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Project Development Director Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Invenergy LLC

Director, Renewable Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$185K - $235K/yr

Position Overview As a Director, Renewable Development, you will lead the development of utility ... Manage wind, solar, and storage project development strategies within the MISO, PJM, and TVA ...

Path Construction

Director of Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $210K/yr

This role will oversee the sourcing, evaluation, and delivery of development projects across key ... Duties for the Director of Development include : * Lead and refine the company's development ...

Path Construction

Director of Development

Chicago, IL

$130K - $210K/yr

This role will oversee the sourcing, evaluation, and delivery of development projects across key ... Duties for the Director of Development include : * Lead and refine the company's development ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsProject Development JobsProject Development Director JobsProject Development Director Jobs in Illinois

Project Development Director information

See Illinois salary details

$60.6K

$137.7K

$215.6K

How much do project development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development director in Illinois is $137,674.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,300.00 and $145,400.00 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 Illinois?

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

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

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

Project Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Development Director job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,674 per year, or $66.2 per hour.

Professional Development Director

Park Ridge, IL • On-site

Million Dollar Round Table
Retail • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Million Dollar Round Tableexternal

$140K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Join a World-Class Organization Making a Global Impact
Founded in 1927, MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table), The Premier Association of Financial Professionals®, is a global, independent association representing the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals. With members from more than 80 nations and territories and nearly 700 companies, MDRT is internationally recognized as the standard of excellence in the financial services profession. Our members are distinguished by their exceptional professional knowledge, unwavering ethical standards, and commitment to outstanding client service.
At MDRT, our employees play a vital role in supporting a mission-driven organization that serves a diverse global membership. We foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment where employees are encouraged to grow professionally and contribute meaningfully to our continued success.
We are proud to offer a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package, including fully paid medical coverage for employees, 70% employer-paid medical coverage for dependents, fully paid dental and vision insurance for employees and dependents, educational assistance, a 401(k) matching program, and a defined benefit pension plan.
MDRT is seeking a Professional Development Director who serves as a senior leader within the Education Division and reports to the Senior Director of Education. This role provides strategic direction, leadership, and oversight for the development, design, and delivery of all educational programming for the organization’s live events. The Director ensures alignment with organizational priorities, manages departmental operations, and serves as the primary staff liaison to the Executive Committee liaisons of the Program Development Committees, guiding committee work and integrating it into a cohesive professional development strategy.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide strategic leadership for all phases of educational program development, including needs assessments, content strategy, program design, speaker strategy, and evaluation processes.
  • Direct the development and delivery of a comprehensive portfolio of educational programs across multiple modalities, including live events, committee-led initiatives, and other in-person learning experiences.
  • Oversee departmental planning and operations, including budgeting, resource allocation, workflow management, and staff supervision to ensure high-quality, timely, and cost-effective program execution.
  • Oversee the global content strategy for live meetings, ensuring educational offerings are relevant, innovative, and aligned with organizational goals while reflecting diverse regional needs, cultural perspectives, and multilingual audiences.
  • Establish and maintain high-level partnerships with volunteer leaders, serving as a trusted advisor and effective liaison to the Executive Committee liaisons. Guide committee discussions, ensure alignment with strategic priorities, and translate decisions into actionable program plans.
  • Oversee all speaker-related operations, including selection processes, contracting, onboarding, and onsite management, ensuring seamless speaker experience and consistent program quality.
  • Provide executive-level oversight of communications and reporting related to educational programming, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and alignment across internal and external stakeholders including Executive Committee and Joint Executive Staff.
  • Collaborate closely with the Meeting Services Department to ensure educational program requirements, speaker needs, and production considerations are fully integrated into event planning and execution.
  • Ensure effective management of all live events, including program development, speaker logistics, and onsite content quality, recognizing that the organization operates without a production company and relies on internal leadership.
  • Drive continuous improvement, identify opportunities to evolve formats, incorporate adult learning principles, and introduce innovative approaches to enhance the attendee experience.
The ideal candidate will have:
  • Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to inspire, mentor, and develop staff while fostering strong cross-departmental relationships.
  • Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate organizational goals into actionable professional development initiatives.
  • Advanced negotiation skills, including experience managing speaker contracts and vendor partnerships.
  • Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to craft clear and compelling presentations, reports, and strategic recommendations for executive leadership and volunteer committees.
  • Deep understanding of adult learning theory, program design, and contemporary educational delivery methods.
  • Proven ability to lead complex projects, manage multiple programs simultaneously, and deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines.
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive, with a strong commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
  • Familiarity with marketing principles and the ability to collaborate effectively with marketing partners to support program promotion and engagement.
The position is required to be in our Park Ridge, IL office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Apply