Director – Program Operations
Last updated: May 19, 2025
Typical Responsibilities
Responsible for planning, directing, and controlling the activities of a specific program that usually contains several sub-programs. Utilizes specialized knowledge of the program to develop strategic plans, oversee their implementation, and ensure continued performance. Has delegated decision making authority to allocate resources and establish policies, methods, procedures, and work rules for the program. Ensures program conforms to institutional and department policies and requirements. Typically supervises managers responsible for sub-programs.
Supervisory Responsibility
Supervision of staff is not required, but is commonly found at higher grades in the series. Supervisors have the authority to hire staff, evaluate job performance, and take corrective action if performance is not acceptable.
Overtime Eligibility
FLSA overtime status is based on the position’s duties and responsibilities, and whether or not the position’s gross salary is less than the federal FLSA salary basis test or the Washington state salary basis test, whichever is higher. Please visit the Compensation website for current information on FLSA overtime eligibility.
Professional Staff Exemption
Program Direction/Control: Managerial or professional level positions having substantial responsibility for directing or controlling program operations and who are accountable for the allocations of resources and program results.
Sample Working Titles
Working titles generally include the word “Director” and are followed with the specific function or organizational group over which the position has responsibility.
Alternative Payroll Titles
If the position’s focus is on the day-to-day operational management of a program, consider other titles in the Program Direction/Control exemption. If the position reports to an Executive Head who holds the responsibility for the strategic oversight and direction of the program, consider titles in the Principal Assistant to Executive Head exemption such as Assistant Director, Associate Director, Administrator, Manager, or Analyst.
Limitations
In large organizations, this position may supervise other positions that each have management responsibility for a separate program that is part of the larger organization. This position cannot be identified as the supervisor of another position exempt from civil service based on the Program Direction/Control exemption criteria if both positions are identified as sharing responsibility for the same program and body of work.