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Project Development Director Jobs in McHenry, IL

Sarinas Consulting

Project Manager

Waukegan, IL · On-site

Coordinate project development from inception through completion, ensuring all phases are completed ... the Director of Operations. Utilize a robust budget to ensure each project meets Boller ...

Nestle

Project Engineer

Burlington, WI

... development and release for construction bidding and field execution. * Select contractors and contracting methods Project Execution support and facilitation * Direct and execute installation ...

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

Project Development Director information

See McHenry, IL salary details

$61.5K

$139.9K

$219K

How much do project development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development director in McHenry, IL is $139,851.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,200.00 and $147,700.00 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 McHenry, IL are hiring for Project Development Director jobs?

Cities near McHenry, IL with the most Project Development Director job openings:

Project Development Director jobs near you

Economic Development Director

Gurnee, IL • On-site

Gurnee, Village of (IL)
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Job description

The Village of Gurnee, Illinois (population 31,295), is seeking an experienced and collaborative professional to serve as its next Economic Development Director due to an upcoming retirement.

Located in northeastern Illinois between Chicago and Milwaukee, Gurnee is a dynamic regional destination that combines a strong business climate, diverse commercial base, and exceptional quality of life. Strategically positioned along the I-94 corridor approximately 38 miles north of downtown Chicago, Gurnee serves as a major hub for commerce, entertainment, tourism, and employment within Lake County and the greater Chicagoland region.

Gurnee is home to nationally recognized attractions including Six Flags Great America and Gurnee Mills, one of the Midwest’s premier shopping destinations featuring over 1.9 million square feet of retail space. The community also features more than 20 commercial shopping centers, multiple industrial and office parks, a robust hospitality sector with over 1700 hotel rooms, and a diverse restaurant and service economy.

  • Develops and implements short- and long-range economic development strategies and initiatives focused on business attraction, retention, expansion, and redevelopment
  • Serves as the primary point of contact and liaison to existing businesses, developers, brokers, investors, and regional economic development organizations
  • Coordinates redevelopment and revitalization efforts for commercial, retail, industrial, and mixed-use properties throughout the Village
  • Leads business retention and expansion outreach efforts and responds to business inquiries and development opportunities
  • Develops and administers incentive programs, redevelopment agreements, and public-private partnership initiatives
  • Assists in negotiating development agreements and evaluates the fiscal and economic impacts of proposed projects
  • Creates and implements community branding, marketing, and promotional strategies to position Gurnee as a premier location for business investment and tourism
  • Prepares and maintains demographic, market, and economic data; develops reports, presentations, marketing materials, and informational resources
  • Monitors commercial occupancy trends, redevelopment opportunities, and regional economic conditions affecting the Village
  • Serves as staff liaison to economic development-related committees and commissions and collaborates with chambers of commerce, tourism agencies, and other partner organizations
  • Coordinates with Village departments including Planning, Community Development, Finance, Public Works, and Administration to facilitate development projects and business initiatives
  • Pursues and administers state, federal, and regional grants related to economic and community development
  • Represents the Village at professional meetings, conferences, networking events, and community functions
  • Prepares reports, agenda materials, and presentations for the Village Board, commissions, committees, and stakeholders
  • Performs related duties as assigned
Education
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Economic Development, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, or a closely related field required
  • Master’s degree in a related field preferred
  • Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, redevelopment, planning, business development, municipal administration, or a related field
  • Municipal or public sector experience strongly preferred
  • Experience working with developers, business recruitment, redevelopment initiatives, incentive programs, and strategic planning is highly desirable
  • Valid Illinois Driver’s License

The ideal candidate will be a proactive, relationship-driven, and results-oriented economic development professional who will:

  • Build familiarity with Gurnee’s business community and establish strong, trusted relationships with businesses, developers, investors, and property owners
  • Be a visible and engaged representative of the Village and a responsive resource to the business community
  • Bring a“go-getter” attitude, proactively identifying opportunities for business attraction, retention, expansion, redevelopment, and investment
  • Establish strong rapport and credibility with elected officials, Village staff, businesses, and community partners
  • Successfully navigate municipal processes and coordinate across departments to move development projects and initiatives forward
  • Communicate effectively and confidently with a wide range of audiences, including businesses, developers, elected officials, and the public
  • Be collaborative and results-oriented, with the initiative and follow-through to turn opportunities into outcomes

Direct, hands-on experience working with developers, business recruitment, redevelopment initiatives, incentive programs, and strategic planning is highly desirable.

The Village of Gurnee is committed to providing high-quality municipal services while fostering a welcoming, innovative, and business-friendly environment. Gurnee offers an outstanding location, strong economic base, extensive amenities, and a collaborative organizational culture dedicated to continued growth and community success. Residency is not required, yet a high level of community involvement is expected.

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