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Project Development Director Jobs in Saint Paul, MN

Director of Development

Chaska, MN · On-site

$90 - $110/hr

N/A The Director of Development is a key leader responsible for advancing the mission and vision of ... complex projects simultaneously. * Integrity & Discretion: Exceptional judgment with a strict ...

Redevelopment and community development projects: * Secure diverse and sustainable funding sources ... Director. * Coordinate and/or attend meetings with external partners (e.g. state agencies, cities ...

Vice President, Engineering

Minneapolis, MN · On-site +1

$187K - $242K/yr

Collaborate closely with the VP of Business Development and Project Development Director to align technical, commercial, and field development priorities * Support investor diligence, project ...

Vice President, Engineering

Minneapolis, MN · On-site +1

$187K - $242K/yr

Collaborate closely with the VP of Business Development and Project Development Director to align technical, commercial, and field development priorities * Support investor diligence, project ...

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Project Development Director information

See Saint Paul, MN salary details

$63.2K

$143.7K

$225K

How much do project development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development director in Saint Paul, MN is $143,692.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,300.00 and $151,700.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Project Development jobs in Saint Paul, MN?

The most popular types of Project Development jobs in Saint Paul, MN are:

What cities near Saint Paul, MN are hiring for Project Development Director jobs?

Cities near Saint Paul, MN with the most Project Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Project Development Director job openings in Saint Paul, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,692 per year, or $69.1 per hour.

Project Development Manager

Apex Clean Energy

Lake Elmo, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION
At the direction of the Regional Director of Development, the Development Manager will manage activities surrounding the procurement, management, and oversight of both external and internal resources required to develop utility-scale wind and/or solar energy projects. In this role, you must possess the experience and skills required to lead multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects, preferably related to renewable energy projects. The position's work scope will encompass the entire life cycle of a project from early-stage development to construction.
Our ideal candidate will come into this role with a genuine passion for renewable energy, education in a related field, and at least 3 years of energy project development experience (preferably utility-scale project development experience). Our ideal candidate has a solid track record of exemplary teamwork and enjoys working on a dynamic and diverse cross-departmental team. You understand how to drive projects through key development milestones and can do so largely independently. You can interpret the technical intricacies, are proficient at negotiating contracts, and have no problem organizing, planning, and meeting deadlines for large multi-faceted projects. Our ideal candidate is a personable self-starter who loves to be involved in the project and field work, seizes the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues, and thrives in an environment that requires flexibility and adaptation to constant change, shifting demands, and moving timelines.
In this role, you will lead community and client relationships throughout the development process, and you'll work together with our internal teams at every stage to help us successfully get our projects across the finish line. In addition to strategic project management and demonstrated technical acumen, the ideal candidate will have the ability to effectively communicate with a high level of precision and integrity to internal and external stakeholders presenting coherent arguments using facts and fact-based opinions following detailed research and analysis. The intended geographical region that this position will be developing projects includes Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and potentially the Southeast area.
Hours: Full Time
Department: Project Development
Travel: 40% to project sites (MI/IL/IN/Southeast)
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Manage and lead the development process of utility-scale wind and/or solar energy projects in the Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and potentially Southeast area of the United States
  • Represent Apex with federal, state and local officials, regulators, utilities, RTOs, and other stakeholders throughout the project development process
  • Oversee and manage state, federal, and local permitting efforts and approval processes for utility-scale electric generation projects
  • Manage the preparation and delivery of permitting documentation
  • Interpret technical engineering and environmental reports and studies to determine project impact and pertinence towards application requirements
  • Provide reports to management including updates on project status and changes to regulations
  • Manage project financial models, project design and generation interconnection activities
  • Lead landowner lease negotiations and relationships in projects involving large numbers of landowners
  • Help to coordinate the project interconnection process
  • Compilation and analysis of data for project stakeholders and partners
  • Organize and supervise project budget, schedule and proforma
  • Support the negotiation of power purchase and asset agreements
  • Develop and execute project marketing strategy in close collaboration with our Public Affairs Team
  • Oversee project consultants: environmental, engineering, transmission, etc.
  • Work cross-departmentally to maintain clear communication and smooth collaboration at all stages of the project development process
  • Travel to project site locations and attend stakeholder meetings

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Undergraduate degree in development related field with a strong academic record
  • 3+ years of development experience; direct utility-scale wind or solar development experience strongly preferred
  • Solid track record in project management and contract negotiations
  • Knowledge of commercial wind & energy storage markets
  • Understanding of renewable energy financing options and project financial models
  • Experience with county and state permitting processes. Experience in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and/or the Southeast preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within and lead multi-disciplinary teams while earning buy-in from team members to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery of projects
  • Experience managing land agents or independent consultants
  • Strong organization skills and ability to handle time to meet frequently changing deadlines in a rapidly changing environment
  • Strong work ethic and ability to productively take ownership of projects while communicating collaboratively throughout the project's life cycle.
  • Adept at problem-solving
  • Articulate with the ability to lead and assist with management, client, and public presentations
  • Exceptional planning and organizational skills
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills
  • Strong passion for renewable energy.
  • Exemplary standards of safety, honor, ethics, quality, communication, and productivity.
  • Willing and able to travel up to 40% to the MI/IL/IN and Southeast region of the United States
  • Willing to work from our headquarters in Charlottesville, VA or satellite office in Lake Elmo, MN. Remote location will be considered for the right candidate.

BENEFITS
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Employer Match
  • 401(k) Pre-tax or Roth Deferrals
  • Health Savings Accounts
  • Flexible Spending Arrangements
  • Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Long-term Disability Insurance
  • Group Term Life Insurance
  • Voluntary Additional Term Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Holidays
  • Volunteer Time Off
  • Progressive Parental Leave Plan
  • Milk Stork Travel Solution
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Employee Referral Program
  • ACAC Fitness and Wellness Center - Corporate Discount
  • Company Paid Cell Phone
  • Company Paid Parking
  • United Van Lines - Relocation Discounts

Skills & Requirements Qualifications