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Project Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

City of Chicago

PROJECT DIRECTOR

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

You are not signed in. | In order to create a New Account "click here" My Account Options - PROJECT DIRECTOR (416864) CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CDOT) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING Number of ...

City of Chicago

PROJECT DIRECTOR

Chicago, IL · On-site

$155K/yr

. JOB ANNOUNCEMENT PROJECT DIRECTOR CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CDOT) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING Number of Positions: 1 (Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval) Starting Salary ...

Zachry Group

Project Director-ENG

Downers Grove, IL

$183K - $231K/yr

Zachry Engineering Corporation (ZEC) is currently looking for a talented Project Director in our Downers Grove, IL office who will play a pivotal role in driving our most ambitious energy & power ...

Zachry Group

Project Director-ENG

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$183K - $231K/yr

Zachry Engineering Corporation (ZEC) is currently looking for a talented Project Director in our Downers Grove, IL office who will play a pivotal role in driving our most ambitious energy & power ...

Zachry Group

Project Director-ENG

Downers Grove, IL

$183K - $266K/yr

ZEC EPC Project Director - Engineering Combined Cycle Power Generation (CCGT/CCPP) Position Summary- The EPC Project Director - Engineering is responsible for the overall engineering leadership ...

Zachry Group

Project Director-ENG

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$183K - $266K/yr

ZEC EPC Project Director - Engineering Combined Cycle Power Generation (CCGT/CCPP) Position Summary- The EPC Project Director - Engineering is responsible for the overall engineering leadership ...

Metronet

Project Director - Romeoville, IL

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

The Project Director has the ultimate responsibility for the project budget, meeting project timelines, customer expectations, managing the project team, and interfacing with the customer. What you ...

BMS CAT

Senior Project Director

Wood Dale, IL

$110K/yr

The Senior Project Director is not a desk-only role. This position requires a hands-on leader who can sell work, estimate opportunities, write scopes, manage projects, and lead field and office teams ...

Eversana

Technical Project Director

Chicago, IL

WHAT DOES A DIRECTOR, PMO DO? The Technical Project Director will play a critical role in bridging business, product, agency, delivery, reporting, and technical teams to ensure client work is ...

EVERSANA

Technical Project Director

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

WHAT DOES A DIRECTOR, PMO DO? The Technical Project Director will play a critical role in bridging business, product, agency, delivery, reporting, and technical teams to ensure client work is ...

Sky Mavis

Technical Project Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

WHAT DOES A DIRECTOR, PMO DO? The Technical Project Director will play a critical role in bridging business, product, agency, delivery, reporting, and technical teams to ensure client work is ...

New

Samprasoft

SAP Project Director - Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

SAP Project Director Senior project manager to manage major deployment of SAP ECC and ERP core model for global client. Project manager will manage/coordinate client personnel along with global ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsProject JobsProject Director JobsProject Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

Project Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$45.3K

$112.9K

$203.5K

How much do project director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for project director in Chicago, IL is $112,866.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,200.00 and $148,900.00 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Project jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Project Director jobs in Chicago, IL? For Project Director jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Project Director jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Project Director jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Project Director jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Project Director job openings:
Project Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,866 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

PROJECT DIRECTOR

City of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Welcome to the City of Chicago CAREERS site. You are not signed in. | In order to create a New Account "click here" My Account Options

Job Description - PROJECT DIRECTOR (416864)

CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CDOT)

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Number of Positions: 1

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59 pm CDT on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

This position is within CDOT’s Division of Engineering and serves as the City’s Chief Electrical Engineer and the Electrical Engineering section head. The section is responsible for the design and construction of the arterial and residential street lighting program, pole replacements, small cell coordination and design review and approval of electrical submittals for lighting and traffic signals. In addition, the position develops electrical specifications and standards and coordinates electrical construction projects citywide.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

  • Directs a multi-disciplinary project team responsible for the oversight of various large-scale construction, capital and facility maintenance projects
  • Directs projects from conceptualization through completion working with various engineering, architectural, and design teams to ensure construction compliance with City, federal and state requirements and procedures
  • Directs the training and evaluation of employees; prepares work schedules and assignments; determines work priorities; and administers disciplinary actions as required
  • Conducts site visits to monitor and evaluate construction projects ensuring adherence to specifications and progress plans
  • Communicates and coordinates with stakeholders (e.g., public, agencies, firms, etc.)
  • Directs the development of project control plans and procedures for construction projects
  • Manages projects performance and safety metrics
  • Manages a portfolio of projects providing recommendations to division management on selection, performance, design features to ensure optimization of portfolio
  • Directs the development of required budgetary, construction, procurement and comprehensive project plan reports
  • Directs the work of staff responsible for ensuring appropriate permits are secured in a timely manner
  • Participates in Request for Proposal (RFP) and Request for Qualification (RFQ) process coordinating with the Department of Procurement Services
  • Manages the completion of construction projects in accordance with project plans, scope, schedule, budget, quality, and City, state, and federal regulations and requirements

Additional duties may be required for this position

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CAREER SERVICE.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering plus five (5) years of experience in the planning, design, and construction of public works projects, of which three (3) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position

Licenses

  • Professional Engineer License

Disclaimer - "Accredited" means any nationally or regionally accredited college, university, or law school where theapplicant isenrolled in or has completed an Associates, Bachelors, Masters, or Juris Doctorate degree program.

NOTE: You must provide your transcripts or degree, professional license at time of processing, if applicable.

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires an applicant to successfully complete an interview.The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfil the responsibilities of the position will be selected.

APPLICATION EVALUATION:Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date.Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075.The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicagois an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer

City of Chicago

Job Posting

Jul 28, 2026, 5:00:00 AM | Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External : Aug 12, 2026, 4:59:00 AM

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