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Development Director Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Development Director

Detroit, MI · On-site

$81.80K - $102.30K/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 ...

Development Director

Detroit, MI · On-site

$81.80K - $102.30K/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 ...

The Director of Development is responsible for managing the development and execution of development. This position manages the underwriting, entitlements, incentives, capital structure, design and ...

R&D Director

Madison Heights, MI · On-site

$170K - $215K/yr

This is a fully onsite role and selected candidate will be expected to be in the office daily for direct engagement and collaboration with direct reports and extended Product Development team.

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$35.3K

$80.5K

$135.1K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in Michigan is $80,523.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $94,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

Development Directors in large organizations or successful entrepreneurs in the tech, finance, or real estate sectors can earn $1,000,000 or more annually through salaries, bonuses, and profit sharing. High-level executive roles such as CEOs and CFOs also often reach this income level, especially in major corporations. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced education or industry-specific certifications.

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 Michigan? The most popular types of Development jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Development Director jobs in Michigan? For Development Director jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Development Director jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Development Director job openings:

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

The Great Lakes Environmental Law Center and Sugar Law Center for Economic & Social Justice are seeking a Development Director to assist the two organizations with fundraising and communication efforts. The Great Lakes Environmental Law Center is a nonprofit, public interest law organization that focuses on furthering environmental justice in Michigan by providing legal and policy services to Michigan residents and organizations. We work with residents, environmental advocacy organizations, and policymakers to identify and develop legal and policy solutions to environmental justice issues that impact the health and quality of life of communities of color throughout Michigan. While we work on a wide range of issues, some of the most common include water quality, air quality, and drinking water quality. The Sugar Law Center for Economic & Social Justice is a non-profit public interest law center dedicated to using law and public advocacy to advance the economic and social rights of low-income persons and the communities where they live and work.

Throughout its history Sugar Law has highlighted the interdependence of civil and economic rights, working to bind corporations and government to their legal and moral responsibilities. The Sugar law Center maintains a national scope for our work with particular focus on issues impacting Michigan and Detroit. It is anticipated that the Development Director will be a full-time joint employee of the Sugar Law Center and the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center. The candidate will be employed by either the Sugar Law Center or Great Lakes Environmental Law Center, depending on the candidate’s preferred benefit package offered by each respective organization, and will work under a joint employment agreement splitting their time evenly between the two organizations. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the executive directors of both organizations to develop and implement the fundraising and communications priorities of each.

The individual will work an equal amount of time on the tasks of both organizations. Desired Qualifications ● Must have 3-5 years’ experience in nonprofit fundraising work, including managing grants and building relationships with donors; ● Experience with communications work is preferred but not required; and ● Commitment to and experience working within diverse communities; ● Good organizational and planning skills; ● Ability to work successfully in both a team setting and independently; ● Demonstrated interest in working for organizations or causes advancing environmental, economic, and/or social justice issues. Compensation The salary range is $70,000 to $80,000 per year and may be increased depending on a candidate’s experience and qualifications. The Development Director will receive the equivalent of full-time employee benefits, including health insurance, paid vacation and sick time, and other benefits.