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Project Portfolio Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Recommend and develop project and portfolio management processes to ensure on-time, within-budget delivery of critical initiatives. * Ensure transparency of project portfolio status to facilitate ...

Portfolio Manager

Vienna, VA · On-site

$80 - $90/hr

Recommend and develop project and portfolio management processes to ensure on-time, within-budget delivery of critical initiatives. * Ensure transparency of project portfolio status to facilitate ...

Recommend and develop project and portfolio management processes to ensure on-time, within-budget delivery of critical initiatives. * Ensure transparency of project portfolio status to facilitate ...

Associate Portfolio Manager

Plano, TX · On-site

$104K - $174K/yr

Partnering closely with the TS&EP Chief of Staff, senior leaders, and project leads, the Associate Portfolio Manager helps integrate planning and governance activities into a cohesive, end-to-end ...

Recommend and develop project and portfolio management processes to ensure on-time, within-budget delivery of critical initiatives. * Ensure transparency of project portfolio status to facilitate ...

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Project Portfolio Manager information

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$38.5K

$102.7K

$162K

How much do project portfolio manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for project portfolio manager in the United States is $102,682.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $123,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do portfolio managers get paid well?

Portfolio managers typically earn high salaries due to their responsibility for investment decisions and managing client assets. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and performance incentives, with experienced managers in large firms earning six-figure or higher incomes. Factors such as industry, location, and certifications like CFA can influence earnings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Project Portfolio Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Portfolio Manager, you need strong project management expertise, analytical skills, and often a background in business or engineering, typically supported by a bachelor's degree and experience in managing multiple projects. Familiarity with portfolio management tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, or Primavera, and certifications such as PMP or PfMP are commonly required. Leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication are crucial soft skills for aligning stakeholders and driving business value. These competencies are essential for effectively prioritizing projects, optimizing resources, and ensuring organizational goals are met.

How does a Project Portfolio Manager typically collaborate with project managers and stakeholders to align projects with organizational strategy?

A Project Portfolio Manager works closely with project managers and business stakeholders to ensure that all projects within the portfolio are strategically aligned with the organization's goals. This involves regular meetings to review project progress, prioritize initiatives based on value and resource availability, and address risks or dependencies that may impact delivery. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential, as the role often requires balancing competing interests and facilitating consensus among diverse teams. By fostering collaboration, the Project Portfolio Manager helps ensure that resources are optimally allocated and that the portfolio delivers maximum business value.

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

AspectProject Portfolio ManagerProgram Manager
Primary FocusOversees multiple projects to align with organizational strategyManages related projects to achieve specific program goals
ResponsibilitiesPortfolio selection, prioritization, resource allocationCoordination, execution, and delivery of related projects
CertificationsPMP, PgMP, PMI-SPPMP, PgMP, PMI-ACP
Work EnvironmentStrategic, high-level management across projectsOperational, focused on project execution within a program

The Project Portfolio Manager focuses on selecting and managing a collection of projects to meet strategic objectives, while the Program Manager oversees related projects to ensure they deliver specific program benefits. Both roles require similar certifications and work in organizational settings, but their scope and focus differ significantly.

Do you need a CFA to be a portfolio manager?

A CFA designation is not required to be a portfolio manager, but it can enhance credibility and demonstrate expertise in investment analysis and portfolio management. Many employers value relevant experience, certifications, and skills such as financial analysis, risk management, and client communication over specific credentials. Certification requirements vary by employer and industry segment.

How much do project portfolio managers make?

Project portfolio managers typically earn a median annual salary of around $115,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $80,000 to over $160,000 depending on experience, industry, and location. Certifications like PMP or PgMP can enhance earning potential, and the role often requires strong leadership and strategic planning skills.

What does a project portfolio manager do?

A project portfolio manager oversees a collection of projects within an organization to ensure they align with strategic goals. They prioritize projects, allocate resources, monitor progress, and assess risks to optimize overall performance and value. Strong skills in leadership, communication, and project management tools like MS Project or portfolio management software are essential.

What is a Project Portfolio Manager?

