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Development Director Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

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Development Director information

See Alabama salary details

$36.7K

$83.7K

$140.5K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in Alabama is $83,737.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,400.00 and $98,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Development Director do?

A Development Director is responsible for overseeing fundraising and resource development efforts within an organization, typically a nonprofit. They create and implement strategies to secure financial support, manage donor relationships, lead fundraising campaigns, and often supervise development staff. Their goal is to ensure the organization has the funding needed to achieve its mission and objectives. Development Directors also work closely with executive leadership and the board of directors to align fundraising goals with the organization's overall strategy.

What Does a Development Director Do?

A development director is responsible for fundraising strategies and initiatives to help promote the business and operations of nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and hospitals. As a development director, your job duties include reaching out to potential benefactors, maintaining relationships with existing donors, devising new strategies for fundraising, and organizing fundraising events. These events may consist of benefit concerts, dinners, parties, and special events. Collaborating with company management is also a regular part of your job. Depending on the organization, your exact duties may vary.

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

To thrive as a Development Director, you need expertise in fundraising strategy, donor relations, and nonprofit management, often supported by a relevant degree or CFRE certification. Familiarity with donor management systems (like Salesforce or Raiser’s Edge) and CRM platforms is typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are crucial for driving organizational growth, securing funding, and building lasting partnerships essential to the nonprofit’s mission.

How does a Development Director typically collaborate with other departments to achieve organizational goals?

A Development Director frequently works cross-functionally with teams such as marketing, finance, and program management to align fundraising strategies with organizational objectives. This collaboration often involves coordinating on campaigns, sharing donor insights, and ensuring consistent messaging across platforms. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential, as the Development Director serves as a bridge between departments to maximize impact and foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.

What is the difference between Development Director vs Fundraising Manager?

AspectDevelopment DirectorFundraising Manager
Primary FocusOversees overall fundraising strategies, donor relations, and development initiativesExecutes specific fundraising campaigns and manages donor outreach
ResponsibilitiesStrategic planning, team leadership, major gift cultivationEvent planning, donor communication, campaign execution
CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Nonprofit Management, Fundraising, or related fields; experience in leadership rolesBachelor’s degree; experience in fundraising or development roles often preferred
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, charities, educational institutionsNonprofit organizations, charities, fundraising agencies

The Development Director typically holds a strategic leadership role, overseeing the entire development department and long-term fundraising goals. In contrast, the Fundraising Manager focuses on executing specific campaigns and managing day-to-day donor activities. Both roles require similar credentials and work in similar environments, but the Development Director has broader responsibilities and higher-level oversight.

More about Development Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Development jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Development jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Development Director jobs in Alabama? For Development Director jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Development Director jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Development Director jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Development Director jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Development Director job openings:
Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in Alabama as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,737 per year, or $40.3 per hour.
HudsonAlpha - Director of Funding Administration, Regional Research and Development Initiative

HudsonAlpha - Director of Funding Administration, Regional Research and Development Initiative

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology

Huntsville, AL

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

About HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a nonprofit research institute located in Huntsville's Cummings Research Park - one of the world's leading science and technology communities. Since 2008, we've harnessed the power of genomics to improve human health, strengthen global food systems, and drive sustainable economic growth in the life sciences.

Our 150-acre campus brings together world-class scientists, educators, and more than 45 innovative life science companies to turn discovery into real-world impact. From advancing precision medicine to fostering agricultural innovation, HudsonAlpha is shaping the future of biotechnology through collaboration, education, and entrepreneurship.

About the Role

HudsonAlpha is preparing to launch a large-scale, regional innovation initiative to drive innovation from farm to lab to marketplace. This initiative seeks to drive rural economic development through the development of biobased products. The Director of Funding Administration will serve as a key leader supporting the growth and management of large-scale research and innovation programs. This position oversees the full lifecycle of grant and contract administration, including funding strategy, proposal development, financial planning and oversight, and compliance.

The ideal candidate combines strategic financial acumen and operational precision with a collaborative spirit. You'll streamline processes, ensure compliance, and provide critical leadership that advances HudsonAlpha's mission to create a thriving, sustainable innovation ecosystem.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and execution of funding and administrative strategies that support large-scale research programs
  • Identify and pursue new funding opportunities that align with institutional goals
  • Oversee all pre- and post-award activities, including approvals, submissions, reporting, and closeout
  • Manage budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance to ensure accuracy and accountability
  • Negotiate and manage contracts, subawards, and partnership agreements
  • Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and sponsor regulations
  • Coordinate stakeholder engagement across academia, government, industry, and nonprofit sectors
  • Implement best practices in grants management, policy development, and operational excellence
  • Track and report on outcomes, compliance metrics, and program impact
  • Collaborate closely with internal and external teams to ensure effective communication and alignment

Qualifications

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required
  • Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in administration, grants management, operations, or a related field
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-partner, and federally funded programs
  • Proven ability to operate effectively in highly regulated and dynamic environments
  • Strong organizational and project management capabilities
  • Exceptional problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities
  • Proven leadership and communication skills
  • Ability to build collaboration across diverse stakeholders
  • High attention to detail and a continuous improvement mindset

Preferred

  • Advanced degree in science, engineering, biotechnology, business, or a related field
  • Prior experience supporting large-scale, multi-institutional programs

Why Join HudsonAlpha?

At HudsonAlpha, you'll be part of a visionary team using science and innovation to improve health, agriculture, and sustainability. This is your opportunity to help lead the administrative excellence behind groundbreaking discoveries that truly make a difference.

Join us and make your impact where science meets innovation and purpose.

Apply