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Project Development Director Jobs in Ankeny, IA (NOW HIRING)

Deputy Director of Project Development

Ames, IA

$115K - $179K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

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 ...

Project Director

Des Moines, IA · Remote

$155K - $200K/yr

Join Foth as an Project Director , based in Green Bay, WI , or any of our 32 locations , or working ... Support business development efforts by strengthening client relationships, identifying growth ...

Project Director

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$155K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join Foth as an Project Director , based in Green Bay, WI , or any of our 32 locations , or working ... Support business development efforts by strengthening client relationships, identifying growth ...

... development • Participate in project buy out and vendor evaluation • Early project planning ... Directors meeting attendance • In depth knowledge of ongoing project operations • Executive ...

... development • Participate in project buy out and vendor evaluation • Early project planning ... Directors meeting attendance • In depth knowledge of ongoing project operations • Executive ...

Director, Project Accounting

Waukee, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Development * Lead, manage, and develop a team of 10-15 Project Accountants supporting multiple ... Direct the full invoicing cycle for the firm's project portfolio, ensuring invoices are prepared ...

Director, Project Accounting

Waukee, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Team Leadership & Development * Lead, manage, and develop a team of 10-15 Project Accountants ... Direct the full invoicing cycle for the firm's project portfolio, ensuring invoices are prepared ...

Project Director - Water/Wastewater

Des Moines, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

With flexible ways of working and meaningful development opportunities, you'll build a career you ... The Project Director position is a high-profile leadership role at Black & Veatch. In this capacity ...

Project Director - Water/Wastewater

Des Moines, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

With flexible ways of working and meaningful development opportunities, you'll build a career you ... The Project Director position is a high-profile leadership role at Black & Veatch. In this capacity ...

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Showing results 1-20

Project Development Director information

See Ankeny, IA salary details

$58.6K

$133.1K

$208.5K

How much do project development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development director in Ankeny, IA is $133,141.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,600.00 and $140,600.00 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.

Infographic showing various Project Development Director job openings in Ankeny, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,141 per year, or $64 per hour.

Deputy Director of Project Development

State of Iowa

Ames, IA

$115K - $179K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 6 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