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Human resources executive vs director of human resources

The differences between human resources executives and directors of human resources can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a human resources executive and a director of human resources. Additionally, a director of human resources has an average salary of $100,601, which is higher than the $84,219 average annual salary of a human resources executive.

The top three skills for a human resources executive include payroll, data entry and performance management. The most important skills for a director of human resources are performance management, HRIS, and employee engagement.

Human resources executive vs director of human resources overview

Human Resources ExecutiveDirector Of Human Resources
Yearly salary$84,219$100,601
Hourly rate$40.49$48.37
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs109,17246,924
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age4747
Years of experience66

What does a human resources executive do?

A human resources executive is primarily in charge of developing and spearheading human resources programs such as benefits and compensation. They manage different teams, set objectives and guidelines, gather and analyze data, liaise with external parties, coordinate with analysts and specialists, and develop strategies to optimize operations. They must also oversee the employment procedures and participate in screening applicants. Furthermore, a human resources executive must lead and encourage teams to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

What does a director of human resources do?

A human resources director is responsible for managing the overall operations of the human resources department, ensuring smooth operations while meeting the company's goals of successful profitability and services. Human resources directors' duties include providing staff consultation, addressing staffing concerns, managing compensation and benefits plans, reviewing plans for training and development programs, and reporting future actions to the management. A human resources director must have excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills to help lead the business to its growth and development.

Human resources executive vs director of human resources salary

Human resources executives and directors of human resources have different pay scales, as shown below.

Human Resources ExecutiveDirector Of Human Resources
Average salary$84,219$100,601
Salary rangeBetween $56,000 And $124,000Between $68,000 And $147,000
Highest paying CityOakland, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyJPMorgan Chase & Co.McKinsey & Company Inc
Best paying industryFinanceTechnology

Differences between human resources executive and director of human resources education

There are a few differences between a human resources executive and a director of human resources in terms of educational background:

Human Resources ExecutiveDirector Of Human Resources
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Human resources executive vs director of human resources demographics

Here are the differences between human resources executives' and directors of human resources' demographics:

Human Resources ExecutiveDirector Of Human Resources
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 25.9% Female, 74.1%Male, 35.0% Female, 65.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 5.7% White, 70.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 5.7% White, 70.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage18%18%

Differences between human resources executive and director of human resources duties and responsibilities

Human resources executive example responsibilities.

  • Lead development of global HRIS system, enabling access from single point on global basis throughout different time zones.
  • Manage and/or direct several HRIS system changes or modifications resulting in increase efficiency and meeting the organization's increasing needs.
  • Manage compliance review of FLSA classification and analyze headcount and turnover reports and provide recommendations to management regarding appropriate headcount actions.
  • Authore employee manual covering issues like disciplinary procedures, code of conduct, FMLA policy and benefits information.
  • Ensure adherence to all federal and state labor laws including ADA, FMLA, LOA's, etc.
  • Reduce company's costs by manpower planning, budgeting, forecasting, and hiring through a third party vendor.
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Director of human resources example responsibilities.

  • Recruit, negotiate new benefit contracts, manage compensation budget with department managers, process and oversee payroll.
  • Develop a structure interview process, implement online background investigation, integrity surveying applications, and manage the HRIS system.
  • Adopt mediation as a prefer means of reduce cost employee dispute resolution.
  • Design performance management training program and develop and deliver sexual harassment and EEO training to production show staff.
  • Maintain affirmative action and OSHA documentation.
  • Lead responsibility for all employment litigation and administrative charges.
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Human resources executive vs director of human resources skills

Common human resources executive skills
  • Payroll, 14%
  • Data Entry, 13%
  • Performance Management, 7%
  • HRIS, 5%
  • Exit Interviews, 4%
  • Succession Planning, 3%
Common director of human resources skills
  • Performance Management, 8%
  • HRIS, 5%
  • Employee Engagement, 4%
  • Payroll Processing, 4%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Succession Planning, 4%

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