In my department, ADs are SES and chiefs are GS-14 or 15.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Isn't the important thing the GS-level and therefore pay?

No because both are SES. SES pay depends on how long you’ve been an SES

It seems its different amongst agencies and even within them. In my org, directors are not SES, other parts of my agency are way bigger and their directors are.

Can you compare the two job descriptions side by side and see which one sounds higher level?

I would look to see if either is SES. For us an associate is and a chief may or may not be

Anonymous wrote:It depends entirely on the particular agency and how they label all the titles.

This right here. I am a Chief. The person in my parallel position in another work unit is an Associate Director.

At my agency, chiefs are usually 14s. We have deputy directors/directors and they are usually 15s/SES. Sorta depends on the org structure. Not sure I've seen any associate director titles.

Anonymous wrote:The term chief is appropriating Native American culture, you should avoid the position.

I'm sure you're trolling but: chief is a French word.