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Child Development Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Youth Development Director will also support the Senior Child Development Director with ... Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or associate degree in early childhood education ...

$92K - $143K/yr

All federal employees are required to have direct deposit * This announcement may result in a 120 ... Specialized experience is experience in managing a large, complex child development program ...

Director Youth Development

Middletown, DE Β· On-site

$55K - $62K/yr

Each Youth Development Director has primary responsibility for Before and After School Enrichment ... Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or associate degree in early childhood education ...

Director of Child Development Bethlehem, PA in partnership with LVHN Westgate | Full Time, Salary; Monday-Friday Flexible between 6:00am-6:00pm | $63,000 - $70,000 We believe great minds are nurtured ...

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Child Development Director information

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$16K

$95.7K

$178K

How much do child development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development director in the United States is $95,708.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a child development director do?

A Child Development Director oversees the daily operations of early childhood education programs, such as preschools or daycare centers. They are responsible for managing staff, developing curriculum, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for young children. Their role also includes communicating with parents, setting policies, and maintaining the overall quality of the program. In addition, Child Development Directors often handle budgeting and enrollment processes to ensure the center runs smoothly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a child development director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Development Director, you need expertise in early childhood education, program management, and a relevant degreeβ€”often with state-specific director credentials. Knowledge of child assessment tools, curriculum planning software, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Leadership, strong communication, and relationship-building skills help foster positive environments for children, staff, and families. These abilities ensure high-quality programming, regulatory adherence, and supportive learning environments that promote healthy child development.

What are some common challenges faced by a child development director, and how can they be effectively managed?

A Child Development Director often navigates challenges such as balancing administrative duties with fostering a positive, engaging environment for both children and staff. Managing staff turnover, maintaining compliance with state regulations, and ensuring high-quality curriculum implementation can also be demanding. Effective communication, ongoing staff training, and building strong relationships with parents and the community are essential strategies to address these challenges. Staying organized and proactive in problem-solving helps create a supportive and thriving learning environment.

What is the difference between Child Development Director vs Preschool Director?

AspectChild Development DirectorPreschool Director
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's in early childhood education or related field, along with experience in child developmentOften requires a high school diploma or associate's degree, with experience in preschool management
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple programs or facilities, focusing on child development policies and staff supervisionManages daily operations of a preschool, including staff, curriculum, and parent relations
Industry UsageUsed in non-profit, government, or large childcare organizationsCommon in private preschools and daycare centers

The Child Development Director typically has a broader scope, focusing on program development and child welfare across multiple settings, while the Preschool Director manages daily operations within a specific preschool. Both roles require early childhood education credentials but differ in scale and responsibilities.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Child Development jobs?

The most popular types of Child Development jobs are:

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Infographic showing various Child Development Director job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,708 per year, or $46 per hour.

Development Director

Andover, MA β€’ On-site

Partners in Child Development
Education Programs AdministrationΒ β€’Β 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description:

Description


Partners in Child Development seeks an inaugural Development Director to implement and lead our fundraising efforts. This is an opportunity to join a diverse and passionate team dedicated to our mission of nurturing the growth and maximizing the potential of every child. We offer children of all abilities a solid foundation to be life-long learners, and we offer staff members the chance to do meaningful, mission-based work every day. Our programs include an Early Intervention Program for children ages 0-3, our Anderson School, a special education school for children ages 3-16 who have complex medical needs, and Woodbridge School, our early childhood education program. For over 50 years, we have been changing the trajectory of children’s lives.


Role Overview 

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Director is a new position that will develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the organization’s continued growth. The role is largely external facing, serving as an ambassador for Partners in Child Development. Highlighted objectives:

  • Establish effective fundraising systems, processes, goals, and performance metrics. You’ll manage a diversified fund development program designed to increase revenue, with a particular focus on individual giving, while also strengthening institutional, corporate, foundation, event, and other philanthropic opportunities.
  • Serve as the organization’s key solicitor and a recognized ambassador. You’ll effectively communicate the organization’s mission, impact, and strategic priorities to donors, funders, community partners, and other stakeholders. You’ll cultivate new donor relationships and deepen those with existing supporters.
  • Guide board, staff, and volunteers in fostering a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization. You’ll work in close partnership with the highly supportive Executive Director and collaborate with the dynamic leadership team, Board of Directors, and relevant Board committees to align fundraising priorities with organizational strategy. 

Essential Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

  • Develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with Partners in Child Development’s strategic priorities and financial goals.
  • Establish annual fundraising goals, budgets, projections, and performance measures across revenue streams, with accountability for achieving approved targets.
  • Lead the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors, with a strong focus on major gifts and long-term donor relationships.
  • Lead or support capital campaign planning and execution, as applicable.

Leadership, Board & Executive Partnership

  • Foster a culture of philanthropy by engaging staff, leadership, and the Board in fundraising and donor stewardship.
  • Partner closely with the Executive Director to develop fundraising priorities, cultivate key relationships, and advance major and strategic gifts.
  • Provide the Executive Director, leadership team, and Board with regular updates on fundraising performance, opportunities, challenges, and progress toward established goals.
  • Develop and present fundraising reports, dashboards, and other performance updates to support informed decision-making and accountability.

Systems, Reporting & Operations

  • Ensure effective use of donor relationship management systems to maintain accurate donor and prospect records and monitor fundraising performance.
  • Evaluate key development metrics, including revenue growth, donor retention, acquisition, average gift size, major gift pipeline, prospect activity, and overall pipeline health.
  • Establish effective development policies, procedures, and workflows to support a consistent and efficient fundraising operation.
  • Ensure fundraising activities and donor records are managed in accordance with organizational policies, applicable regulations, and established ethical standards.

External Relations & Visibility 

  • Serve as a key ambassador for Partners in Child Development by representing the organization in donor meetings, fundraising events, community activities, and other external settings.
  • Collaborate with Marketing to align organizational messaging, storytelling, and fundraising efforts.
  • Participate in occasional evening and weekend activities related to donor engagement, fundraising, and organizational events.

Position Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 7 years of progressive fundraising experience, including demonstrated success securing individual and major gifts.
  • Proven track record of developing and executing successful fundraising strategies and achieving revenue goals, with a demonstrated ability to build long-term relationships with donors and funding partners. 
  • Strong knowledge of individual giving, major gifts, donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and fundraising best practices.
  • Strong strategic planning, organizational, time management, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusted relationships and collaborate effectively with donors, Board members, staff, community partners, and other stakeholders.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tell compelling stories and communicate our mission and impact in ways that inspire philanthropic support.
  • Hands-on experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT or another donor database/CRM and fundraising technology.
  • Demonstrated ability to use data, metrics, and fundraising analytics to evaluate performance and inform strategy.
  • Genuine commitment to Partners in Child Development’s mission, vision, and values and the ability to communicate that commitment authentically.

Benefits

  • Family Friendly, Flexible Schedules, including remote/hybrid work options
  • Up to 4 weeks of vacation with 1 week of sick time and 13 paid holidays 
  • Medical: Numerous medical plan choices. Generous company contribution 
  • Dental: Company paid premiums for employee coverage 
  • Vision: Annual exam, allowance toward contacts & glasses 
  • Registered Dietitian Services 
  • Life & Disability Insurances: Company paid 
  • Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program 
  • Pet Insurance 
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan 
  • Flexible Spending Accounts  
  • Ongoing Employee Recognition Programs 
  • Generous Employee Referral bonuses

Salary Range: 

$118,454 - $142,144

Requirements: