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Project Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

ThinkingAhead

Project Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Direct experience managing DOT projects or comparably large heavy civil work * Working knowledge of roadway construction, paving, earthwork, underground utilities, drainage or structures * Ability to ...

Judge Group, Inc.

Project Manager

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Project Manager - Food Manufacturing (Confidential) Our client, a well-established and growing food ... Perform or direct field inspections during construction and installation; correct deficiencies as ...

Software People, Inc.

Project Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

The PM will manage the delivery efforts and report status of each to the Project Sponsors and the PMO Director. The PM will work with multiple business and platform areas including Information ...

Sapiens

Project Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

Overview: Reporting to the Director of Project Management, the Project Manager is responsible for delivering projects successfully on time, within scope, and on budget. This role serves as the ...

InstantServe LLC

Project Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Required Qualifications 8+ years direct management of system integration projects. 8+ years managing stakeholder expectations and priorities. 8+ years working within project governance structures ...

Euro Marble and Tile dba Remodelworks

Be Seen First

Project Manager

Waukee, IA · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

We are seeking a Project manager for our residential remodeling company. You will oversee custom ... Your duties include managing daily job sites, directing subcontractors, ordering materials ...

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Project Director information

See Iowa salary details

$41.3K

$102.9K

$185.5K

How much do project director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for project director in Iowa is $102,909.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $135,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a project director?

A project director handles all aspects of project management for a business or organization. As a project director, your job duties may include hiring members of project teams and project managers, negotiating with contractors and vendors, overseeing budget allocations for multiple projects, making sure projects stay on schedule, and checking in with project managers regarding client and stakeholder meetings. You may also meet with management to pitch project proposals and explain how ongoing or future projects align with business goals.

Is a project director a stressful job?

A project director role can be stressful due to responsibilities such as managing teams, budgets, and deadlines. The level of stress often depends on project complexity, organizational support, and experience in leadership and time management. Effective communication and planning skills help mitigate stress in this position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Director, you need strong leadership, project management expertise, and a relevant degree—often in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera, or Asana, plus certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2, are typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills make candidates stand out in this role. These abilities ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all parties involved.

How does a project director typically balance strategic oversight with hands-on project involvement?

As a Project Director, you'll often need to strike a balance between providing high-level strategic direction and getting involved in the day-to-day operations of projects. While your primary focus is on aligning projects with organizational goals and ensuring resources are allocated effectively, you may also step in to resolve escalated issues, mentor project managers, and communicate with key stakeholders. This dual responsibility requires strong delegation skills and the ability to maintain clear visibility into project progress without micromanaging, ensuring teams are empowered but supported.

What is the difference between Project Director vs Project Manager?

AspectProject DirectorProject Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple projects or programs, sets strategic goals, manages senior stakeholdersManages individual projects, handles day-to-day operations, ensures project deliverables
Required CredentialsOften requires a bachelor's degree, PMP certification, and extensive experienceTypically requires a bachelor's degree, PMP or CAPM certification, and project management experience
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level, strategic planning, often in corporate or large organizational settingsOperational, team management, on-site or remote project execution
Industry UsageCommon in large corporations, government agencies, and consulting firmsWidely used across industries for project execution at various scales

The main difference between a Project Director and a Project Manager lies in scope and strategic involvement. The Project Director oversees multiple projects and aligns them with organizational goals, while the Project Manager focuses on managing individual projects to ensure successful delivery.

What does a project director do?

A Project Director is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of large or complex projects within an organization. They lead project teams, manage budgets and timelines, and ensure that project objectives align with company goals. Project Directors also communicate with stakeholders, resolve issues that may arise, and ensure that deliverables meet quality standards. Their role is critical in ensuring projects are completed successfully, on time, and within budget.

How much do project directors make in the US?

Project directors in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $90,000 to $150,000, depending on industry, experience, and location. Senior project directors or those in specialized fields can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually. Compensation may also include bonuses, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.
More about Project Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Project jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Project jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Project Director jobs in Iowa? For Project Director jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Project Director jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Project Director jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Project Director jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Project Director job openings:
Project Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,909 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Project Manager

ThinkingAhead

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

HEAVY CIVIL PROJECT MANAGER - DOT HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION
Location: Moline / Quad Cities, Illinois
Base Salary: $85,000-$115,000 based on experience
Travel: None - all projects are local
Typical Project Size: $4 million-$20 million
Hiring Timeline: Immediate
The Opportunity
A well-established, family-owned heavy civil contractor is hiring a Project Manager to oversee local DOT highway and infrastructure projects throughout the Moline and Quad Cities market.
The company has served the region for more than 100 years and performs asphalt paving, concrete paving, grading and mass excavation, underground utilities, demolition, bridge and culvert construction, railroad work and site development.
This is an opportunity to manage substantial infrastructure projects without overnight travel. The Project Manager will work directly with the General Superintendent and ownership while overseeing projects from award through closeout.
Responsibilities
  • Manage DOT highway and heavy civil projects valued from approximately $4 million to $20 million
  • Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, cost forecasts and work plans
  • Coordinate Superintendents, field crews, subcontractors, suppliers and equipment
  • Review plans, specifications, contracts and project requirements
  • Manage submittals, RFIs, change orders, procurement and project documentation
  • Monitor production, job costs, quantities and project profitability
  • Work closely with field leadership to resolve issues and maintain progress
  • Coordinate with DOT representatives, inspectors, engineers and municipalities
  • Lead project meetings and communicate schedule, cost and production updates to company leadership
  • Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule and within budget
  • Manage project closeout, final documentation and owner acceptance
Required Experience
  • Project management experience with a heavy civil, highway or infrastructure contractor
  • Direct experience managing DOT projects or comparably large heavy civil work
  • Working knowledge of roadway construction, paving, earthwork, underground utilities, drainage or structures
  • Ability to read civil plans, specifications and contract documents
  • Strong understanding of scheduling, cost control, change management and field production
  • Ability to lead project teams and communicate effectively with field personnel, owners, inspectors and subcontractors
  • Valid driver's license
Preferred Background
  • Experience with IDOT, Iowa DOT or another state transportation agency
  • Experience managing projects valued between $4 million and $20 million
  • Familiarity with union construction environments
  • Degree in construction management, civil engineering or a related discipline is preferred but not required with strong industry experience
Why Consider This Opportunity?
  • No overnight travel
  • All projects are local to the Moline and Quad Cities market
  • Direct access to the General Superintendent and ownership
  • Diverse DOT and infrastructure project portfolio
  • Stable opportunity with a respected regional contractor
  • Long-term career potential with a family-owned company that has operated for more than a century

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