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Project Development Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Peak Energy

Project Development Manager

Burlingame, CA · On-site

Director of Development Position Type: Full Time About Peak Energy Peak Energy is the first ... The Project Development Manager will own the development of a portfolio of projects across various ...

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Development Director

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$175K/yr

Based in El Segundo, CA, we are currently seeking a Development Director who embodies our values ... Analysis of expected costs and comparison to similar projects * Review of land use issues and ...

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Project Development Director information

See California salary details

$61.7K

$140.2K

$219.6K

How much do project development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development director in California is $140,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $148,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Project Development jobs in California?

The most popular types of Project Development jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Project Development Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Project Development Director job openings:

Project Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Development Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,214 per year, or $67.4 per hour.

Managing Director, Project & Development Services

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Cushman & Wakefield
Real Estate • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Cushman & Wakefieldexternal

$265K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Cushman & Wakefield rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Title
Managing Director, Project & Development Services
Job Description Summary
The Sub Regional Leader leads operations, growth, and delivery excellence across multiple markets within a defined sub region. Serving as a connector between Regional strategy and Market execution, this leader drives business development, operational consistency, financial performance, and talent development at the sub regional level.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
Sub-Regional Strategy & Multi-Market Leadership
  • Translate and execute regional strategy at the sub-region level.
  • Ensure operational alignment and consistent delivery across all markets.
  • Conduct regular reviews with Market Leaders to evaluate performance, client satisfaction, and business needs.

Business Development & Market Growth
  • Lead BD efforts across multiple markets, driving pipeline development and revenue growth.
  • Support major pursuits as senior advisor, partnering with Marketing, PDS leadership, and other service lines.
  • Represent the sub-region at industry events and internal forums to promote capabilities.

Operational Excellence & Risk Management
  • Implement standardized delivery practices, risk protocols, and assurance processes across the sub-region.
  • Serve as escalation point for multi-market project challenges, operational gaps, or client concerns.
  • Capture and share cross-market insights to elevate service quality.

Financial Oversight
  • Manage sub-regional forecasting, reporting, budgeting, and financial performance.
  • Partner with Market Leaders to ensure accuracy in financial planning and accountability.
  • Monitor revenue drivers, profitability targets, and resource utilization.

Talent Development & Leadership Support
  • Mentor, coach, and develop Market Leaders and other key talent.
  • Partner with HR on performance management, succession planning, and team engagement.
  • Foster a culture aligned with C&W's DRIVE values.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • 10+ years of experience with 5+ years in leadership roles.
  • Experience managing multi-market operations and client-facing delivery teams.
  • Strong financial acumen and proven track record in business development.

Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate's experience and qualifications.
The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.
The compensation for the position is: $ 225,250.00 - $265,000.00
Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or email Accommodations@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.
INCO: "Cushman & Wakefield"

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