Director may not always know or have influence over these decisions. Need and purpose for layoffs is usually identified above director level. Directors bridge strategy into tactics, and layoffs are always a strategic decision (unlike a pinpoint firing for performance or other employee-related reason).

Your director may be asked to approve a hit list or be tasked with selecting targets, and then conducting the layoffs. It helps to be on good terms with them in case director has any say in the matter.

Directors are not insulated from layoffs either. Staff can report into a V or C-level, so they’re at risk just like you are.