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Development Director Jobs in Mississippi (NOW HIRING)

IT Director

Meridian, MS · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Job Summary The IT Director is responsible for leading the organization's technology strategy, infrastructure, and IT operations. This role oversees the planning, implementation, and management of ...

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Proactively prospect and develop new business opportunities through direct outreach and follow-up ... Track business development metrics and prepare weekly reports for leadership. Qualifications:

Community Director

Jackson, MS · On-site

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

The CD will provide leadership, management, supervision, development, and high-level customer ... The Community Director will be expected to fulfill the duties listed below in addi ion to other ...

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Development Director information

See Mississippi salary details

$38.4K

$87.5K

$146.8K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in Mississippi is $87,496.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,300.00 and $102,800.00 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 Mississippi? The most popular types of Development jobs in Mississippi are:
What cities in Mississippi are hiring for Development Director jobs? Cities in Mississippi with the most Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in Mississippi as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,496 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


University Of Southern Mississippi rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

436th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Special Instructions to Applicants
Please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three (3) references when applying for this position.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in theUnited States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. TheUniversity will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job Summary

The Development Officer develops charitable support for the University through the USM Foundation. This position identifies prospects, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors to raise major gifts of 25,000 or more in support of University objectives while meeting defined visit and solicitation goals and working closely with the Chief Development Officer, deans, faculty, staff, volunteers and other key stakeholders to achieve those goals, by working with guidance from supervisors.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  

  1. Identifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards alumni and other donors to include development and implementation of prospect strategy, preparation of written materials, direct solicitation, and, if appropriate, solicitation in tandem with others. Engages deans, University faculty and staff, and others in advancement efforts, as required. Stewards relationships with existing donors.
  2. Maintains records of visits, solicitations, and cultivation statuses in accordance with system requirements and Foundation protocols. Records detailed interaction of all visits and prospect management including proposals to prospects and gifts donated to the Foundation.
  3. Manages a portfolio of prospective donors with input and assistance from the Chief Development Officer. Works with Research team to identify new prospects for major and planned gifts to build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospects. Ensures all assigned prospects are managed effectively and adjusts strategy as needed.
  4. Meets defined visit, solicitation and gift closure goals. Exercises and promotes good judgment, discretion in interactions and application of ethics related to development activities.
  5.  Manages an expense budget to optimize utilization of resources to achieve stated goals. Plans and implements personal travel, as necessary. Completes expense submittals on a timely basis.
  6.  Performs other duties as assigned.

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