It's hard to say without details about your job and the current relationship, but could you take on a special project? Could be something to showcase the staff and create an office accomplishment, or could be something to benefit the staff like figuring out how to make a certain perk possible. Making a process more efficient often does both.

So I can see how I would like to improve relations between our staff and director. Namely, listening to staff and taking their needs/wants into consideration and pushing director to do the same. I have no real power so I see myself more as an advocate or liaison between staff and management. What are things I can do in the other direction to improve my directors experience (few actual responsibilities - but of course I will do those well in order to keep him happy)? Before anyone rails on the uselessness of middle management, this gig is in addition to my regular job. TIA.