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Project Director Jobs in Elmhurst, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 · 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

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

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 ...

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 ...

Eversana

Technical Project Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

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Project Director information

See Elmhurst, IL salary details

$43.8K

$109.1K

$196.7K

How much do project director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for project director in Elmhurst, IL is $109,122.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,700.00 and $143,900.00 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.

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.

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.

How much does a project director make in the US?

The average salary for a project director in the US is approximately $100,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on industry, experience, and location. Senior project directors or those in specialized fields can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $180,000 annually. Strong leadership, project management skills, and relevant certifications like PMP can influence compensation levels.
More about Project Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Project jobs in Elmhurst, IL?

The most popular types of Project jobs in Elmhurst, IL are:

What cities near Elmhurst, IL are hiring for Project Director jobs?

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

Project Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Director job openings in Elmhurst, IL 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 $109,122 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Project Director-ENG

Zachry Group

Downers Grove, IL • On-site

$183K - $231K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago

Zachry Group rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 80 rated construction

Job description


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 solutions forward. The ideal leader will bring a proven track record of steering large-scale EPC and power projects through complex, fast-paced, and commercially demanding landscapes. The ideal candidate will balance high-level strategic vision with an unwavering commitment to operational excellence, consistently delivering exceptional customer outcomes and building high-performing teams.
Responsibilities
  • Responsible for delivering large engineering capital projects to customer requirements. Monitoring key metrics including safety, financial performance, schedule and quality of deliverables.
  • Lead multidisciplinary engineering and project management team serving as the single point of accountability for large capital project or a large program.
  • Provide strong, effective and decisive leadership overseeing each project phase from initiation through delivery.
  • Responsible for maintaining proper staff levels to meet project requirements. Actively recruit and train personnel for projects as necessary working with Zachry's engineering manager and talent acquisition groups.
  • Talent Development - Provide guidance, coaching, mentoring and advice to less senior professionals and staff. Assist in developing training modules. Manage performance evaluations of direct reports.
  • Business acumen and coaching of all project leaders in delivering target financial outcomes.
  • Collaborate with counterparts across Zachry regional offices to help realize our full enterprise strategy.
  • Further develop and enhance our Best Practices and Procedures in the engineering project management and related functions.
  • Engage and build relationships with customers.
  • Responsible for growing service offerings and workload with existing customers and fostering relationships with potential new customers.
  • Participate in negotiations for new contracts and change orders.
  • Assist Business Development and Operations with project strategy, forming execution teams, and incorporating these into proposals and presentations.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in an applicable engineering discipline, Mechanical Civil, Electrical, Chemical.
  • Have a minimum of 15 years industry experience, with 10 years of Project Management experience.
  • Experience managing small-large capital projects in the process, energy, power or chemical industries.
  • Project experience should involve management of multiple engineering disciplines and vendor management from early phases of project through start-up and commissioning.
  • Experience in managing teams of 5 or more people.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, software proficiency including project performance tracking tools, progress reporting and similar project management tools.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in successfully managing and executing work with multiple domestic and international offices.
  • Engagement with or experience in a PMO

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the expected salary range for this Project Director position is between $183,100 and $231,600 annually. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors as permitted by law.
This Project Director position is eligible for participation in Zachry's Total Employee Rewards Program, which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and other ancillary benefits. This position is also eligible for participation in the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.

What Zachry Group employees say

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About Zachry Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Zachry Group is America's pacesetter in turnkey construction, engineering, maintenance, turnaround and fabrication services in the power, energy, chemicals, manufacturing and industrial sectors. It works with customers to plan, build, and renew their most critical facilities, so they can achieve their immediate and long-term goals, all at the highest safety standards. Zachry Group operates 35 offices, and averages 20,000 employees working in more than 400 locations nationwide. Please visit www.zachrygroup.com for more information.

Industry

Construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Antonio, TX, US

Year founded

1924

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