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Project Development Director Jobs in Evanston, IL

IDEO

Business Development Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Business Development Director In a nutshell: IDEO Chicago is looking for a Director of Growth to ... previous projects to check out: * Introducing LA's mental health crisis first responders

SLAM

Business Development Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130 - $180/hr

Business Development Director In a nutshell: IDEO Chicago is looking for a Director of Growth to ... previous projects to check out: * Introducing LA's mental health crisis first responders

IDEO

Business Development Director

Chicago, IL

$130K - $180K/yr

Business Development DirectorIn a nutshell: IDEO Chicago is looking for a Director of Growth to ... previous projects to check out: * Introducing LA's mental health crisis first responders

Invenergy

Director, Renewable Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

Invenergy, LLC

Director, Renewable Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$185 - $235/hr

Director, Renewable Development page is loaded## Director, Renewable Developmentlocations: Chicago ... Headquartered in Chicago, we develop, own, and operate large scale projects that power communities ...

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 ...

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All JobsProject Development JobsProject Development Director JobsProject Development Director Jobs in Evanston, IL

Project Development Director information

See Evanston, IL salary details

$60K

$136.3K

$213.5K

How much do project development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development director in Evanston, IL is $136,343.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,200.00 and $143,900.00 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 Evanston, IL are hiring for Project Development Director jobs? Cities near Evanston, IL with the most Project Development Director job openings:
Project Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Development Director job openings in Evanston, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,343 per year, or $65.5 per hour.

Business Development Director

IDEO

Chicago, IL • On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Business Development Director
In a nutshell:
IDEO Chicago is looking for a Director of Growth to expand our client portfolio and build a strong pipeline of ambitious, meaningful human-centered design work.
Your role is to help us win the right work, build enduring relationships, and create consistent momentum in the market. You'll identify opportunities, develop early-stage relationships, shape them into real pursuits, and help others do the same.
This role requires both doing and enabling. You'll personally initiate conversations and generate new business, while also strengthening the systems and habits that make growth a shared responsibility across the studio.
We believe business development is a team sport. You'll work closely with Chicago studio leadership, our Chicago Business Development Lead, the Global Head of Growth, and other BD leaders across IDEO. As Growth Director, you'll help shape the future of IDEO Chicago - the clients we serve, the challenges we take on, and how we show up in the world.
Once here you will:
Set direction and drive execution
  • Partner with studio and global leadership to clarify growth priorities, focus areas, and goals
  • Translate strategy into a focused growth plan for the studio
  • Maintain visibility into progress and adjust where needed
Generate new leads and start conversations
  • Proactively identify and reach out to prospective clients in priority sectors
  • Build and maintain a strong external network in Chicago and beyond
  • Represent IDEO at events and conferences - and create opportunities for others to do the same
  • Turn informal conversations into qualified early-stage opportunities
  • Activate the broader studio - equipping design and portfolio leaders with tools, messaging, and systems that support proactive growth
Developing and landing new business
  • Partner closely with design leaders to shape opportunities from first conversation through signed contract
  • Help determine where to invest energy for the highest impact
Strengthen key client relationships
  • Partner with Client Relationship Leads to develop account plans that deepen trust and surface new opportunities
  • Maintain a clear view of early-stage relationships and ensure consistent follow-up
  • Support Directors in reconnecting with former clients or reframing stalled relationships
  • Identify whitespace within existing accounts and help turn it into new work
Build growth capability in the studio
  • Model effective growth behaviors and coach others to do the same
  • Strengthen the systems and rhythms that support proactive business development
  • Foster a culture of proactivity, curiosity, and follow-through
Relevant Experiences + Skills:
  • Demonstrated experience leading business development, growth, or client partnerships within consulting, design, innovation, or adjacent industries
  • A strong ability to identify opportunities, build relationships, and translate early conversations into meaningful work
  • Experience developing and managing a pipeline from early outreach through proposal and contract
  • Confidence partnering with senior leaders and cross-disciplinary teams to shape pursuits and close new business
  • A well-developed professional network, ideally within Chicago and/or priority industry sectors
  • Skill in communicating complex ideas clearly, crafting compelling narratives, and positioning creative work with clients
  • Experience supporting account growth and long-term client relationships, including identifying new opportunities within existing partnerships
  • Comfort operating both strategically and tactically, setting direction while also executing day-to-day outreach and relationship building
  • A collaborative mindset and the ability to activate others around growth, coaching teams and building shared ownership of business development
  • Curiosity about human-centered design and innovation, and excitement about bringing these approaches to organizations tackling meaningful challenges
Some previous projects to check out:
  • Introducing LA's mental health crisis first responders
  • Disrupting the beauty goliaths
  • Culture as catalyst
  • Reintroducing The Lawrence Hall of Science
  • Transforming sick days with play
What does IDEO offer you?
IDEO is a place where you can solve diverse, complex challenges for our clients and their organizations, alongside thoughtful, intelligent individuals who lead with curiosity, empathy, and humility. We intentionally craft moments that allow our community to pause, create, and connect. We encourage our community to bring their whole selves to work, respect the need for work-life balance, and allow for autonomy in the design process and your career.
Payscale & Benefits
IDEO is committed to paying its employees, contractors & vendors equitably, regardless of gender identity or race/ethnicity/cultural identity.
The salary range for this role is $130,000-$180,000 USD. Final offers may vary based on candidate experience, location, and other factors. As a full-time position, this role is eligible for employee benefits.

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