A Project Portfolio Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing and managing a collection of projects within an organization to ensure alignment with strategic goals and optimal resource utilization. Their main duties include selecting, prioritizing, and monitoring projects, balancing risks and benefits, and communicating progress to stakeholders. They play a crucial role in ensuring that the organization's projects deliver maximum value and are completed on time and within budget. Project Portfolio Managers often work closely with project managers, executives, and other stakeholders to make data-driven decisions and continuously improve project outcomes.
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What cities are hiring for Project Portfolio Manager jobs? Cities with the most Project Portfolio Manager job openings:
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What states have the most Project Portfolio Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Project Portfolio Manager jobs include:

Project Portfolio Lead

Iridium Satellite Communications

Chandler, AZ • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Project Portfolio Lead

Iridium is seeking an experienced Project Portfolio Lead to shape and deliver complex, cross-functional initiatives that translate program strategy into measurable business outcomes. In this role, you will lead the planning, prioritization, governance, and performance management of the organization's project portfolio, ensuring the right work is selected, sequenced, and executed to maximize business value. You will partner closely with leaders across the organization to align initiatives with strategic objectives, optimize resource allocation, and provide clear visibility into portfolio performance. By enabling strong decision-making and maintaining disciplined oversight, the Project Portfolio Lead ensures the portfolio delivers consistent, high-impact results that support organizational goals.

What You'll Do:

  • Translate organizational strategy into a balanced, actionable portfolio of projects and programs
  • Ensure initiatives are aligned to strategic goals, business priorities, and value drivers
  • Support leadership in defining portfolio roadmaps and investment priorities
  • Lead portfolio intake, evaluation, and prioritization processes
  • Facilitate trade-off decisions based on value, cost, risk, and resource capacity
  • Drive annual and quarterly portfolio planning cycles
  • Establish and enforce portfolio governance frameworks, standards, and stage-gate processes
  • Lead portfolio review meetings and decision forums
  • Ensure transparency, accountability, and consistency across all initiatives
  • Define and track portfolio-level KPIs, including project execution status and benefits realization
  • Develop executive dashboards and reporting to support decision-making
  • Identify risks, dependencies, and systemic issues, and drive mitigation strategies
  • Partner with executives, business leaders, and project/program managers across functions
  • Act as a trusted advisor on portfolio health, risks, and opportunities
  • Facilitate alignment and resolve conflicts across competing priorities
  • Collaborate with the resource management lead and functional leaders to ensure effective allocation of resources
  • Monitor capacity constraints and recommend adjustments to optimize delivery
  • Support workforce planning aligned with portfolio demand
  • Drive maturity of portfolio management practices, tools, and methodologies
  • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
  • Champion a culture of data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement

What You'll Need to Succeed:

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Project Management, Finance, or related field
  • 10+ years of professional experience, preferably with 5+ years' progressive experience in the Project Management field (i.e., project scheduling, project controls, enterprise project planning, etc.)
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues to stakeholders and leadership teams
  • Ability to easily build relationships with leadership and colleagues
  • Possess an analytical mindset, with the ability to understand a situation or problem and think critically to make decisions and come up with out-of-the-box solutions
  • Be proactive in providing feedback and be enthusiastic in sharing your knowledge with others
  • Capable of prioritizing your own tasks and potentially the tasks of others while making sure deadlines are met

Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table:

  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
  • Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP) certification
  • Experience with enterprise PMO / EPMO portfolio management tools such as Planview, Clarity, Planisware, ServiceNow SPM, or comparable platforms strongly preferred
  • Experience in enterprise PMO environments or large-scale program management
  • Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) and performance tracking methodologies
  • Experience building portfolio dashboards and reporting frameworks

We'll also need you to:

  • This position directly performs under, supports, or is exposed to a U.S. government contract. To comply with the requirements of that U.S. government contract, applicants for this position must be U.S. citizens
  • Be able to travel up to 10%

Work Environment:

This position primarily works in an office setting and is largely sedentary with the majority of the position working with a computer. The role typically requires the use of basic office equipment such as a phone, video, computer, keyboard, mouse, and printer.

We believe in-person connection drives innovation, strengthens mentorship, and builds culture, while flexibility enables employees to do their best work. Under Iridium's Hybrid Work Policy, employees are expected to work at least three days per week (approximately 60%) in an Iridium office to support collaboration, relationship-building, and professional growth.

Additional Information

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work for this role and is not a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as needed.

Iridium is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.