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Development Director Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Supports the Development Director in strategic planning for the Foundation with short and long-range goals to meet agency funding objectives. Enlists support from Board members, executive managers ...

How you will make an Impact (Job Summary) As Director, Talent Development, you will lead enterprise talent development initiatives that build organizational capability and strengthen leadership ...

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Development Director information

See Michigan salary details

$35.3K

$80.5K

$135.1K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,523 per year, or $38.7 per hour.
Development Associate

Development Associate

MOKA

Wyoming, MI • On-site

Other

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

This position can be based in Muskegon, Grand Rapids or Zeeland

The Development Associate supports the creation, implementation and follow up of MOKA Foundation Initiatives. This includes but is not limited to fundraising, event planning, relationship building, marketing, and administrative tasks.

Essential Functions: Including the following, other duties may be assigned.

Supports the Development Director in strategic planning for the Foundation with short and long-range goals to meet agency funding objectives.

Enlists support from Board members, executive managers, outside stakeholders and volunteer organizations to carry out the Foundation's initiatives.

Assists in the implementation of the Development Plan Annual Campaign, including, but not limited to, direct mail correspondence and fundraising appeals. Supports capital and endowment campaigns as directed.

Builds relationships with current donors and seeks to find ways to engage them in MOKA's mission.

Updates and maintains donor database.

Researches topics for writing newsletters, stories for the MOKA donor news page, social media posts and other publications. Works collaboratively with other MOKA employees as needed to publish materials in print and online.

Shares information with MOKA employees to cultivate a culture of philanthropy including data about funds raised, transparency of funds used, and opportunities to give.

Represents the agency through participation and presentations at community events such as chamber events and company expositions.

Supports the Development Director in planning, coordinating, and hosting Foundation fundraising events.

Performs additional administrative duties as assigned. This includes, but is not limited to, mailing thank you notes and acknowledgement letters to donors, sending fundraising materials via standard mail and email and recording meeting minutes.

All MOKA employees will conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates commitment to the public good and aligns with the philosophy, mission, and core values of the agency.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability typically required to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

High School Diploma or GED required. At least two years' experience or education in nonprofit administration, fund development, public relations, communications, marketing, or similar field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Communication Skills

Ability to communicate effectively with others in person, by telephone or videoconference, and in written form as appropriate for the needs of the audience. Ability to interpret a variety of information in written and verbal form.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to use mathematics to communicate and interpret information and solve problems.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems, deal with a variety of variables and make independent decisions relative to assigned duties.

Computer Skills

Proficiency with all basic business applications, such as, spreadsheets, presentation software, word processing, calendars, email, videoconferencing, and internet. Knowledge of advanced business tools, such as report writing software, databases, and graphic design applications.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

None Required