What does a Project Director do?

Project Directors help ensure development and improvement strategies are consistent across the business. They help translate leadership priorities into practical efforts and measurable outcomes.

Project Directors can contribute to organizational success by fostering accountability, improving resource coordination and selecting and supporting project management methods that work well for the business.

Project Director skills and qualifications

Your Project Director job description may include the following skills and qualifications:

• Strategic planning and project management, including developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and project scope documents
• Ability to evaluate and implement project management methodologies, such as Agile, Waterfall and Lean Six Sigma
• Strong budget oversight and financial reporting
• High-level risk assessment and mitigation planning and its four strategies: avoid, reduce, transfer or accept
• Executive communication and collaborator management
• Process improvement and change management expertise
• Proficiency with enterprise-level project management tools and software, such as Asana, Jira or Adobe Workfront

Project Director experience requirements

Consider sourcing candidates with experience leading large-scale or high-impact projects, particularly in enterprise-level environments. Quality candidates might have progressed through Project Manager, Senior Project Manager or Program Manager roles.

Project Directors may need familiarity with multiple project management frameworks and tools and the ability to build scalable cross-functional processes. Candidates with experience working across departments, such as operations, IT and finance, may also be well-positioned for your open position.

Project Director education and training requirements

Since formal education or certification isn’t required for Project Directors, you might use a skills-first hiring approach when recruiting for this position. For example, you might prioritize candidates with time management or budgeting skills. Proven leadership experience, strategic planning abilities and a successful record in project delivery may also be beneficial.

Some employers may prefer candidates who have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fields such as business administration, project management or organizational leadership. Relevant certifications can also help demonstrate a candidate’s technical knowledge and commitment to the profession. Examples include the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) and Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) from Scrum Alliance.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Project Director job description isn’t what you’re looking for, consider these other similar options:

• Project Manager
• Technical Project Manager
• Senior Project Manager
• Finance Project Manager

Project Director job description FAQs

Who does a Project Director report to?

A Project Director usually reports to a member of the C-suite, such as a Vice President (VP) of Operations, Director of Operations or a Chief Operating Officer (COO). Depending on the size of your business and how it’s structured, a Project Director might instead report directly to an executive board or steering committee.

What is the difference between a Project Director and a Program Manager?

While both roles might oversee projects, a Project Director generally focuses on aligning all project activity with business goals and managing teams of Project Managers. A Program Manager typically oversees related projects and focuses on achieving specific program outcomes rather than overall portfolio alignment.

Can you hire a Project Director to work remotely?

Yes, many aspects of a Project Director’s role, such as strategic planning, reporting and team communication, can be performed remotely. Some industries or projects may require occasional on-site visits to meet with collaborators or assess project progress.