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Operational Director Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Lifepoint Health

Plant Operations Director

Lynnwood, WA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

As a Plant Operations Director joining our team, you're embracing our promise to provide superior patient care that exceeds industry standards as well as patient expectations. Join us on this ...

Current

Regional Operations Director, West

Seattle, WA · On-site

$200K - $220K/yr

Firm operational performance * Deploy the Operations Playbook across the portfolio -- standardizing ... Partner with the Growth Director and Integration enterprise function during the 120-day integration ...

McKinstry

Client Operations Director

Seattle, WA · On-site

$165K - $252K/yr

The Opportunity with McKinstry McKinstry is looking for a Client Operations Director to support our growing PNW Facility Operations team in Seattle, WA. This position is responsible for driving ...

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Operational Director information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$38.8K

$123K

$205.1K

How much do operational director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for operational director in Seattle, WA is $123,023.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,300.00 and $154,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Operational Directors when aligning cross-departmental teams?

Operational Directors frequently encounter challenges in ensuring that different departments, such as finance, HR, and production, work toward unified goals. Miscommunication, varying priorities, and siloed workflows can create obstacles. Successful Operational Directors address these issues by fostering open communication channels, implementing regular cross-functional meetings, and utilizing data-driven performance metrics to align teams. Building strong relationships and a culture of collaboration are also key to overcoming these challenges.

Who is higher, COO or director of operations?

In most organizations, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a senior executive responsible for overall operational management and reports directly to the CEO. The Director of Operations typically oversees daily operations within specific departments or regions and reports to the COO or other senior executives. Therefore, the COO generally holds a higher position than the Director of Operations.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Operational Directors and other executive-level roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and COOs can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in large corporations or industries like finance, technology, and healthcare. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, stock options, and other incentives, and typically requires extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced education or certifications.

What are Operational Directors?

Operational Directors are senior executives responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an organization or a specific division. They develop and implement policies, manage budgets, streamline processes, and ensure that operational goals align with the company’s strategic objectives. Operational Directors often supervise department heads, monitor performance metrics, and drive efficiency improvements across the business. Their role is crucial in maintaining high productivity and supporting overall business growth.

What is the role of an operational director?

An operational director oversees the daily operations of an organization, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across departments. They develop strategies, manage resources, and coordinate teams to meet company goals, often requiring strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and familiarity with operational tools and processes.

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

To thrive as an Operational Director, you need strong leadership, strategic planning, and business management skills, typically supported by a relevant degree and extensive managerial experience. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, process optimization tools, and industry-specific certifications such as Six Sigma or PMP is often required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities help drive organizational efficiency and motivate teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for aligning operations with business objectives, ensuring smooth workflows, and achieving sustainable growth.

Is ops manager higher than GM?

In most organizations, a General Manager (GM) oversees overall operations and has broader responsibilities, while an Operations Manager (Ops Manager) typically focuses on specific operational functions within a department. The hierarchy depends on the company's structure, but generally, the GM holds a higher position than the Ops Manager. The Operations Director is often senior to both, overseeing multiple departments or the entire operations function.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operational jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Operational jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Operational Director jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Operational Director job openings:
Operational Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operational Director job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,023 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Program Operations Director

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.

With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world’s leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world’s deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality.

At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems.

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division (VIDD) is a recognized leader in translational and “bench-to-bedside” science. VIDD integrates the expertise and creativity of scientists in basic, translational and clinical research to prevent, treat and cure infectious diseases, including known and emerging infections of major global health importance such as influenza, SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and cancer-related infectious diseases. Applying an innovative multidisciplinary approach, VIDD houses three formal research programs that systematically pursue explicit goals aimed at eliminating the burden of death and disease from infection. These programs include Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Epidemiology; Immunology and Vaccine Development; and Infectious Disease Sciences.

The Program Operations Director (POD) for the Immunology and Vaccine Development (IVD) Program provides oversight and direction for a research program of over 50 faculty and $300 million in research awards. The POD leverages broad experience in program leadership, strategic planning, research administration, federal regulatory requirements, financial planning & analysis, human resources management, training & development, research portfolio development including proposal writing, systems and process improvement, and communications. This position reports to the Associate Vice President (AVP) for VIDD.

