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Project Development Director Jobs in Columbus, GA

Director, Demand Planning

Columbus, GA · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Manage hiring, performance management, and employee development in alignment with company policies ... Support and lead cross-functional initiatives and strategic projects as needed. * Perform other ...

Intern

Fortson, GA · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

... directed by the branch manager. Projects may include standard field experience, business market research, assisting with the development of project documentation software, and developing Quality ...

General Summary Direct supplier quality development and improvement activities as required with ... Supplier Improvement Projects (Internal or External Data utilized for improvement) On Site ...

Showing results 41-60

Project Development Director information

See Columbus, GA salary details

$55.9K

$127.2K

$199.2K

How much do project development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development director in Columbus, GA is $127,174.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,600.00 and $134,300.00 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 cities near Columbus, GA are hiring for Project Development Director jobs?

Cities near Columbus, GA with the most Project Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Project Development Director job openings in Columbus, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,174 per year, or $61.1 per hour.

Water/Wastewater Treatment Project Manager

Freese Nichols

Columbus, GA • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manage the design of water and wastewater treatment facilities from planning through construction

  • Oversee the development of technical deliverables, including process evaluations, design drawings, reports, and specifications

  • Lead and mentor a team of engineers and designers across multiple offices and disciplines


Job description

Lead Projects That Shape Communities

Freese and Nichols is seeking a proven Project Manager to join our growing water and wastewater treatment team. This position is open to our Atlanta, Colombus, Duluth, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greenville offices. We deliver some of the largest and most technically complex treatment projects in the country-projects that demand strong leadership, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to quality.

Our team is at the forefront of innovation and scale. We helped deliver the nation's first direct potable reuse project, are supporting the first municipal-scale seawater desalination facility on the Texas Gulf Coast, and are designing treatment plants with capacities exceeding 350 million gallons per day. As a project manager, you'll guide multidisciplinary teams through the planning and delivery of these transformational systems.

What You'll Do

  • Manage the design of water and wastewater treatment facilities from planning through construction
  • Oversee the development of technical deliverables, including process evaluations, design drawings, reports, and specifications
  • Lead and mentor a team of engineers and designers across multiple offices and disciplines
  • Coordinate scope, schedule, and budget to ensure high-quality, on-time project delivery
  • Serve as primary client contact, maintaining communication, trust, and long-term relationships
  • Collaborate with subject matter experts on advanced technologies such as MBR, RO, IFAS, and desalination
  • Support proposal development and participate in business development with existing and prospective clients
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental, or other related field
  • 8+ years of experience in water and/or wastewater treatment design and project execution
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in at least one U.S. state (required)
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex municipal treatment projects
  • Strong organizational skills, leadership presence, and client management ability
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
About Freese and Nichols

At the heart of our culture is our LEADS values (Learn continuously, Engage as family, Act with integrity, Deliver quality, and Serve always). Each year, our employee engagement survey confirms that our leaders and our employees live our values.

We strive to be the firm of choice for clients and employees through innovative approaches, practical results, and outstanding service. For more than 130 years, we have been planning and designing the infrastructure our communities need: developing water supplies, designing roadways and bridges, preparing for natural disasters, and much more.

Besides our comprehensive benefits package (see more at Benefits That Work for You), we offer paid overtime for salaried employees, an annual bonus, and access to company cabins in Red River, New Mexico and Banner Elk, North Carolina. We are proud of our flexible work environment which includes a hybrid schedule with up to 40% of remote work, and an alternative work schedule program which provides a day off every other Friday.

Join our team of 1,300+ employees as we grow from Virginia to Colorado. Learn more about working here at Working at Freese and Nichols.

Freese and Nichols is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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