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Project Development Director Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

City of Corona

Planning & Development Director

Corona, CA · On-site

$215K - $261K/yr

This is a department director classification that oversees, directs, and participates in all ... Serves as project manager for complex planning projects, including analyzing and evaluating site ...

Monster Energy

Director, SAP Development

Corona, CA · On-site

As the Director, SAP Development, you will lead and manage the SAP development team, ensuring the ... Design, architect and oversee all SAP development activities for multiple project initiatives and ...

brailleinstitute

Director of Development

Anaheim, CA · On-site +1

$110K - $125K/yr

... projects, and campaigns. Founded in 1919, Braille Institute of America (BIA) is one of the oldest ... The Director of Development - Orange County serves as the organization's lead fundraiser and ...

EPD Solutions, Inc

Project Manager | Development

Irvine, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Direct, hands-on CEQA experience required; candidates should already have led projects through the ... Experience with development related software (e.g., Smart Sheet, Microsoft Project, and/or Bluebeam ...

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Project Development Director information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$67.1K

$152.5K

$238.8K

How much do project development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development director in Irvine, CA is $152,502.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $126,700.00 and $161,000.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Project Development jobs in Irvine, CA? The most popular types of Project Development jobs in Irvine, CA are:
What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Project Development Director jobs? Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Project Development Director job openings:
Project Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Development Director job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,502 per year, or $73.3 per hour.

Project Director/Business Development - Architecture

GHD Group

Tustin, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description


GHD is growing!
Who are we looking for?
GHD's US West Design Studio is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Project Director- Architect who will play a key role in advancing the growth of our architecture practice across all building sectors, with a particular emphasis on Hospitality and Entertainment. This role will act as a true Seller-Doer, focused on both delivery as well as bringing in new work.
Based in our Tustin, CA office, this role blends high-impact business development with hands-on project involvement-ideal for an entrepreneurial design professional who excels at cultivating clients, winning work, and leading delivery teams.
This is a pivotal role for a motivated architect who thrives in a multidisciplinary environment and is energized by shaping the built environment across a diverse project portfolio.
Our Hybrid Work Model Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in office, three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.
Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see you involved in:
Business Development & Market Leadership
  • Build, maintain, and grow client relationships across all target markets-civic, education, commercial, industrial, transportation, infrastructure-related facilities-while strategically deepening GHD's presence in Hospitality and Entertainment.
  • Lead opportunity identification, positioning, and pursuit strategy for new and existing clients.
  • Partner closely with the US West Design Studio leadership to drive growth, revenue targets, and key account development.
  • Collaborate with market sector leaders across GHD to coordinate integrated, multidisciplinary offerings.
  • Represent the Architecture Design studio and the broader GHD brand at industry events, conferences, and professional organizations.
  • Support proposal development, interview strategy, and client presentations.

Project Leadership & Technical Delivery
  • Serve as project architect, design lead, or technical advisor for select projects across a broad range of building types.
  • Lead conceptual design workshops, visioning sessions, and planning discussions with clients and stakeholders.
  • Integrate architectural solutions with engineering, interiors, advisory, and environmental teams for a seamless, multidisciplinary approach.
  • Ensure high standards of design quality, documentation, and project execution from concept through construction.
  • Mentor emerging design talent and contribute to a collaborative, high-performance studio culture.

Additonal Responsibilities:
  • Personal Capability Building: Act as subject matter expert in an area of technology, policy, regulation, or operational management for the team. Maintain external accreditations and in-depth understanding of current and emerging external regulation and industry best practices through continuing professional development, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.
  • Key Account Management: Ensure quality service and profitable business growth by managing a portfolio of complex customer relationships and/or a small team of account managers.
  • Customer Relationship Development / Prospecting: Develop and implement a relationship management plan for strategic, complex potential accounts to build key relationships at local and national levels. Coordinate the engagement of own organization with the customer organization to ensure effective two-way flow of information and resolution of issues.
  • Customer Needs Clarification: Consult with a range of customer representatives at different levels to identify the outcomes they require, introducing relevant internal specialists and utilizing their expertise to gather and analyze complex customer data, clarify medium- to long-term customer needs, and develop and agree to a specification of customer requirements.
  • Sales Opportunities Creation: Develop a personal network of senior managers within the business sector and represent the organization at business sector events. Obtain market intelligence, promote the organization, and enhance its reputation.
  • Customer Relationship Management / Account Management: Develop and implement relationship management plans for complex existing customer accounts to identify and build relationships with relevant decision-makers and influencers within the customer organization and to enable effective two-way flow of information and resolution of issues. Manage ongoing relationships with identified customer segments to ensure their needs are met, providing themes, summary analyses, and recommendations for changes based on customer input.

Education
  • Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture.
  • Architectural licensure in the U.S. (preferred) or active progress toward licensure.

Experience
  • 10-15 years of architectural experience, including project involvement in multiple building types.
  • Demonstrated success in business development, client management, and work winning.
  • Relevant experience in Hospitality and/or Entertainment design-hotels, resorts, restaurants, venues, leisure environments, or themed experiences.
  • Strong presentation, communication, and relationship-building abilities.
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Competency with Revit, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and design communication tools.

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or veteran status.
Salary Range: $126,000-$211,000.00 based on experience and location
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