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Application Development Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

Purdue University

Director of Development

Hammond, IN · On-site

$100K - $105K/yr

Hammond Preferred application deadline is July 14, 2026 Interviews will take place towards the end of July/early August 2026. Overview of Director of Development Purdue University Northwest is ...

Chicago Run

Director of Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

POSITION DESCRIPTION Director of Development Chicago Run Type: Full-Time Start Date ... When application closes Reports to: Executive Director Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 About Chicago Run ...

Cityyear

Managing Director of Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

Application Instructions Click Apply to submit your online application. Please attach a resume and ... In partnership with the Executive Director and the City Year Chicago's Board and Development team ...

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All JobsApplication Development JobsApplication Development Director JobsApplication Development Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

Application Development Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$85.5K

$157K

$246.7K

How much do application development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for application development director in Chicago, IL is $156,987.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $133,400.00 and $180,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Application Development Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Application Development Director, you need deep expertise in software development, project management, and strategic leadership, typically backed by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with development frameworks, DevOps tools, agile methodologies, and certifications like PMP or Scrum Master are highly valued. Exceptional communication, team leadership, and problem-solving skills set top candidates apart in this role. These competencies are essential for successfully leading development teams, delivering high-quality applications, and aligning technology initiatives with business goals.

What are some common challenges faced by an Application Development Director when leading cross-functional teams?

Application Development Directors often encounter challenges such as aligning diverse technical and business goals, managing resource constraints, and ensuring clear communication across various departments. Balancing project timelines with quality standards and adapting to rapidly changing technology trends can also pose difficulties. Effective leadership involves fostering strong collaboration, setting clear expectations, and proactively addressing any roadblocks to keep teams motivated and projects on track.

What does an Application Development Director do?

An Application Development Director oversees the planning, design, and implementation of software applications within an organization. They manage teams of developers, set technical standards, and ensure projects align with business goals. Their responsibilities also include budgeting, resource allocation, and collaborating with other departments to deliver high-quality software solutions on time and within scope.
What are the most commonly searched types of Application Development jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Application Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Application Development Director jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Application Development Director job openings:
Application Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Application Development Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $156,987 per year, or $75.5 per hour.

Regional Development Director (Chicago)

Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) seeks to hire a full-time Regional Development Director. This member of FDD's development team will report to the Senior Director and be responsible for managing and growing a high-value donor portfolio based in Chicago, with coverage across the greater Midwest region.

This role is ideal for a driven fundraising professional with experience securing five- and six-figure gifts, cultivating philanthropic relationships, and contributing to strategic revenue growth.

The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial, relationship-oriented professional with strong communication skills, the ability to develop fluency in foreign policy and national security issues, and a commitment to representing FDD with credibility and professionalism.

This position will work closely with development leadership, FDD policy experts and scholars, and donor relations and events teams to engage high-capacity donors and prospects.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Management & Growth

  • Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors and prospects based in Chicago and across the Midwest.
  • Execute cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies aligned with FDD's organizational priorities.
  • Work toward annual revenue goals through consistent outreach, relationship management, and pipeline development.
  • Maintain regular, high-touch engagement with donors and prospects to communicate FDD's work and impact.

Donor Engagement & Relationship Management

  • Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned donors and prospects.
  • Coordinate and support donor meetings with FDD leadership, scholars, and experts.
  • Prepare donor briefings, background materials, and follow-up communications.
  • Support proposal development and donor strategy execution.

Regional Engagement & Events

  • Represent FDD at donor programs, briefings, and small events throughout Chicago and the broader Midwest.
  • Help identify opportunities to convene donors and prospects for meaningful engagement.
  • Partner with internal teams to support the execution of donor-facing events tied to portfolio strategy.

Collaboration & Team Integration

  • Work closely with development leadership on portfolio strategy and growth opportunities.
  • Collaborate across donor relations, events, policy, and operations teams to ensure strong coordination.
  • Support internal processes related to donor tracking, proposals, and stewardship.
  • Contribute to team-wide best practices and development efforts.

Qualifications

  • 5–8 years of professional fundraising or relevant relationship-management experience.
  • Experience supporting or securing five- and six-figure gifts.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage relationships and advance donor engagement.
  • Interest in foreign policy, national security, and geopolitical issues, with a willingness to develop deeper expertise.
  • Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
  • Self-starter with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
  • Willingness to travel regularly within the Midwest and periodically to Washington, DC.

Application Requirements

  • Resume
  • Cover letter

FDD is an equal opportunity employer. If you require an accommodation in order to apply for this position, please contact Jean Thurman at jean@fdd.org or (202) 207-0190.

This is a remote position based in Chicago, requiring regular travel throughout the Midwest and periodic travel to FDD's Washington, DC office. This role has a projected salary band of $120,000–$160,000 per year, based on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Additional benefits are available, including healthcare coverage based on eligibility. Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply here.

FDD is a Washington, DC-based, nonpartisan research institute focusing on foreign policy and national security. For more information, please visit FDD.org and follow FDD on X @FDD.

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