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Executive project manager vs director of project management

The differences between executive project managers and directors of project management can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a director of project management has an average salary of $126,958, which is higher than the $99,099 average annual salary of an executive project manager.

The top three skills for an executive project manager include project management, project scope and business development. The most important skills for a director of project management are oversight, risk management, and resource management.

Executive project manager vs director of project management overview

Executive Project ManagerDirector Of Project Management
Yearly salary$99,099$126,958
Hourly rate$47.64$61.04
Growth rate-16%
Number of jobs215,400200,498
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age4747
Years of experience--

What does an executive project manager do?

An executive project manager oversees a department's operations. They handle a workplace management team that directly manages short- and long-term projects. Typically, they are responsible for forming strategic programs, setting project goals, and monitoring program and project performance. They communicate with upper management to develop long-term strategic plans. They also record the organization's financial expenses, monitor funding, and approve spending plans.

What does a director of project management do?

Project management directors are the ones who develop and direct the strategic planning of different projects. The directors oversee the coordination of resources and personnel necessary for project completion. Typically, the directors require certification for project management. They develop a methodology for standardized project management in a balanced matrix organization. The directors should be equipped with skills in process improvement, customer service, infrastructure, portfolio management, and strategic initiatives. They should also have skills in communication, attention to detail, and leadership.

Executive project manager vs director of project management salary

Executive project managers and directors of project management have different pay scales, as shown below.

Executive Project ManagerDirector Of Project Management
Average salary$99,099$126,958
Salary rangeBetween $64,000 And $151,000Between $85,000 And $187,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAFoster City, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaCalifornia
Best paying companyMorgan StanleyMeta
Best paying industryHospitalityReal Estate

Differences between executive project manager and director of project management education

There are a few differences between an executive project manager and a director of project management in terms of educational background:

Executive Project ManagerDirector Of Project Management
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Executive project manager vs director of project management demographics

Here are the differences between executive project managers' and directors of project management' demographics:

Executive Project ManagerDirector Of Project Management
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 59.6% Female, 40.4%Male, 66.9% Female, 33.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between executive project manager and director of project management duties and responsibilities

Executive project manager example responsibilities.

  • Lead professional services engagements from assessment analysis to completion by partnering directly with healthcare providers to enhance revenue collection and efficiency.
  • Foster IBM executive awareness of PMO by implementing standardize management system, ensuring consistent and efficient delivery to client.
  • Act as part of the PMO review board to ensure business requirements are defined and assign.
  • Institute technology processes to compliment the new healthcare facility and current business operations in order to increase productivity and patient experience.
  • Interpret DOD regulations for government programs to ensure compliance with performance work statement.
  • Charge with the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies regarding installation management throughout the DoD.
  • Show more

Director of project management example responsibilities.

  • Develop and manage RFP processes to procure third party products and services.
  • Manage & facilitate agile scrum masters, project managers and business analysts including providing direction, guidance and training.
  • Develop and lead divisional IP application strategy and review process to improve patent return on investment and alignment with product strategies.
  • Direct logistics and manufacturing process at Baltimore depot and revamp of product line to achieve desire mission-readiness capability.
  • Streamline and centralize usage of project management tools to manage dependencies and transparent delivery milestones for highly complex SaaS platforms
  • Lead scrum team through multiple development sprints for overall product improvement base on customer feedback and market research.
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Executive project manager vs director of project management skills

Common executive project manager skills
  • Project Management, 26%
  • Project Scope, 7%
  • Business Development, 4%
  • Infrastructure, 3%
  • Development Projects, 3%
  • Business Process, 3%
Common director of project management skills
  • Oversight, 9%
  • Risk Management, 6%
  • Resource Management, 5%
  • Business Objectives, 5%
  • Healthcare, 5%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 5%

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