This position works in partnership with program leadership, Principal Investigators (PIs) and VIDD’s Associate Vice President to independently plan and ensure the success of the program faculty in their research pursuits.  The IVD Program Operations Director supervises managers to ensure consistent, efficient, and compliant administration of work units within the program: Research Administration, Regulatory Affairs, and Facilities & Operations, which includes oversight of the wet labs housed in the program. They ensure program strategy and objectives align with overall division and organizational priorities and provide input to division-level strategic planning.


1. Program Oversight (60%)

  • Ensure program activities are compliant with all federal, sponsor and Fred Hutch requirements and guidelines and ensure operational consistency across the program
  • Provide effective and inspiring leadership by being actively involved across the division, developing a broad and deep knowledge of all aspects of program operations
  • Supervise staff, including, hiring, training, mentorship, evaluating performance, handling disciplinary action, layoff and termination issues
  • Provide oversight to the program’s Research Administration activities including grant preparation, budget development/management, forecasting, reporting and report tools development
  • Oversee financial operations for the program including forecasting, management, reporting, reconciliations, purchasing and vendor contract management
  • Provide financial advice and guidance to program leaders and teams
  • Ensure the adherence to regulatory compliance procedures and laboratory protocols throughout the program, including oversight of any agency site reviews
  • Provide oversight of human resources management activities, training and communication of Fred Hutch policies, and administrative process improvement
  • Contribute to space planning, allocation, utilization, and management and resolve conflicts as needed
  • Collaborate with VIDD leadership to communicate and share programmatic activities, challenges and accomplishments regularly

2. Strategic Planning (15%)

  • Facilitate faculty engagement in VIDD strategic planning efforts
  • Work with faculty and leadership from IVD, VIDD and Fred Hutch to operationalize strategic plans and implement processes to achieve the initiatives and objectives set forth in each plan
  • Lead and participate in groups and committees across the Program, Division and/or Organization to support strategy, special projects, and process improvement initiatives
  • Synergize with other programs and participate in operational planning for the Division
  • Develop and implement a system for tracking and reporting on the progress of operational plan & process improvement project implementation

3. Faculty Support (25%)

  • In collaboration with VIDD Faculty Affairs Office, coordinate faculty recruiting activities for the program and support the Division office in administration and faculty promotions
  • Assist the IVD Program Head in planning all IVD faculty meetings; attend program meetings and events to stay abreast on all milestones, activities and needs for the IVD faculty
  • Serve as an advisor to faculty in planning and developing their group or lab including recruitment and retention, conflict management, and offboarding
  • Support faculty in cultivating and managing relationships with public and private funders to secure and expand recurring revenue streams
  • Assist the Fred Hutch Philanthropy, Business Development, and Communication & Marketing departments in cooperation with the Division to ensure all IVD achievements and donor relationships are appropriately highlighted and managed
  • Assist in finding, and developing new funding opportunities for the program, as appropriate
  • Proactively engage with faculty and their research administrators to regularly prepare and report out on their funding, awards and highlights of research activities

Other duties as assigned.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration or a related field
  • Minimum of 8-10 years of federal research administration management experience
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of supervisory and leadership experience
  • Demonstrated success managing and engaging diverse stakeholders across a complex research portfolio
  • Experience with translating science into strategy in creating and executing strategic plans
  • Strong communication and budgetary skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Master's degree
  • 3-5 years of experience in supporting faculty in an academic environment
  • Understanding of NIH grant policies
  • Experience managing operations, including grant and contract budgeting and monitoring, human resources, financial planning & analysis, and strategic planning in a health care, research, biotech or governmental agency environment
  • Experience identifying areas for process improvement and implementing associated change management strategies to successfully rollout and sustain initiatives
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience in data analytics and visualization
  • Advanced experience with Microsoft suite (Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, etc.)
  • Ability to create a positive work culture
  • Flexibility and adaptability
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills
  • Positive attitude and sense of humor

The annual base salary range for this position is from $133,328 to $210,724, and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

This position may be eligible for relocation assistance.

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship at this time.


Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (12-22 days per year), paid sick leave (12-25 days per year), paid holidays (13 days per year), and paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks).


We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.

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