A director is the interface between the higher ups and the lower levels of the org. Basically taking strategy and vision by articulating it to product deliverables. They’re also the first to fall on their sword when things don’t work out and heads need to roll.
Exactly. VP is the level that spends most of their time concerned with how their function strategically fits with other functions. It's the entry-level position for C-level corporate politics.
If Director is the most senior you can be without being that, you're generally the highest execution-focused role that lets your VP do their thing. Somewhat equivalent to an XO in the military. At the same time, you're usually the one who has to translate the relevant parts of the strategy into something relevant and tactical for everyone below.
