1

Project Executive Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC) is seeking a Project Executive to lead educational and institutional construction projects while helping expand our higher education portfolio. Building on CWC ...

The Project Executive is responsible for providing leadership and oversight for the strategic as well as the day-to-day operations for all Construction, Project Management and Project Administration ...

Dewberry Design-Builders Inc. is seeking a Project Executive in the Fairfax, VA area to support and help grow our design-build practice across the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic. This role will focus on ...

Showing results 41-60

Project Executive information

See Reston, VA salary details

$61.4K

$174.7K

$251.2K

How much do project executive jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for project executive in Reston, VA is $174,687.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $147,200.00 and $204,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a project executive?

A project executive is the head of a company’s project management team, responsible for implementing strategic planning and monitoring the progress of ongoing projects. As a project executive, your job duties are to evaluate staff, assess project progress against timelines and budget considerations, prepare regular reports for senior management to inform staffing decisions and project priorities, and check in with clients regarding project specifications and their expectations. To pursue a career as a project executive, you need 10 to 15 years of experience in project management and leadership roles.

How does a project executive typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success?

A Project Executive plays a pivotal role in facilitating collaboration among various departments such as finance, operations, and technical teams. They are responsible for aligning project goals with organizational objectives, communicating expectations clearly, and resolving interdepartmental issues that may arise. Regular meetings, status updates, and transparent communication channels are key practices used to keep everyone on track and engaged. By fostering a cooperative environment, Project Executives ensure that all stakeholders are informed and invested in the project's success.

How much do project executives get paid?

Project executives typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $80,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often oversee project teams, manage budgets, and use project management tools like MS Project or Primavera. Salaries can vary based on company size and project complexity.

Is a project executive higher than a project manager?

A project executive is typically a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing multiple projects or the entire project portfolio, while a project manager handles the planning and execution of individual projects. In most organizations, the project executive holds a higher position than the project manager and focuses on strategic oversight and decision-making. The specific hierarchy can vary depending on the company's structure and size.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project executive?

To thrive as a Project Executive, you need strong leadership, project management experience, and a relevant degree such as in business or engineering. Familiarity with project management tools like MS Project, PMP certification, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is common. Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills help build client relationships and guide cross-functional teams. These skills ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to stakeholder satisfaction, driving organizational success.

What is the difference between Project Executive vs Project Manager?

AspectProject ExecutiveProject Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in business, management, or related field; often some certifications like PMP are preferredRequires a bachelor's degree in project management, business, or related field; PMP certification common
Work EnvironmentStrategic oversight, executive meetings, high-level decision makingDay-to-day project planning, team coordination, and execution
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in corporate, construction, and large-scale projects for strategic leadershipCommon across industries for managing specific projects

The Project Executive focuses on strategic oversight and high-level decision making, while the Project Manager handles daily project operations and team management. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities within project execution.

What is the role of a project executive?

A project executive is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of projects, ensuring they meet organizational goals, budgets, and deadlines. They coordinate with stakeholders, manage project teams, and often use project management tools to monitor progress and address issues. Strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking are essential skills for this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Project jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Project jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Project Executive jobs in Reston, VA? For Project Executive jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Project Executive jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Project Executive job openings:
Infographic showing various Project Executive job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $174,687 per year, or $84 per hour.

Project Executive - Higher Education

Coakley & Williams Construction, LLC

Bethesda, MD • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC) is seeking a Project Executive to lead educational and institutional construction projects while helping expand our higher education portfolio.

Building on CWC’s established work with public and state-funded learning institutions, this leader will strengthen client relationships, develop new higher education opportunities, and partner directly with the Business Unit Leaders and COO on pursuits and growth strategy. The role offers meaningful authority over project selection, staffing, and execution, with a potential path to Business Unit Leader or senior operations leadership.

What You’ll Do

  • Provide executive leadership for multiple educational and higher education construction projects from preconstruction through closeout.

  • Develop and maintain relationships with institutional owners, higher education leaders, architects, engineers, consultants, and trade subcontractors.

  • Identify and advance new opportunities while serving as a final reviewer of project pursuits, proposals, RFP responses, and interview strategies.

  • Partner directly with the business leaders on higher education growth strategy, market positioning, and pursuit decisions.

  • Lead project teams and oversee safety, scheduling, procurement, quality, risk, subcontractor performance, and client communication.

  • Manage budgets, forecasts, change orders, cost controls, owner requisitions, and overall project profitability.

  • Guide constructability, phasing, logistics, estimating, scheduling, BIM, and value-management decisions during preconstruction.

  • Help select, mentor, and develop project team members with support from CWC’s experienced Talent Acquisition team.

  • Represent CWC within higher education and construction industry organizations, conferences, and networking events.

What Sets This Opportunity Apart

  • Build on an established educational and institutional construction platform while helping shape CWC’s growing higher education portfolio.

  • Influence which projects CWC pursues and how teams are assembled to deliver them.

  • Work directly with the business unit leaders on business-line strategy, client development, and long-term growth.

  • Gain executive visibility and a potential path to Business Unit Leader or senior operations leadership.

  • Join a mid-sized commercial general contractor where senior leaders have the resources to execute and the access to make an impact.

Required Qualifications

  • At least ten (10) years of experience in managing building construction projects singularly, or in cumulative, in excess of Twenty (20) Million Dollars

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Business, Engineering, or Related field

  • Experience developing business and maintaining long-term client relationships within the educational and institutional construction market

  • Proven track record of client satisfaction and profitability

  • OSHA 30 hour, First Aid and CPR certifications

  • LEED Specialty Accreditation

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, Procore, Bluebeam as well as an understanding of Primavera scheduling and BIM

Preferred Experience

  • Leadership of new construction, renovation, reconstruction, or preconstruction projects for colleges, universities, trade schools, or other higher education institutions

  • An established network of institutional owners, facilities leaders, design partners, consultants, and industry professionals

  • Experience managing occupied campuses, phased construction, academic calendar constraints, and complex stakeholder groups

Job Demands

This position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds. Work may involve active construction sites, heavy equipment, hazardous materials, and extreme weather conditions. Hours will vary based on project requirements and may include nights and weekends.

CWC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected status, including protected veteran or disability status.

JT26


PI0cc8dc1e2d5b-37820-41163741