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Project Director Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Project Coordinator

Albuquerque, NM Β· On-site

$26.50 - $33.50/hr

Why This Role Exists This position was created in direct response to workload and capacity needs identified by the Senior Project Surveyor / Project Manager, in coordination with Human Resources. The ...

Showing results 21-40

Project Director information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$41.4K

$103.1K

$185.8K

How much do project director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for project director in Rio Rancho, NM is $103,055.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,600.00 and $135,900.00 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 degreeβ€”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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

The most popular types of Project jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What job categories do people searching Project Director jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Project Director jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Project Director jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Project Director job openings:

ngVLA Technical Project Manager

Albuquerque, NM

National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Scientific Research and Development ServicesΒ β€’Β 201 - 500 employees

$144K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Title: ngVLA Technical Project Manager

Location: 800 Bradbury Dr SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA

Requisition Number: 201

Job Family: Mgmt & Senior Admin

Pay Type: Salary

Required Education: MGT

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation.

The NRAO is continuing the design and construction of a Next-Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA). This future large area array of radio antennas is optimized to perform imaging of thermal emission down to milli-arcsecond scales and will open up new discovery space from proto-planetary disks to distant galaxies. It is envisioned to have ten times the sensitivity and spatial resolution of the Very Large Array (VLA) and Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA). It will operate from 1.2 GHz to 116 GHz, and include a dense core of antennas on kilometer scales for high surface brightness sensitivity and imaging. The ngVLA will be located in the southwest USA, centered near the present location of the current VLA site.

Recently, a ngVLA pathfinder instrument – the High-Resolution Subarray (HRS) has been considered by the ngVLA partners. The HRS pathfinder instrument is being planned to implement several core ngVLA technologies at selected sites across the United States, with development/construction planned in parallel with ngVLA in coming years.

The NRAO is seeking a Technical Project Manager (TPM) to lead the technical/engineering aspects of the ngVLA and HRS efforts through completion of the design phase and into construction. The TPM supervises the technical execution of the project, ensures the project follows project management best practices, and manages relationships with project stakeholders. The ngVLA TPM is a leading member of the ngVLA Project Office, and reports to the ngVLA Project Director.

The location for the position will be based at the NRAO facility in Albuquerque, NM. A domestic partial teleworking arrangement will be considered

What You Will be Doing:

  • Leads the ngVLA/HRS Project Office technical efforts and oversees the ngVLA Product Teams through the instrument design phases, and ultimately into the construction of the HRS and ngVLA.
  • Supervises the execution of project scope, monitors adherence to schedule, oversees budget, analyzes risks, establishes contingency plans, identifies risk trigger events, and has the responsibility for initiating mitigating actions.
  • Implements project management standards, processes, tools, techniques, and support services in the project using best practices.
  • Manages relationships with project stakeholders, to include funding agencies, domestic and international partners, and vendors.

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in a research and development environment, but work outdoors may occasionally be required. Must be able to travel both domestically and internationally by air carrier.

Who You Are:

Education

  • bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical or electrical preferred), astronomy, physical science, or a closely related field.

Experience

  • Minimum of 15+ years of experience in actively leading and managing technical projects.

Skills and Competencies

  • Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
  • Strong leadership ability is required, and attention to detail is critical.
  • Must have a high level of competency in Microsoft software products and web-based systems, Visio, and SharePoint.
  • Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:
    • Astronomical telescopes; radio telescopes; RF, microwave or millimeter wave systems; photonics; high-speed digital electronics.

Additional Requirement

  • PMI PMP certification and INCOSE ASEP (or higher) certification are highly desirable.

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B visas for this position.

Total Rewards:

Compensation

The starting salary/hourly rate of this position is between $144,000-$180,000 per year. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits:

Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:

  • Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
  • Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment.
  • AUI's retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant's base pay with no required employee contribution.
  • Click Total Rewards for more information.

Application Instructions:

Select the "Apply" button above. Please combine your resume, a bibliography if applicable, and a cover letter into one PDF file and attach to your NRAO application. As part of the screening process, you should be prepared to provide the names and contact information of three individuals, who are familiar with your experience and abilities, for letters of reference.

For full consideration, applications must be received by June 30th 2026; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please email inquiries to careers@nrao.edu, Human Resources.

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Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit . If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu. PM20

Compensation details: 144000-180000 Yearly Salary

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