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Development Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Development Director (DD) at Breakthrough T1D is integral in the day-to-day execution of integrated fundraising efforts to support our organizational strategy and mission. Their relationships ...

The Development Director (DD) at Breakthrough T1D is integral in the day-to-day execution of integrated fundraising efforts to support our organizational strategy and mission. Their relationships ...

Development Director

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$80K - $85K/yr

Development Director - Non-Profit Reports to: Executive Director Status: Full Time, Exempt Hours: Monday - Friday with occasional nights and weekends required Committees: Development, any ad hoc ...

The Development Director (DD) at Breakthrough T1D is integral in the day-to-day execution of integrated fundraising efforts to support our organizational strategy and mission. Their relationships ...

Development Director

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$80K - $85K/yr

Development Director - Non-Profit Reports to: Executive Director Status: Full Time, Exempt Hours: Monday - Friday with occasional nights and weekends required Committees: Development, any ad hoc ...

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... direct tutoring. Members serve from WSFL's Vista office as part of a three-person VISTA team and receive structured supervision, project coaching, and professional-development support.

Development Director

Irvine, CA · On-site

$81K - $92K/yr

The Development Director is responsible for leading and executing the chapter's fundraising efforts, with a strong emphasis on individual giving, corporate partnerships, special events, volunteer and ...

Showing results 21-40

Development Director information

See California salary details

$40K

$91.2K

$153K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in California is $91,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $107,100.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Development jobs in California?

The most popular types of Development jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Development Director jobs in California?

For Development Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Development Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Development Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Development Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,176 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Development Director

Modesto, CA • On-site

American Heart Association
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

$70K - $88K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


American Heart Association rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.

We are currently hiring a Development Director based in Modesto. The Director will generate revenue for our Impact Campaigns (Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact) and Heart Walk Campaign.

In this hybrid position, the Development Director is a member of our Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto team and the work is wherever it is most effective – in the field, at home and in our Sacramento office.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, grant-funded opportunity through September 2028.

We have a fast-paced sales type of environment with the main responsibility of driving revenue in support of our mission. We offer a base salary with the potential to earn an incentive up to 25% of your base pay. The potential incentive is based on achieving certain revenue targets and triggers.

The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.

#TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.

Responsibilities
  • Directly drive peer-to-peer and participant income fundraising strategies to achieve overall revenue goals. Secure financial contributions by conducting exploratory meetings and revenue generation-focused sales calls. Appropriately document scheduled appointments and results.
  • Recruit, engage and recognize high-level volunteers for participation in local, competitive fundraising campaigns. Provide effective orientation, training, and ongoing coaching for recruited volunteers to maximize revenue and volunteer experience.
  • Identify and network with key donors and volunteers. Work collaboratively with volunteers and donors as well as internal staff to broaden the volunteer network and increase mission impact and campaign income. Develop and manage year-round cultivation plans ensuring superior donor relations.
  • Organize local donor cultivation events and prospect high-impact donors and volunteers. Manage event logistics (kick-off, mid-point, and moment of impact events) digitally and in-person.
  • Collaborate with partners across the Division, Region and Association-wide team to ensure full alignment with vision and goals and provide consistent support in all aspects of fundraising and other assigned organizational initiatives. Proactively communicates information for effective account management and customer service. Actively contribute to regular strategy sessions.
  • Drive Heart Walk participation through company recruitment, goal-setting, and management and identify opportunities to expand engagement across fundraising campaigns.
  • Recruit, engage and support Executives with Heart, an initiative of corporate leaders who mobilize their networks to raise funds and promote workplace health, CPR training, blood pressure management, and access to care.
  • Ensure full compliance with appropriate operational and financial requirements and practices and within the financial capacity available. Operates in accordance with the American Heart Association's Fiscal Standard policies and all applicable laws, regulations, policies and standards.
  • Manage customer and campaign information utilizing American Heart Association systems accurately, timely and completely in accordance with established guidelines.
  • Work with a Communications Director to support and promote campaign communication plans.
Qualifications
  • 3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or other related experience
  • University/College degree or equivalent experience
  • Ability to do daily local travel and some overnight trips as needed; requires access to reliable transportation at all times on an immediate basis
  • Ability to lift and/or move large objects (such as boxes) with the expectation that heavier items would be broken down into smaller components or requesting additional assistance may be required before lifting and/or moving
  • Must have at least basic knowledge and skill/proficiency with Microsoft Office
Preferred Experience
  • Experience managing and cultivating high-level leaders at the C-Suite level
  • Knowledge of corporate and community networks
Compensation & Benefits

Expected pay range will be $70,400 to $88,000 annually. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range.

  • Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
  • Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; this position is incentive eligible based on achieving certain targets.
  • Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well‑being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
  • Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
  • Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
  • Tuition Assistance - We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.

The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.

At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.

In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities

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American Heart Association logo

About American Heart Association

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

\#TheAHALife is our company culture, our way of life, reflecting our diversity and inclusion, our focus on work-life harmonization and our Guiding Values. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued™ at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and at heart.org.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

Year founded

1924