A typical project director’s primary responsibilities include supervising senior managers and other staff, managing an organization’s stated policies and business strategies, and motivating and guiding all those involved in a project. Excellent leadership abilities, effective communication skills, and strong team-building know-how are all necessary qualities for a good project director. A project director typically has a lot of responsibilities, including the development, direction, and coordination of all project activities, as well as meeting all deadlines, staying within budget constraints, and finding the right people.
Clear, concise, and consistent communication is at the top of the list of required characteristics for a project manager. Some project managers may have a proclivity for communicating infrequently or in an uninspiring manner. For a project director, communication entails more than just talking and writing. It’s all about sending a message that’s consistent with behavior and character and communicates honesty and integrity. A project director who sends mixed messages or is out of touch with his or her team may not inspire the team to follow him or her.
The list of project director responsibilities also includes leadership. A good leader assists his or her team members in achieving their ultimate goal of successfully completing a project or task. Leaders must also be able to recognize issues quickly, evaluate them without becoming emotionally involved, make a final decision, and move on to assist the team in resolving issues. A great leader motivates his or her followers to keep improving. A good project director’s ability to keep team members on track, both mentally and financially, is another important leadership trait.
The project manager’s job description also emphasizes team-building abilities. The director must be able to assess potential staff and team members, form a viable team, and motivate them to collaborate in order to complete any project successfully. It’s also crucial to create a supportive environment for the team as a whole and for each individual team member. A good project manager will know how to reinforce the team approach soliciting and considering all team members’ input. Team building may also necessitate extracurricular activities and appropriate social situations outside of the office.
Developing grant or funding proposals, hiring and training staff, recognizing and solving potential problems, mitigating risks, establishing operating goals, and networking with local, state, and national agencies are all important project director responsibilities. Most companies or organizations will likely require several years of prior experience in a senior leadership or project management role, as well as a demonstrated ability to organize, plan, and execute projects on time and on budget, as well as a demonstrated expertise in establishing and maintaining key relationships among all team members, senior level executives, and outside vendors.