19:46 Aug 6 

for the sceptics among you: to replace so. temporarily is to deputize or act for sb. or on behalf of sb. Instead of deputy director one might just as well use the term "acting d.", alternate dir. or assistant director" but deputy director is definitely the most frequently used term. The same applies to Ministers and deputy ministers. But in this case there is only one option, i.e. deputy minister.

16:07 Aug 6 

You do understand the difference between Deputy Director, Associate Director and Associate Professor.......

13:02 Aug 6 

to Eva. but also hospitals have administrative directors. In the present case it is a person who performs his tasks as SUBSTITUTE or replacement of the director. Associate has not the meaning of a representative, (and associate professor is something entirely different).