1

Project Development Director Jobs in Edison, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Director - Site Development

Kearny, NJ · On-site

$125K - $230K/yr

Thea Energy is seeking an experienced, strategic, and highly motivated Director - Site Development ... projects. In this role, you will define the technical and resource-based criteria for our future ...

Showing results 41-60

Project Development Director information

See Edison, NJ salary details

$64.7K

$147.1K

$230.3K

How much do project development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development director in Edison, NJ is $147,083.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,200.00 and $155,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 Edison, NJ are hiring for Project Development Director jobs? Cities near Edison, NJ with the most Project Development Director job openings:

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Research Foundation of the City University of New York rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

138th of 770 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Thank you for considering a career with the Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY).
The team at RFCUNY is made up of dedicated, talented professionals committed to providing the services that allow CUNY researchers, faculty, and staff to focus on their intellectual curiosity and scientific discoveries.
We are pleased that you are interested in exploring opportunities to join RFCUNY.
Primary Location:
OFFICE OF VC - FACILIT PLAN, CONSTRUC & MGMT
Bargaining Unit:
No
The City University of New York (CUNY) is undertaking a multi-billion-dollar, multi-year capital design and construction program across its 25 campuses. The Project Director serves as a senior member of the Office of Facilities Planning, Construction, and Management and is responsible for the leadership, planning, execution, and oversight of a portfolio of capital-funded major and strategic complex projects. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor, the Project Director exercises substantial independent judgment and initiative in directing the delivery of complex capital projects from inception through planning, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, occupancy, and closeout. The Project Director collaborates closely with campus leadership, university stakeholders, City and State agencies, regulatory bodies, consultants, construction managers, contractors, and other partners to ensure that projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with the University's strategic and operational priorities.
The Project Director is expected to provide both strategic leadership and day-to-day management oversight, ensuring that project teams maintain high standards for quality, compliance, fiscal stewardship, schedule performance, documentation, and stakeholder communication.
Key Responsibilities
  • Direct a portfolio of high-value and complex capital design and construction projects.
  • Provide leadership for all phases of project development, including feasibility, programming, scope definition, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, design, construction, occupancy, and closeout.
  • Establish project delivery strategies and implementation plans aligned with institutional objectives, funding constraints, and operational needs.
  • Ensure successful turnkey delivery of projects using conventional, design-bid-build, CM at-risk, or other authorized delivery methods.
  • Identify project interdependencies, critical path issues, long-lead risks, and operational constraints, and implement mitigation strategies.

Planning, Budgeting, and Financial Oversight
  • Develop conceptual project scopes, budgets, schedules, and implementation strategies to support capital planning and executive decision-making.
  • Direct preparation and maintenance of project budgets, cost estimates, cash flow projections, and funding requests.
  • Draft, review, and submit budget proposals and recommend revisions based on project evolution, market conditions, or funding changes.
  • Monitor project expenditures, commitments, forecasted costs, change orders, contingency use, and financial risk.
  • Ensure fiscal accountability and recommend corrective action when projects trend off budget.

Procurement and Consultant/Contractor Oversight
  • Lead or participate in the selection, procurement, and management of architects, engineers, consultants, construction managers, contractors, and specialty vendors.
  • Review scopes of work, fee proposals, qualifications, bid documents, procurement packages, and contract recommendations.
  • Oversee bid review processes, analysis of bid submissions, responsibility determinations, and award recommendations.
  • Communicate with oversight agencies including the Office of the State Controller and the Attorney General for approval-related issues.
  • Negotiate consultant and construction contracts, amendments, and change orders to ensure fair value and protection of University interests.
  • Review and approve payment applications, invoices, and certificates for consultants and contractors.

Design and Construction Management
  • Oversee design development and construction documentation to ensure compliance with approved program, budget, schedule, code requirements, and institutional standards.
  • Ensure assigned job site operations comply with design intent, specifications, quality requirements, and approved schedules.
  • Lead resolution of design conflicts, field conditions, scope issues, contractor performance matters, and construction claims.
  • Monitor and facilitate the resolution of disputes, delays, and other project risks.

Governance, Reporting, and Approvals
  • Prepare and oversee materials required for internal and external approvals, including Board resolutions, authorization requests, and project funding packages.
  • Ensure all required City and State approvals, budget authorizations, and supporting documentation are in place prior to bidding, award, or other key project actions.
  • Ensure project managers maintain timely and accurate reporting in the University's project management systems, including financial data, schedules, progress updates, and risk assessments.
  • Prepare regular executive reports and briefings on project status, risks, milestones, approvals, and budget performance.
  • Keep senior leadership informed of critical issues and recommend appropriate actions.

Stakeholder and Agency Coordination
  • Serve as a principal point of contact with campus leadership, internal departments, public agencies, regulatory authorities, and external project partners.
  • Lead coordination with City and State agencies regarding project approvals, permitting, funding, code compliance, inspections, and regulatory matters.
  • Assist campuses in identifying capital needs and translating academic and operational priorities into implementable construction projects.
  • Maintain effective communication with all stakeholders throughout planning, design, construction, and occupancy.

Supervision and Team Development
  • Direct, supervise, assign, and review the work of project managers and other assigned staff.
  • Set priorities, establish performance expectations, and monitor staff productivity and project outcomes.
  • Promote consistent project management standards, best practices, and continuous process improvement across the capital program.
  • Mentor staff and support development of technical, managerial, and leadership capabilities.

Risk Management and Continuous Improvement
  • Anticipate and manage changes in scope, schedule, budget, market conditions, or project constraints.
  • Identify potential crises, claims exposure, procurement risks, and operational impacts, and develop contingency plans.
  • Recommend and implement improvements to project controls, reporting tools, procurement practices, and delivery methods.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, problem-solving, collaboration, and service to the University community.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in design and construction management, including substantial experience managing complex capital projects in a senior project management or leadership role.
  • Demonstrated experience in project planning, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, cost control, construction administration, and project closeout.
  • Strong knowledge of building systems, construction methods, contract administration, and public-sector project delivery.
  • Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, NYC and New York State codes, procurement requirements, and agency approval processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and to work effectively under deadline pressure.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, public administration, or a related field.
  • New York State Professional Engineer or Registered Architect license.
  • PMP or comparable project management certification.
  • Experience managing public-sector or higher-education capital projects in New York City and/or New York State.
  • Experience working with City and State agencies, boards, public authorities, and regulatory entities.
  • Strong leadership experience supervising project managers and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Experience with capital planning systems, cost estimating platforms, scheduling tools, and construction/project management software.

Core Competencies
  • Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to lead teams and manage competing priorities across multiple active projects.
  • Sound judgment, strategic thinking, and strong decision-making ability.
  • Ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • High level of professionalism, accountability, and responsiveness.
  • Commitment to equity, inclusion, collaboration, and public service.
  • Ability to identify process improvements and implement best practices.
  • Strong attention to detail while maintaining a portfolio-level perspective.

Pay Range:
$160,000 to $180,000
RFCUNY Benefits
RFCUNY Employee Benefits and Accruals
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Research Foundation of the City University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities Act/E-Verify Employer. It is the policy of the Research Foundation of CUNY to provide equal employment opportunities free of discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic violence victim status, arrest record, criminal conviction history, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

What Research Foundation of the City University of New York employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom