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Director Of Project Management Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Director

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

We are seeking a Director of Engineering to lead our project management and engineering teams while helping strengthen client relationships. This strategic role combines technical leadership with a ...

Project Director

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$155K - $200K/yr

Oversee project controls including scope management, risk identification and mitigation, document control, scheduling, cost management, and use of project management software * Direct procurement and ...

... directing, coordinating, and delivering project activities through the entire project life cycle ... The position requires strict adherence to budget management and guidelines of both the assigned ...

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Showing results 1-20

Director Of Project Management information

See Iowa salary details

$16.9K

$116.8K

$171.9K

How much do director of project management jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of project management in Iowa is $116,825.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,900.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of project management do?

A Director of Project Management oversees an organization's project management department, ensuring that all projects align with business goals and are completed on time and within budget. This role involves leading a team of project managers, developing project management strategies, establishing best practices, and collaborating with other departments. The Director is also responsible for resource allocation, risk management, and optimizing processes to increase efficiency. They play a key role in strategic planning and often report to senior executives about project performance and outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of project management?

To thrive as a Director of Project Management, you need deep expertise in project management methodologies, leadership experience, and a relevant degree, often complemented by certifications like PMP or PRINCE2. Mastery of project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Asana, or Jira is crucial for overseeing multiple projects and teams. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and conflict resolution skills help you guide teams and align stakeholders toward common goals. These skills ensure projects are delivered efficiently, within scope and budget, and drive organizational success.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of project management when coordinating multiple large-scale projects simultaneously?

A Director of Project Management often encounters challenges such as balancing competing priorities, ensuring effective communication across diverse project teams, and managing resource constraints. Overseeing multiple large-scale projects requires strong organizational skills to align project timelines, maintain stakeholder engagement, and mitigate risks proactively. Additionally, adapting quickly to shifting business goals and fostering collaboration among cross-functional teams are key to ensuring project success and maintaining high team morale.

What is the difference between Director Of Project Management vs Project Manager?

AspectDirector Of Project ManagementProject Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple projects, strategic planning, team leadershipManages individual projects, executes project plans
CertificationsPMP, PgMP, PMI-SP often preferredPMP, CAPM commonly required
Work EnvironmentSenior leadership, cross-departmental teamsProject teams, operational settings
FocusStrategic alignment, resource allocationProject execution, deliverables

The main difference is that the Director Of Project Management focuses on strategic oversight and leadership across multiple projects, while the Project Manager handles the day-to-day management of individual projects. Both roles often require PMP certification and work within similar industries, but the Director role involves higher-level planning and team management.

How much does a director of project management make in the US?

The average salary for a director of project management in the US is approximately $120,000 to $160,000 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior roles often include bonuses and benefits, and strong leadership and project management skills are essential for higher compensation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Of Project Management jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Of Project Management jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Of Project Management jobs in Iowa?

For Director Of Project Management jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Director Of Project Management jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Director Of Project Management job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Of Project Management job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,825 per year, or $56.2 per hour.

Deputy Director of Project Development

State of Iowa

Ames, IA

$115K - $179K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description Reports To: Iowa DOT Transportation Development Division Director Position Type: Confidential, At-Will Shift Requirements: Day shift, Monday - Friday, 8 hours typical (may be flexed), mostly in-person but telework is available, some overnight travel is required. This position serves as a Deputy Director of the Transportation Development Division (TDD) and has primary responsibility for providing leadership, oversight, and direction for project development functions in TDD. This position is responsible for the effective delivery of projects in the Iowa Transportation Improvement Program (5-year Program), which includes over $4.3 billion of primary highway and bridge improvements

As the Deputy Director of Project Development, your duties will include, but are not limited to: Participating as a principal leader among the Transportation Development Division's Senior Leadership Team by assisting the Division Director in various division leadership capacities and activities, and at times representing the Division Director in his absence. Provide direct leadership, oversight, and direction for several bureaus in TDD, including Location and Environment, Design, Bridges and Structures, Project Management, Right of Way, and Contracts and Specifications. Collaborating with staff in all six Districts and other DOT divisions to improve project development processes and procedures to ensure that quality projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Serve as the Department's champion for the Digital Delivery program and associated initiatives. Iowa Department of Transportation's Mission is Making Lives Better Through Transportation. To accomplish our Mission, the person selected for this position will demonstrate actions and behaviors guided by the Iowa Department of Transportation's five CORE values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

Special requirements Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Must possess and maintain a professional engineering license in the State of Iowa. The Iowa Department of Transportation is proud to be a partner with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

Through this partnership, DOT engineers are granted membership at a largely discounted price, as well as discounts for conferences and continuing education through the ASCE. We are excited to offer this benefit and to have you join this partnership with us. If you're interested in learning more about this benefit, please visit https://www.asce.org/membership

As a State of Iowa employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits: Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment, and costs can be reviewed here. Opportunities for professional growth and development. Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year.

Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match Optional 401A plan with employer contributions. Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial). We encourage you to learn more about the State of Iowa Employee Benefits and costs at the State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website.

You have the freedom to flourish in Iowa - Apply now. Iowa DOT complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the EEO & ADA Officer at 515-689-1009 or via email at amy.weerheim@iowadot.us

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov. This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Department of Transportation. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise. Minimum Qualification Requirements Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification: 1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and experience equal to seven years of full-time management-level work in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation. 2) Eleven years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation.

3) All of the following (a and b): a. Seven years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation; and b. A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience.

Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education. 4) All of the following (a, b, and c): a. Five years of full-time management-level work experience in finance, human resources, engineering, law, social work, regulation, data processing, or program research or evaluation; and b.

A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and c. A combination of a total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, law, education, engineering) equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education

5) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes one year of full-time work as a Public Service Manager 1, Public Service Manager 2, or comparable specific management-level position.


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About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939