1

Project Development Director Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Director, Design & Engineering At SeaWorld, we're passionate about caring for animals. In fact, we ... Lead project stakeholders and external design professionals in the development and execution of ...

... project delivery process are carried out and reported • Lead the ongoing development and continuous improvement of the IMS and QMS. • Liaise with the Regional SHEQ Managers and Regional Directors ...

Partnering closely with Flywheel's Business Development Directors to coordinate pitch strategy and ... You excel at project management and can juggle multiple workstreams with competing deadlines with ...

Manage all project documents from Project Development to Handover to entity, ensuring deliverables ... the Project Director / Manager * Manage construction and pre-commissioning including timely ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Project Development Director information

See Arkansas salary details

$51.7K

$117.5K

$184K

How much do project development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development director in Arkansas is $117,482.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,600.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Project Development Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Development Director, you need expertise in project management, business development, strategic planning, and a relevant degree—often in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project or Asana), budgeting tools, and certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2 are highly advantageous. Leadership, negotiation, and strong interpersonal communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring project success, stakeholder alignment, and effective delivery of organizational goals.

What are some common challenges faced by a Project Development Director when managing cross-functional teams?

Project Development Directors often work with diverse teams from various departments such as engineering, finance, marketing, and legal. One common challenge is aligning different priorities and communication styles to ensure everyone is working towards the same project goals. Additionally, balancing stakeholder expectations while managing tight deadlines and budget constraints can require strong negotiation and problem-solving skills. Successful Project Development Directors foster collaboration, set clear objectives, and proactively address potential conflicts to keep projects on track.

What does a Project Development Director do?

A Project Development Director oversees the planning, execution, and completion of major projects within an organization. Their responsibilities include identifying project opportunities, managing budgets, coordinating teams, and ensuring projects align with organizational goals. They often serve as the main point of contact for stakeholders and are responsible for mitigating risks and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope. Effective leadership, strategic planning, and strong communication skills are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Project Development Director vs Project Manager?

AspectProject Development DirectorProject Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple projects, strategic planning, and long-term development initiativesManages individual projects, coordinates teams, and ensures project deliverables
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in relevant fields, extensive experience in project planning and leadershipBachelor's degree, PMP or similar certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level, strategic meetings, cross-department collaborationOn-site or remote project teams, day-to-day project oversight

The Project Development Director focuses on strategic, high-level planning and oversees multiple projects, while the Project Manager handles the execution and daily management of individual projects. Both roles require strong leadership and industry knowledge, but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What cities in Arkansas are hiring for Project Development Director jobs? Cities in Arkansas with the most Project Development Director job openings:
Director, Design & Engineering

Director, Design & Engineering

SeaWorld

Busch, AR

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Busch Gardens is a place of thrills, fun and positive, lasting memories. And that's just what its like to work here! As a key member of our team, you'll play a major role in bringing happiness and excitement to people from around the world. If you're dedicated, dependable and driven to deliver exceptional guest service, this is a place for you!

Director, Design & Engineering

At SeaWorld, we're passionate about caring for animals. In fact, we've already rescued over 40,000 animals (and counting!). And we can save you from being stuck in just another job. Join us and help bring joy, excitement, and lasting memories to people from around the world. We're seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and hard-working individuals in a wide variety of roles. Join us and play an important part on our incredible team!

What you get to do:

Plan and implement all capital improvement projects in accordance with the annual and 5-year capital investment plans for assigned park location. Support Theme Park Development group in the strategic planning of new attractions. Lead project stakeholders and external design professionals in the development and execution of capital projects. Lead the planning and development of capital projects at assigned park location. Administer capital budgets, capital controls, and project reporting for the assigned park location. This position reports to the park VP, Design & Engineering; and the position's department has dotted line reporting to the corporate Theme Park Development group.

  • Work with various senior leaders and teams to collaborate on strategic planning and design development of all major attractions for assigned park location.
  • Collaborate with Park Leadership to identify, prioritize, and oversee annual Sundry and Infrastructure capital needs and development, as well as 5-year infrastructure improvement plans.
  • Collaborate with Theme Park Development group to effectively manage the budget, schedule, and planning/development processes for major attractions and significant capital projects.
  • Manage the overall project development process from the initial stages of ideation though concept development and refinement for park capital projects. Establish, incorporate, and manage prioritized end user criteria.
  • Assign SEA project management responsibilities; oversee consultants.
  • Oversee the design and engineering of all capital improvements to ensure compliance with corporate design standards and park needs, ensuring adherence to project budgets and schedules.
  • Oversee park compliance with Capital Projects Controls & Procedures and SEA Theme Park Development group direction for projects, including the Architectural Review Process, SEA Standardization directives, plus EH&S Polices, and all applicable local or industry codes and standards.
  • Oversee the development of comprehensive bid packages, bid process, and contract documents.
  • Ensure effective project management. Monitor construction in progress to ensure compliance with established scope, schedule, cash flows, and budget.
  • Provide leadership and development to project managers

What it takes to succeed:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Civil, Structural, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or other related discipline.
  • Minimum five years combined experience in architecture, engineering, project management, and execution of capital projects in a theme park (or related) environment.
  • Demonstrates high levels of creativity and strategic thinking. Comprehensive knowledge of the design process and the means & methods of construction.
  • Functional knowledge of entertainment media and related specialty systems used within the theme park industry.
  • Functional knowledge of amusement ride systems, controls and equipment.
  • Functional knowledge of all building systems including; site utility distribution, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, water filtration, fire protection, etc.
  • Excellent communication skills - oral & written. Strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to analyze complex issues and develop effective plans and strategies.
  • Ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels within the organization.
  • Ability to effectively lead a diverse group of design, engineering and technical professionals, and flourish in a highly collaborative environment.
  • Ability to multi-task and manage multiple major projects and processes simultaneously.
  • Ability to lead and mentor park project manager(s)
  • Ability to travel domestically.

The perks of the position:

  • Paid Floating Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
  • Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401K Retirement plan
  • Voluntary Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Benefits
  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Legal Assistance Plan

EEO Employer: SEA WORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY, OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.

The perks of the position:

  • Paid Time Off
  • Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
  • Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401K Retirement plan
  • Voluntary Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Legal Assistance Plan

EEO Employer:

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.