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Development Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About the Role 3 days onsite - hybrid schedule (flexible) We are seeking a Software Development Director to lead global software R&D teams within the Productivity Solutions Division. This role ...

The Business Development Director at Baker Tilly is a senior-level, strategic role focused on accelerating driving growth across the firm's Tax, Assurance, and Consulting practices. This leader is ...

Role Overview Superlanet is seeking a Business Development Director to build and grow our business development function and support scaling revenue across new and existing hospital and health system ...

The Role K2 Space is seeking an experienced Business Development Director to drive strategic growth across our defense and aerospace portfolio. This is an individual contributor role focused on ...

THE OPPORTUNITY The Business Development Director plays a key role in driving growth within a designated region or customer segment, helping expand AcelaBio's partnerships and market presence. This ...

Everlaw is seeking a Partner Development Director to spearhead the company's strategic partner business expansion in the legal tech services industry. In this role, you will lead the strategy and ...

Everlaw is seeking a Partner Development Director to spearhead the company's strategic partner business expansion in the legal tech services industry. In this role, you will lead the strategy and ...

Summary The Business Development Director identifies opportunities for new business acquisition. This position also prospects for opportunities, establishes and maintains client relationships ...

The Role K2 Space is seeking an experienced Business Development Director to drive strategic growth across our defense and aerospace portfolio. This is an individual contributor role focused on ...

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Development Director information

See California salary details

$40K

$91.2K

$153K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 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 jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Development Directors in large organizations or corporations can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses, profit sharing, and extensive experience. High-level executive roles such as Chief Development Officer or similar senior leadership positions in nonprofit or corporate sectors also have the potential for such compensation, often requiring advanced skills, strategic planning, and a strong network.

How much money should a development director raise?

A development director's fundraising goals vary depending on the organization size and sector, but they typically aim to raise several million dollars annually for nonprofits or large projects. Success often depends on skills in donor relations, strategic planning, and use of fundraising tools. Setting realistic targets aligned with organizational needs is essential for effective performance.

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 does a Director of Development do?

A Director of Development oversees fundraising efforts, builds relationships with donors, and develops strategies to support an organization’s financial growth. They often manage a team, coordinate campaigns, and utilize tools like CRM systems to track progress, ensuring the organization meets its funding goals.

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.

Is being a BDM a stressful job?

A Business Development Manager (BDM) role can be stressful due to targets, client negotiations, and workload management. Success often depends on strong communication, time management, and resilience, with some roles involving high-pressure environments and performance metrics.
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 cities in California are hiring for Development Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Development Director job openings:
Senior Development Director - Lower Peninsula

Senior Development Director - Lower Peninsula

CityTeam Ministries

San Jose, CA

$110K - $120K/yr

Other

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Description

Job Summary 


CityTeam is currently seeking a senior-level development professional to join our Development Team with a focused responsibility for expanding CityTeam's donor base and brand presence throughout the Lower Peninsula of San Mateo County. We are looking for a major gift fundraising professional with experience working with high-capacity donors at a mid to large nonprofit organization. The Senior Development Director will be an outstanding storyteller, connecting donors' passions and giving to CityTeam's mission and ministries. This role will work closely with the VP of Development & Marketing and CityTeam President to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donor relationships, with a primary focus on increasing donor commitment through deeper engagement and increased giving.


In addition to providing leadership in major gift development, the Senior Development Director will serve as CityTeam's primary ambassador in the Lower Peninsula, building new donor relationships and expanding awareness among individuals, churches, businesses, and foundations who have not previously partnered with CityTeam. This role will focus on donor acquisition and market development, leveraging existing regional relationships while creating new pathways for long-term philanthropic partnership. The Development Director will connect and inspire CityTeam partners with opportunities to engage in the mission through both financial support and meaningful involvement.


The Senior Development Director will bring a wealth of major gift fundraising experience and will also demonstrate a strong commitment to Christ and the mission of CityTeam. The ideal candidate will be passionate about serving men, women, and children experiencing homelessness, be deeply aligned with CityTeam's values, and possess the relationships, experience, and influence necessary to bring substantial growth to CityTeam's donor base in the Lower Peninsula.


Ministry & Development

1. Serve as CityTeam's primary development leader and ambassador in the Lower Peninsula of San Mateo County, advancing awareness of CityTeam's mission and building strong philanthropic relationships throughout the region.

2. Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward new and existing major donors through a strategic Moves Management process, engaging CityTeam leadership, program staff, and the President as appropriate.

3. Expand CityTeam's donor base by identifying and engaging prospective donors through personal, professional, corporate, church, and relational networks, with an emphasis on new donor acquisition.

4. Provide strategic leadership and collaborate closely with the Marketing team to develop compelling major donor communication and regional outreach materials.

5. Meet or exceed established revenue, donor acquisition, and activity goals, including face-to-face donor meetings, relationship-building interactions, and accurate tracking of development activities in Raiser's Edge.

6. Represent CityTeam as a speaker and relationship-builder in churches, service clubs, professional organizations, Christian organizations, corporations, and community groups throughout the Lower Peninsula.

7. Identify planned giving prospects and engage them in CityTeam's planned giving opportunities in partnership with the Development team.

8. Supervise and coordinate donor proposal efforts from initial strategy through proposal development, solicitation, and timely, gracious gift acknowledgment.

9. Provide regular reports and insights regarding goals, progress, and outcomes to the VP of Development & Marketing, using data to inform strategy and decision-making.

10. Support the President, VP of Development & Marketing, and Development Team in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts as needed.


PLEASE NOTE: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the essential duties satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

  • 4-year degree in Business, Marketing, or other related fields
  • 5-year minimum experience with fundraising and donor development
  • Entrepreneurial and self-directed
  • Track record of cultivating trust-based relationships that allows them to influence and mobilize colleagues and partners 
  • Valid CA Driver's License with a clean record
  • Computer literate
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Outlook
  • Familiarity with social media and digital communication
  • Professional written and spoken communication skills
  • Proficiency in speaking to small and large groups of people
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with donors, board members, staff, volunteers, and vendors

Preferred Education and Experience

  • Advanced degree
  • Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE)
  • Experience with non-profit fundraising/development
  • Familiarity with CityTeam, addiction, and homelessness
  • Familiarity with Raiser's Edge,  or other volunteer management software
  • Experience with or exposure to marketing, branding, and communications functions

Physical Demands

  • Stand and sit for prolonged amounts of time
  • Walk, bend, twist, & kneel
  • Walk up and down stairs
  • Talk and hear
  • Finger and hand dexterity to feel, handle, and operate objects, tools or controls, and to reach with hands and arms
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
  • Drive

Work Conditions

  • This job typically operates in a professional office environment
  • This role will regularly travel to donor meetings and meet in a variety of venues, including churches, restaurants, offices, and homes.
  • Days and hours of work will be determined between the candidate and hiring manager

Additional Eligibility Qualifications for CityTeam Ministries

  • Must have an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus Christ
  • Must be active in a local Christian body of believers or at least pursuing community with other Christ-followers
  • Must have compatible theology on major issues of CityTeam's Statement of Faith
  • Must be committed to serving God and the body of Christ

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all possible duties, activities, or responsibilities. These requirements may change at any time. The signature below constitutes the employee's understanding of the requirements, essential functions, and duties of the position.