contractor workforce) to ensure that the mission of ARPA-E is accomplished with consistency in policy, direction, and compliance with overall Departmental policy, goals, and objectives.  The ADF also oversees all aspects of ARPA-E IT systems and serves as the system owner for those systems.

As one of ARPA-E’s leaders, the ADF works with the Director and Deputy Directors to execute the agency’s mission consistent with the overall program strategy, including consideration for the high-risk nature of the work.  These transformational R&D projects and programs are performed by companies, academic institutions, research foundations, industry collaborations, consortia, and other qualified R&D entities to develop new technologies to supply the United States (and the world), with affordable, reliable, and secure energy.

The ADF must possess strong management skills, have deep knowledge of government financial systems and procedures, and have experience working as a senior member of an executive leadership team.

ELIGIBILITY & QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 15+ years of experience in finance, accounting, or audit as an operational leader in a technology-focused organization
  • An advanced degree in a relevant discipline is required or a bachelor’s degree plus a relevant certification
  • Deep experience with federal government budget formulation and execution
  • Mastery knowledge in accounting/finance operations in a federal government environment
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate financial and technical ideas and concepts to a wide-range of audiences
  • Demonstrated interest/expertise in energy and energy technologies
  • US Citizenship is required

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

  • This is a term-limited position for an initial 3-year term with the opportunity to extend by mutual agreement.
  • This position is based at ARPA-E headquarters in Washington, D.C. (fully remote and routine remote work is not possible).
  • The Associate Director for Finance is a full-time federal employee, is paid a competitive salary, and receives full federal benefits.

To apply, please submit a cover letter highlighting compliance with the above qualifications and a full resume or CV.

Questions can be directed via email to ARPA-E-jobs@hq.doe.gov with the words, “Associate Director for Finance” in the subject heading.

In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated.  Your answers to the essay questions will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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