The Director General is a current or former Foreign Service Officer, appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the United States Senate.

[1] Since November 23, 1975, under a Departmental administrative action, the Director General has concurrently held the title of Director of the Bureau of Global Talent Management.

[2] As the head of the human resources bureau, the Director General holds a rank equivalent to an Assistant Secretary of State and reports to the Under Secretary of State for Management.

[2] The Foreign Service Act of 1980 made the position a Presidential appointee.

[2] After 1986, the Director General became responsible for all personnel aspects of the Foreign Service and the Civil Service at the State Department, including advertising, examination, appointment, job assignments worldwide, disciplinary actions, and promotions to the Senior Foreign Service.