How To Become a PMO Director: Step-by-Step Guide

A PMO director is responsible for the overall management and coordination of a company’s project management office (PMO). The PMO director is responsible for ensuring that the PMO is staffed with qualified personnel, that projects are completed on time and within budget, and that PMO procedures are followed. In this article, we discuss the duties of a PMO director, the necessary skills and experience, and how to become one.

What Does a PMO Director Do?

A PMO director is responsible for leading and managing a team of project managers within an organization. The PMO director typically reports to the vice president or head of the department in which they work. Their main duties include:

• Defining the goals, objectives and scope of the PMO
• Creating and implementing processes and procedures for the PMO
• Managing the budget for the PMO
• Hiring, training and supervising PMO staff
• Coordinating the activities of the PMO with other departments in the organization
• Monitoring and reporting on the progress of projects managed by the PMO
• Identifying risks and issues associated with projects and taking corrective action as necessary
• Conducting audits of projects managed by the PMO
• Preparing presentations on the status of the PMO for upper management

PMO Director Salary and Job Outlook

The average salary for a PMO Director is $128,750. This figure can vary based on the size of the company, industry, and geographical location.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job prospects for PMO Directors to increase at a faster than average rate over the next decade. This is due in part to the growing importance of project management within organizations. As more companies look to streamline their operations and improve efficiency, they will need the expertise of a PMO Director to develop and implement effective project management strategies.

How to Become a PMO Director

Here are several steps you should take to become a PMO director.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field

A project management office (PMO) director needs a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field. Common fields of study for PMO directors include information technology, engineering and computer science.

While there are no specific degrees required to become a PMO director, it is important to choose a program that includes courses in project management. This will help you develop the skills necessary to succeed as a PMO director.

2. Gain experience managing projects and project teams

Gaining experience managing projects and project teams is an important step in becoming a PMO director. Many employers prefer candidates with at least three to five years of experience working in project management, though entry-level positions may also be available.

You can gain this experience by working as a project manager for a company or organization. You can also volunteer your time to manage projects for organizations you’re already involved in, such as your church or local community center.

3. Consider pursuing a master’s degree or certification in project management

While a master’s degree is not always required to become a PMO director, it can help you advance in your career. Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in project management or a related field.

If you decide to pursue a master’s degree, consider choosing one that focuses on project management. You will learn more about the role of a PMO director and how to apply this knowledge in the workplace. Additionally, pursuing a master’s degree may allow you to take advantage of internship opportunities, which can be helpful when looking for a job as a PMO director.

4. Develop strong leadership skills

As a PMO director, you are responsible for managing teams of project managers and other professionals. Therefore, it is important to develop strong leadership skills so that you can motivate your team members and help them achieve their goals. You should be able to provide clear direction and hold regular meetings with your team to discuss progress and address any issues or concerns they may have.

You also need to possess excellent communication skills so that you can clearly convey information to stakeholders and clients. Additionally, you must be able to manage multiple projects at once and prioritize tasks based on deadlines and client needs.

5. Understand principles of finance and budgeting

Project management offices often work with budgets and financial data, so it’s important for PMO directors to have a basic understanding of finance and budgeting. Understanding how companies set their budgets and where they get their funding can help you better manage projects that may require additional funds or start-up costs.

You should also understand the principles behind effective budgeting practices so you can ensure your company is using its resources wisely. This knowledge will also help you communicate project status effectively to upper management.

6. Stay up to date on changes in the project management industry

The project management industry is always evolving, so it’s important for PMO directors to stay up to date on the latest trends and developments. For example, new technology may be introduced that could improve how projects are managed.

Keeping informed about these changes can help you make sure your organization is using best practices in all areas of project management. You also need to know what’s happening in the industry to ensure you’re able to find qualified candidates to work on your team.

7. Join professional organizations such as the Project Management Institute (PMI)

The Project Management Institute (PMI) is a leading professional organization for project managers and those who work in the field of project management. Joining PMI can help you learn more about industry standards, earn certifications and develop your network.

To become a director of a PMO, it’s recommended that you hold at least an associate certification from PMI. You may also want to consider pursuing the Professional Development Certificate or the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential offered by PMI.