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Project Portfolio Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Project Architect

Williamsburg, VA · Hybrid

$110K - $115K/yr

... portfolio of building projects from design through construction. This role offers significant project ownership, direct client interaction, and the opportunity to mentor junior team members while ...

The Master Project Manager owns the cross-functional project portfolio -- enabling visibility ... We are excited to build our internal recruitment capabilities and establish direct relationships ...

Project Manager

Richmond, VA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

PMs are supported by a Division Manager who provides direct technical guidance and mentorship, and ... Oversight of a project portfolio representing approximately $20 million in annual P&L across active ...

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Project Portfolio Director information

See Virginia salary details

$23.4K

$99.2K

$198.1K

How much do project portfolio director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for project portfolio director in Virginia is $99,210.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,700.00 and $124,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a project portfolio director?

Project Portfolio Directors are senior leaders responsible for overseeing a collection of projects and programs within an organization to ensure they align with business objectives and deliver maximum value. They manage the selection, prioritization, and governance of projects, balancing resources, risks, and strategic goals. Their role involves coordinating between executives, project managers, and stakeholders to optimize project outcomes and ensure organizational success.

What does a project portfolio director do?

A Project Portfolio Director is responsible for aligning project selection and prioritization with the organization’s strategic goals, which often means maintaining a high-level view of all active and proposed projects. However, they also need to engage directly with project managers and stakeholders to resolve resource conflicts, monitor key performance indicators, and address critical risks. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong communication skills, effective delegation, and regular review meetings to ensure each project aligns with overall business objectives. This dual focus helps drive both immediate project success and long-term organizational growth.

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

To thrive as a Project Portfolio Director, you need extensive experience in project management, strategic planning, and portfolio governance, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree and certifications like PMP or PfMP. Proficiency with project portfolio management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or Planview is typically required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills set outstanding professionals apart in this role. These abilities are critical for aligning projects with organizational strategy, optimizing resource allocation, and delivering successful outcomes across multiple initiatives.

What is the difference between Project Portfolio Director vs Program Manager?

AspectProject Portfolio DirectorProgram Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple projects and programs to align with strategic goals, manages portfolio performanceManages a specific program consisting of related projects, ensuring successful delivery
FocusStrategic alignment and portfolio optimizationOperational execution and project coordination
CredentialsTypically requires PMP, PgMP, or similar certificationsOften holds PMP or similar project management certifications
Work EnvironmentSenior leadership, strategic planning teams, executive levelProject teams, cross-functional teams, stakeholders

The Project Portfolio Director focuses on aligning multiple projects with organizational strategy, managing overall portfolio performance. In contrast, a Program Manager concentrates on the successful delivery of a specific program and its related projects. Both roles require project management certifications and involve working with teams, but their scope and strategic level differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Portfolio jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Project Portfolio jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Project Portfolio Director jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Project Portfolio Director job openings:

Space Program/Portfolio Analyst

Riverside Research

Arlington, VA • On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Riverside Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems. All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.

Position Overview

Riverside Research is seeking a Portfolio and Program Analyst to support the Defense Innovation Unit's (DIU). This dynamic role will support DIU's Space Portfolio in its efforts to identify, attract, and acquire cutting-edge commercial technologies to support Department of Defense. This role will provide data analysis along with cost, schedule, performance, and execution tracking supporting the program managers, commercial vendors, and mission partners working within the DIU Space Portfolio. The individual must have experience providing programmatic support or program controls support for DoD programs. The individual is a highly organized analyst with excellent communication and presentation skills. Prior experience supporting DoD acquisitions is highly desired. The position will collaborate with teams of commercial and military program leads, scientists, engineers, and other stakeholders, and is based in Arlington, VA with alternate locations: Austin, TX; Boston, MA; and Mountain View, CA.

Responsibilities

    • Provide business operations and professional support services to the Portfolio Director and team of Space Program Managers and Commercial Engagement team
    • Support the Portfolio Director and core DIU mission in acting as an interface between the DoD, entrepreneurs, venture communities, and commercial technology companies
    • Develop and maintain high-level knowledge on projects across the portfolio and assist the Portfolio Director, PMs, and Acquisition Team in managing the project pipeline and data retrieval
    • Support DIU’s acquisition processes and review and evaluate commercial prototype proposals
    • Support Space Portfolio leadership with development of weekly reporting materials and execution of monthly Portfolio Management Reviews
    • Data entry ensuring key contractual information is accurately reflected in SalesForce.
    • Support DIU Space Portfolio PMs with SalesForce updates
    • Support to DIU Space Portfolio leadership, Acquisition team, and PMs with data retrieval
    • Support Space Portfolio leadership with development of weekly reporting materials and execution of monthly Portfolio Management Reviews
    • Ability to understand and apply DIU's Commercial Solutions Opening process
    • Support content curation for the Portfolio and DIU marketing, including technical writing, draft and editing of presentations, reports, project summaries and achievements, meeting minutes, and white papers
    • Support in the cost, schedule, performance, and execution tracking of DIU Space Portfolio projects, other program management and program controls duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications/Experience

  • A minimum of 2 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree, an advanced degree without experience, or equivalent work experience is typically required for an employee at this level.

    Required Qualifications/Experience

  • Passion for emerging IT/cybersecurity technologies
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to present complex content clearly and simply, tailored to diverse audiences
  • Effective organizational and time management skills
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative and proactively lead projects through completion
  • Ability to gather and analyze qualitative and quantitative data points and produce targeted messaging and key points succinctly
  • Interest in working as part of a distributed team driven by innovation and self-motivation
  • Ability to work collaboratively and develop strong working relationships to achieve business goals
  • Proven success at managing competing priorities
  • Experience with MS Tools, Google Suite, and other collaboration tools
  • Active TS/SCI clearance

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

  • Previous project management or project controls experience – preferably in a technical field
  • Previous experience in research, analytical, or project management role
  • Previous experience with commercial or DoD/USG Space Programs and technology
  • Previous experience with Salesforce (Data Entry, Data Analysis, Usage)
  • Previous experience with DoD acquisition and contracting support and analysis
  • PMP and/or SAFe Agile Certifications

Global Comp

$130,000 - 150,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Closing Statement

Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.