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Project Development Director Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

As a Business Development Director at Adlook, you will drive client acquisition and establish our ... Drive cross functional projects to deliver against client expectations * Evangelize Adlook's values ...

As a Business Development Director at Adlook, you will drive client acquisition and establish our ... Drive cross functional projects to deliver against client expectations; * Evangelize Adlook ...

Project Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$250 - $350/hr

Project Director Director Chicago, IL, US 4 days ago Requisition ID: 2209 Position Overview Coeur ... project development to an operating mine within a remote, Northern British Columbia Canda ...

As a Business Development Director at Adlook, you will drive client acquisition and establish our ... Drive cross functional projects to deliver against client expectations; * Evangelize Adlook ...

Headquartered in Chicago, we develop, own, and operate large scale projects that power communities ... Position Overview As a Director, Renewable Development, you will lead the development of utility ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 20, 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:

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.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Company Description

Purple Group is an award-winning strategic marketing communications and advertising firm that leverages its expertise in the Hispanic, multi-cultural, and total markets to develop strategies and powerfully engaging messages that maximize impact. The cornerstone of our services is our Path to Insight process. Through this six-phased process we take a deep dive to garner insights to arrive at strategies to direct the plan development, implementation and measurements.

Job Description

The individual will contribute and implement the new business growth plan inclusive of defining goals, build new client relationships, identify new business opportunities, negotiate and close business deals and maintain extensive knowledge of current market conditions and industry trends. The ideal candidate for this position has a proven track record of successful sales in an advertising agency, related industry or services firm, Spanish speaking is a plus.

The primary role of the Director of New Business Development is to prospect for new clients by networking, cold calling or other means of generating interest from potential clients. They must then plan persuasive approaches and pitches that will convince potential clients to do business with Purple Group (company). They must develop a rapport with new clients, and set targets for sales and provide support that will continually improve the relationship. The Director of Business New Development will work with mid and senior level management, marketing, and technical staff. He/she may manage the activities of others responsible for developing business for the company. Strategic planning is a key part of this job description, since it is the Director of New Business Development's responsibility to develop the pipeline of new business coming in to the company. This requires a thorough knowledge of the market, the solutions/ services the company can provide, and of the company's competitors.

The main duties for this position are as follows:

Generate $1M in New Business

Development and execution of new business growth plan.

Prospect for potential new clients and turn this into increased business.

Identify potential clients by growing, maintaining, and leveraging your network.

Responding to prospect inquiries and developing pitches.

Research and build relationships with new clients.

Set up meetings between client decision makers and Purple Group's management/principal.

Plan approaches and pitches.

Respond to RFP opportunities, proposal writing is an essential part of this role.

Work with team to develop proposals that speak to the client's needs, concerns, and objectives.

Handle objections by clarifying, emphasizing agreements and working through differences to a positive conclusion.

Attend industry functions, such as association events, conferences and industry trade shows, as well as events at targeted trade associations in order to generate leads and opportunities.

Utilize Salesforce to track sales activities and submit weekly progress reports

Ensure data is accurately entered and managed within company's sales management system, Salesforce.

Forecast sales targets; track and record activity on accounts and help close deals to meet targets.

Research and develop a thorough understanding of the company's people and capabilities.

Assisting on any other projects as assigned and needed by the company.


Qualifications
  • Minimum of bachelor's degree from a four-year, accredited college or university, or equivalent
  • 5-10 years of sales, business development experience, preferable in a marketing firm or agency.

Other Skills and Qualifications

Networking, Persuasion, Prospecting, Public Speaking, Research, Writing, Closing Skills, Motivation for Sales, Prospecting Skills, Sales Planning, Identification of Client Needs and Challenges, Market Knowledge, Meeting Sales Goals, Professionalism, CRM, and proficiency in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.


Additional Information

Open, relaxed, results-driven culture

Salary, plus commissions (no cap)

Group Health plan, voluntary dental

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Floater Holiday