Project Director Job Description - Salary, Education and Career Guide for Becoming a Project Director

A project director is a team leader who wears a multitude of hats. The job entails multiple management practices that require a wide range of skills. Aspiring project directors will likely begin by working as one of a team of project coordinators. Once they demonstrate their leadership and communication skills, it may be possible to advance to the role of project director.

Project directors provide oversight to a team on any number of specific assignments. It is the director of project management’s job to ensure that a team finishes on time and under budget. It is also a project director’s job to ensure that the work produced is of the highest quality possible. It is important for a successful project director to see both the "big picture" and the smallest details. A successful project director knows how to lead and direct a team to get any job finished. He or she will be skilled as a communicator, both verbally and in written form. Project directors should be highly organized and also act as mediator among individuals, teams and any others involved.

 

Project directors deal with a variety of projects across sectors. Project directors work in fields such as:

Local and national government agencies have long been leaders in providing jobs for project directors. The defense industry and urban development agencies, in particular, are sectors that show an ongoing need for directors. Management opportunities also exist with environmental groups and any information technology field. On a smaller scale, the project director might be in charge of a special event or fundraising campaign. Larger projects may involve subcontracting with outside agencies on a local or even international basis.

 

Typical project director duties include:

Project directors have a high amount of accountability. The project director will likely be held responsible for exceeded budgets or unmet deadlines.

Salaries for project directors range from about $40,000 to more than $150,000 annually, depending on industry. The scope and length of a project is another determining factor. Because entry-level project directors likely have a few years of experience coordinating projects, entry-level jobs in this field offer a highly competitive salary.

In many cases, this position requires a bachelor's or master's degree along with experience in related capacities. Advanced degrees in business and finance, which can be completed online, may be particularly attractive to employers. It is also possible to receive a doctorate in project management. A particular educational background may be necessary for specialized fields, but training in management may be all that is required. Additionally, specialized accreditation in project management is available. Becoming certified is respected, and sometimes required, by employers.

 

Project directors are typically knowledgeable in customized database and tracking software. They should plan to engage in continuing education with regard to the latest product releases and upgrades.

For some projects, employers seek individuals with unique talents. This may be especially true of the technical fields. An organization may look within its own ranks to fill the position of project director. Project management consultants with associated prior work experience would certainly be ideal candidates. Someone dedicated to tracking trends might make an excellent market research project director. An individual with a construction or architectural background might be a candidate for a facilities project director position. Overall, a varied background that includes management along with extensive communications skill development will be in high demand.

Small jobs often lead to larger ones, and there is a great deal of advancement opportunity within this field. A successful director of project management can move into higher positions as a group leader or as an executive. Those with higher levels of experience may elect to enter the consulting field, with opportunities to develop an expanded client base. As more companies understand the need for skilled oversight, opportunities will also grow.