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Project Development Director Jobs in San Rafael, CA

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Project Development Director information

See San Rafael, CA salary details

$69.7K

$158.4K

$248K

How much do project development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development director in San Rafael, CA is $158,372.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,500.00 and $167,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a project director higher than a project manager?

A Project Development Director typically holds a higher-level leadership role than a Project Manager, overseeing multiple projects or programs and setting strategic direction. Project Managers focus on planning, executing, and closing individual projects, often reporting to directors or executives. The hierarchy can vary by organization, but generally, the director has broader responsibilities and authority.

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 does a director of project development do?

A project development director oversees the planning, execution, and completion of projects, ensuring they meet objectives, budgets, and deadlines. They coordinate teams, manage resources, and communicate with stakeholders to drive project success, often using project management tools and methodologies.

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.

How much does a project director earn?

A project development director typically earns between $90,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on industry, experience, and location. Senior directors or those in specialized fields can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits.

Can I make 100k as a project manager?

Project Development Directors and experienced project managers can earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with advanced certifications like PMP and in industries such as construction, IT, or engineering. Salary levels depend on factors like location, years of experience, and company size, with senior roles often exceeding this threshold.

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 San Rafael, CA? The most popular types of Project Development jobs in San Rafael, CA are:
What cities near San Rafael, CA are hiring for Project Development Director jobs? Cities near San Rafael, CA with the most Project Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Project Development Director job openings in San Rafael, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $158,372 per year, or $76.1 per hour.
Director, Occupier Services, Project & Development Services

Director, Occupier Services, Project & Development Services

Cushman & Wakefield

San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


Cushman & Wakefield rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 158 rated real estate companies


Job description

Job Title

Director, Occupier Services, Project & Development Services

Job Description Summary

The Director of Occupier services brings a hands-on client centric approach and passion for strategic leadership to tactical project delivery. This role requires a deep understanding of stakeholder expectations and the ability to bring alignment to diverse teams to drive success to our clients. The Director’s depth of understanding and connectivity to the market combines with their client facing skills (leadership, technical knowledge, and communications) in to build teams and navigate complex matrix environment relationships. The ability to pivot their knowledge and approach to guide and grow relationships and delivery practices across various sectors including but not limited to Financial Services, Legal, Healthcare, Life Science and Industrial, is essential to both ensure successful project delivery as well as the expansion and growth of the business. The three primary goals of this role are: Delivery of complex real estate projects, Leading cross functional consultative teams towards the goals of both internal and external stakeholders, and the Growth and Expansion of C&W’s Project and Development Resources in the local market.

Job Description

Essential Job Duties: 

  • Regular interface with internal and external clients to ensure successful delivery of project management services, client goals and objectives are established and achieved, project action plans are implemented, anticipate/respond to all client needs, and generally act as a trusted advisor for comprehensive real estate work 
  • Act with fiduciary responsibility to client projects, including complete financial management of project: establish and manage project budgets, maintain monthly forecasts and cash flow analysis, prepare anticipated cost reports and any other reports as required by the client. 
  • Management of due diligence, programming, design, entitlements, bidding, permitting, procurement, design team selection, schedule creation/management, contractor selection, vendor selection, sustainability and post construction services. 
  • Demonstrate competence in broad range of varied project types and operate in complex / non routine environment. 
  • Lead business development efforts through identification of project or client opportunities. 
  • Liaise with internal cross-functional leaders in outsourced real estate services such and brokerage, development, valuations, portfolio management and other associated disciplines.
  • Oversee capital improvement programs with design and construction processes at multiple sites through local/account-based resources. 
  • Negotiate contracts with selected vendor(s) and manage performance of all contracted vendors, consultants, etc. 
  • Provide excellent communication to internal and external stakeholders to develop and maintain trust, leadership and understanding.
  • Identify and address areas of concern regarding potential liabilities and risk (fee, our reputation, errors and omissions, etc.) with Market Leader. 
  • Guide and mentor a team of junior project managers to ensure quality controls are established and met for consistent project delivery.
  • Provide an appropriate level of on-site supervision to ensure proper performance criteria are being met. 
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the use and application of all PDS technology as required for assigned projects. 
  • Active management of PDS staff, including adherence to company policy/procedures, staff development, performance management, and team motivation.  Convey and ensure adoption of policies and practices to the team.  

Education/Experience/Training: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration or related field. Master's degree preferred. Certification preferred. 
  • Fifteen or more years of related experience with 5 or more years of management experience required. 
  • Ability to contribute to the strategic direction of the assigned department or assigned practice area.  
  • Advanced project management skills with expertise in the project management business.   
  • Expert in client relations, client management and consulting.   
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.   
  • Highly organized with strong analytical skills.    
  • A proficient working knowledge of accounting and financial reporting, budgeting, scheduling and processes as they relate to corporate real estate, design and construction.   
  • Software skills:  Microsoft Office applications, MS Project. 

Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.
The compensation for the position is: $161,500.00 - $190,000.00 Cushman & Wakefield provides equal employment opportunity. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated. Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative​ Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without  regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or email HRServices@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.

INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”

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