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What is a manager, project director and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted experts
Nicole Jones Young Ph.D.,
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.

A manager, project director utilizes their strong leadership and analytical skills to effectively manage all aspects of a given project and ensure quality results. They are in charge of overseeing project progress, following budget constraints, delegating tasks to team members, and making decisions based on strategy and their expert opinion.

Furthermore, a manager, project director's duty involves keeping constant communication with clients, project managers, and other key stakeholders of the project. They ensure that all project managers and subordinate staff are working at par with the company's policies, and sees to it that the project is operating within legal compliance.

Many managers, project directors have a bachelor's or master's degree in business and project management. Another common denominator for professionals in this role is extensive experience in working for or managing projects in their respective fields. Furthermore, managers, project directors have outstanding skills in leadership, strategy, and decision-making, among other imperative soft skills.

The average salary for this role is $130,000, depending on their employer, level of experience, and field of expertise.

What general advice would you give to a manager, project director?

Nicole Jones Young Ph.D.Nicole Jones Young Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior, Franklin and Marshall College

Be flexible. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a lot of uncertainty, but has created new opportunities in others. Staying flexible allows individuals to shift focus away from industries or occupations that may be in decline, and re-focus on employment opportunities that may be more aligned with our current moment.
ScoreManager, Project DirectorUS Average
Salary
7.7

Avg. Salary $104,614

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
3.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66%

Asian 8.84%

Black or African American 7.48%

Hispanic or Latino 12.52%

Unknown 4.69%

White 65.81%

Gender

female 30.22%

male 69.78%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
7.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
1.8

Complexity level is simple

7 - challenging

Work life balance
2.8

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Manager, project director career paths

Key steps to become a manager, project director

  1. Explore manager, project director education requirements

    Most common manager, project director degrees

    Bachelor's

    70.1 %

    Master's

    15.9 %

    Associate

    8.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific manager, project director skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Management19.61%
    Infrastructure7.19%
    Construction Management6.69%
    Project Scope6.16%
    Program Management5.22%
  3. Research manager, project director duties and responsibilities

    • Gather requirements, create RFP s, and manage the procurement process.
    • Manage qualitative projects from study design through analysis for consumer package goods, business-to-business, healthcare and pharmaceutical research projects.
    • Support sales team during RFP processes allowing for comprehensive development of solutions.
    • Administer PMO reviews for management board for projects status for all fund programs across the organization.
  4. Prepare your manager, project director resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your manager, project director resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a manager, project director resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable manager, project director resume templates

    Build a professional manager, project director resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your manager, project director resume.
    Manager, Project Director Resume
    Manager, Project Director Resume
    Manager, Project Director Resume
    Manager, Project Director Resume
    Manager, Project Director Resume
    Manager, Project Director Resume
    Manager, Project Director Resume
    Manager, Project Director Resume
    Manager, Project Director Resume
  5. Apply for manager, project director jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a manager, project director job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first manager, project director job

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Average manager, project director salary

The average manager, project director salary in the United States is $104,614 per year or $50 per hour. Manager, project director salaries range between $67,000 and $161,000 per year.

Average manager, project director salary
$104,614 Yearly
$50.30 hourly

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How do managers, project director rate their job?

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Manager, project director reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023
Pros

I like to work with a team. Satisfaction of seeing the successful completion of a project

Cons

Strict deadlines, and stakeholders. Feeling undervalued or underappreciated.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

I enjoy problem-solving and identifying a path to completing a complex project. I like to ensure that moving parts come together smoothly and communicating successes and celebrating with the team.

Cons

Without the right support from project sponsors, a project manager is doomed to failure. There is an enormous amount of responsibility on a project manager to deliver a product on time and on budget, though without proper authority or backing, it's basically wheel spinning.


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A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Pros

I like working with Clients and challenges.

Cons

I would rather work remote with little travel.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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