Experienced Assistant Director Job Description

An assistant director supports a departmental or company director by managing and training employees, developing programs that serve the best interest of the company, overseeing budgets, and ensuring that day-to-day business runs smoothly. The assistant director job description requires strong leadership qualities and excellent organizational skills, as well as the ability to think creatively.

Position Description

An assistant director assists in the hiring and termination of employees, helps develop program or curricula, manages the budget and financial issues, and presents strategic plans to upper level management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of an Assistant Director

• Coordinates and oversees program development and execution.
• Assists director and HR in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring employees to help run the program.
• Assists in drawing up employee contracts.
• Manages budgetary and other financial issues relevant to the program or department, including payroll.
• Plans activities and special events related to the program.
• Promotes and markets program and any special events.
• Supervises employee activity and delegates tasks.
• Coordinates employee work schedule.
• Handles and resolves any disputes within or related to the program and department, in support of the director.
• Sets program goals, and devises new methods for improving and sustaining program or department activity.
• Presents development ideas to upper level administrative or managerial departments.
• Reserves meeting or event space.
• Reports to director with any issues, problems, updates, or questions.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates excellent leadership qualities, including the ability to motivate and earn the respect of other staff.
• Possesses strong time management and organizational skills.
• Must be able to clearly and effectively communicate instructions to other employees.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of both PCs and Macs, and should be able to navigate new software programs as needed.
• Collaborates well with a team.
• Displays excellent communication and public speaking skills.
• Exhibits qualities of a creative thinker, necessary for planning the future development of the program.
• Has ability to maintain calm demeanor and think fast in the face of a crisis or dispute.
• Must have the energy and stamina required to supervise a number of activities, which requires ongoing movement, some light travel, and lifting of some supplies.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business or management required.
• Management experience in the workforce also required.
• An MBA or equivalent graduate degree can substitute for a portion of the required work history.

Work Environment

• Standard 8-hour workday applies, but must be willing to put in extra hours and work on weekends when necessary, in order to meet deadlines or oversee program events.
• Some time will be spent in an office setting, working with the director and meeting with other program staff.
• Must be prepared for light travel and to work outdoors for events and other activities.

Salary

• Average salaries for an assistant director range from $50,000-$60,000, dependent on the industry.