What defines a director-level role in IT?
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There are some great answers here in the responses. I think a core difference between a director and a manager is that a manager is really leading a team with a specific function whereas a director is leading multiple functions under their own leaders
A director has a strategic mindset and is able to synthesize and break down complex issues to solve problems. It's important to have a vision for what can be possible, but it's as important to be an excellent and clear communicator on what that vision entails to those it may affect, and for those who will be part of ensuring that a vision becomes a reality.
This type of role manages a variety of complex things and can see the "big picture." This includes projects, initiatives, budgets, and people. Often, I like to characterize the people managed by me as the ones "doing the real work." In my experience, it's important for a director to be able to read people well in order to make strategic hires to put together the best team possible.
Direct reports (involving support services of client/desktop, infrastructure, applications, & data analytics), budget management for and maintenance of complex networks, data centers and/or multi cloud, Enterprise applications (CRM, ERP, & Collaboration) & strategic partnership with Executives.
Leadership. Strategy and Vision
We are building a team with the future in focus and helping the organization to have a strong and reliable team.
Budgeting plays an important role
Directors need to be more than a manager in the sense that they become more strategic and guide goals and priorities within the business. The role of a director will vary quite a bit depending on the supporting IT leadership structure they have around them, such as whether there is a VP or C-level leader. In small organizations, directors tend to be a strong leader with wider focus. In a larger organization, directors tend to be like a more senior level of management with some strategic focus. In short, there is no one definition, and largely varies org to org.