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Performance Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

A Director, Performance Marketing to own and scale RingCentral's full-funnel paid performance engine. This is a senior leadership role for a practitioner-leader with deep domain expertise across Paid ...

The Director of Industrial Performance at See's Candies is a strategic leader responsible for driving operational excellence, productivity, and loss elimination across a multi-site food-manufacturing ...

The Director of Industrial Performance at See's Candies is a strategic leader responsible for driving operational excellence, productivity, and loss elimination across a multi-site food-manufacturing ...

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Performance Director information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$117.8K

$162.8K

How much do performance director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for performance director in California is $117,761.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,300.00 and $145,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Performance Director?

A Performance Director is a senior professional responsible for overseeing and optimizing the performance of teams, departments, or athletes, depending on the industry. In business, they focus on implementing strategies to improve operational efficiency and achieve organizational goals. In sports and entertainment, a Performance Director develops training programs, manages staff, and ensures peak performance. They often work closely with coaches, managers, and executives to set targets and monitor progress. Their role is crucial in driving continuous improvement and achieving high standards of performance.

What is the difference between Performance Director vs Performance Manager?

AspectPerformance DirectorPerformance Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall performance strategies, sets long-term goals, and aligns performance initiatives with company objectives.Manages day-to-day performance activities, monitors team performance, and implements performance improvement plans.
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in business, HR, or related field; often a master's degree or certifications like SHRM-SCP.Usually requires a bachelor's degree in HR, business, or related area; certifications like PHR or SHRM-CP are common.
Work EnvironmentStrategic, leadership-focused, often in executive settings or HR departments.Operational, team-focused, working closely with employees and managers.

The Performance Director focuses on strategic performance initiatives and long-term goals, while the Performance Manager handles daily performance management and team development. Both roles require related credentials and work within HR or organizational settings, but differ in scope and focus.

What are some common challenges a Performance Director faces when aligning cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives?

A Performance Director often encounters the challenge of unifying diverse teams—such as marketing, sales, and operations—under a shared vision for performance improvement. Balancing differing priorities, overcoming communication gaps, and ensuring data-driven accountability across departments require strong leadership and strategic planning. Success in this role relies on fostering collaboration, setting clear performance metrics, and effectively communicating expectations to keep everyone focused on company goals.

What jobs make around $100,000 a year?

For a Performance Director, salaries around $100,000 are common in mid- to senior-level roles in marketing, operations, or corporate strategy, especially with experience and relevant certifications. Other roles in management, project leadership, or specialized technical positions can also reach this salary level depending on industry and location.

How much do performance directors make?

Performance directors typically earn between $80,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on industry, experience, and location. Senior performance directors or those in large organizations may earn higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits.

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

Performance Directors in large corporations or executive-level roles in finance, technology, or consulting can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. High compensation typically requires extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced certifications, with some roles demanding long hours and strategic responsibilities.

What is the role of a performance director?

A performance director is responsible for overseeing and improving the performance of an organization, team, or individual. They develop strategies, set performance goals, analyze data, and implement initiatives to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, often working closely with leadership and using tools like KPIs and performance metrics.

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

To excel as a Performance Director, you need expertise in performance management, data analysis, and strategic planning, often supported by a degree in business, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with analytics platforms (such as Google Analytics), project management tools, and relevant certifications like PMP or digital marketing credentials is highly valuable. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities help you motivate teams and drive organizational success. These skills are crucial for optimizing performance outcomes, aligning teams with business goals, and achieving measurable results.
What are the most commonly searched types of Performance jobs in California? The most popular types of Performance jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Performance Director jobs in California? For Performance Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Performance Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Performance Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Performance Director job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,761 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

PAID MEDIA & PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR

United Collective

Huntington Beach, CA

$125K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Founded in 2001, GALLEGOS United (GU) is an award-winning, independent and minority-owned agency. We help clients grow through attuned and creatively driven marketing that delivers immersive, socially engaging work that shapes culture and drives client business growth. Our partners include got milk?, Stater Bros., Comcast, Nate's Honey, AIM Sports Group and South Norte, among others.

Job Description

As a Paid Media and Performance Director at Gallegos United, you will be responsible for leading and overseeing the media planning and performance marketing strategies for our clients. You will guide a team of media planners, buyers, and performance marketers in creating data-driven campaigns that maximize client ROI and drive business growth. With your deep understanding of media channels, digital advertising platforms, and performance analytics, you will play a critical role in shaping and executing successful media and performance marketing initiatives.

Here's what you'll be doing:

Media Strategy and Planning:

  • Collaborate with the Account team to understand client objectives, target audiences, and marketing goals.

  • Develop comprehensive media strategies that align with client objectives and leverage a mix of digital channels, including display, search, social media, video, and programmatic advertising.

  • Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and measurement frameworks to evaluate the success of media campaigns.

Media Buying and Optimization:

  • Oversee the media planning process and managing media budgets to maximize campaign effectiveness and efficiency.

  • Utilize data and analytics to continuously optimize media campaigns, making data-driven decisions on targeting, creative, and bidding strategies.

  • Stay updated with industry trends and emerging technologies, identifying new opportunities for media innovation and growth.

Performance Marketing:

  • Develop performance marketing strategies that integrate with media campaigns to drive targeted traffic, lead generation, and conversions.

  • Oversee the implementation of performance marketing tactics, including search engine marketing (SEM), search engine optimization (SEO), and conversion rate optimization (CRO).

  • Analyze performance data, identify areas for improvement, and implement optimization strategies to enhance campaign performance and ROI.

Team Leadership and Development:

  • Lead an internal and external team of media planners, buyers, and performance marketers, providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

  • Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment, promoting teamwork and knowledge sharing.

  • Conduct performance evaluations, set goals, and provide ongoing coaching and support to ensure individual and team success.

Client Collaboration and Reporting:

  • Collaborate closely with clients to understand their business objectives, target audiences, and campaign goals.

  • Present media strategies, performance insights, and campaign results to clients, effectively communicating the value and impact of the media and performance marketing initiatives.

  • Respond to client inquiries, address concerns, and provide strategic recommendations to optimize campaign performance.

Qualifications

Here's what you'll have:

  • Bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, business, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

  • Proven experience (8+ years) in media planning, buying, and performance marketing within a digital agency or marketing environment.

  • Deep understanding of digital advertising platforms, including Google Ads, Facebook Ads, programmatic buying platforms, and analytics tools.

  • Strong analytical skills, with the ability to analyze and interpret data to derive actionable insights and optimize campaign performance.

  • Experience in developing and implementing performance marketing strategies, including SEM, SEO, affiliate marketing, and CRO.

  • Knowledge of media planning tools, research methodologies, and industry best practices.

  • Excellent leadership and team management abilities, with a track record of leading and motivating high-performing teams.

  • Strong client management and communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex ideas and strategies to clients.

  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on delivering results and driving business growth.

  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.

  • Stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in media and performance marketing.

  • Multicultural (Hispanic) market experience a plus.

Additional Information

Salary Range: $125,000 - $150,000

*Actual offer may vary by market location, job-related knowledge, skills and experience.

GALLEGOS United is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion (including religious dress or grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, sex (including childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, transitioning status, age, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, citizenship status, military and veteran status, uniform service member status, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, driver's license status, or any other legally protected status under applicable laws. Information collected in the pre-hire process is used solely to evaluate employment eligibility, verify identity, and maintain applicant employment statistics.