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Development Director Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Continental

Development Director

Menomonee Falls, WI · On-site

$145K - $170K/yr

This role reports directly to the Senior Development Director and offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on high-profile initiatives. We embrace a hybrid working environment and once ...

City of Wauwatosa, WI

Development Director

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$143.06K - $182.79K/yr

Exempt Position Overview The Development Director serves as the City's chief development strategist, leading all planning, zoning, economic development, building and safety, code enforcement, and ...

City of Wauwatosa

Development Director

Milwaukee, WI

$143.06K - $182.79K/yr

Position Overview The Development Director serves as the City's chief development strategist, leading all planning, zoning, economic development, building and safety, code enforcement, and housing ...

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$40.9K

$93.3K

$156.5K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in Wisconsin is $93,250.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,700.00 and $109,500.00 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.

More about Development Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Development jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Development jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Development Director jobs in Wisconsin? For Development Director jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Development Director jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Development Director jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Development Director jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Development Director job openings:
Development Director jobs near you
Development Director

Development Director

Continental

Menomonee Falls, WI • On-site

$145K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Continental Properties is looking for an experienced professional to join our team as a Real Estate Development Director.
As a key leader within a cross-functional project team, you will drive the execution of due diligence, entitlements, permitting, and risk analysis of new multifamily development projects with an estimated cost of approximately $70 million. You'll lead efforts to obtain and evaluate critical due diligence materials, spearhead negotiations with municipalities for required approvals, and cultivate strong relationships with external stakeholders such as land use attorneys, civil engineers and architects to ensure alignment and momentum across multiple projects at various stages of the development lifecycle. This role reports directly to the Senior Development Director and offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on high-profile initiatives.
We embrace a hybrid working environment and once effectively onboarded, you may elect to work outside of the home office up to two (2) days per week.
#LI-Hybrid (relocation assistance provided)
Essential Responsibilities:
  • Lead the due diligence process to strategically advance projects from development through to construction readiness.
  • Secure all necessary municipal entitlements-including zoning, site plan, and development plan approvals-as part of a proactive project advancement strategy.
  • Build and manage strong relationships with local officials, community stakeholders, landowners, and legal counsel to resolve complex issues and drive project success.
  • Serve as a cross-functional leader within the internal development team, aligning efforts across legal, accounting, finance, construction, and property management to ensure seamless project execution.

Skills for Success:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Planning, Civil Engineering, Business or related field required
  • At least 5+ of related project management experience and an understanding of entitlements and due diligence process required
  • Deep expertise in zoning codes, municipal approval processes, and real estate terminology, with the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and advise cross-functional teams
  • Understanding of environmental issues including wetlands and floodplains
  • Excellent public/one-on-one presentations, persuasion, and negotiation skills

Why You'll Love Life at Continental:
Our award-winning culture fosters innovation and empowers our team members to lead. Here are some of the reasons that our team members continue to vote for us as a Top Workplace:
  • Career Growth: You'll have the tools, training, and opportunities for a meaningful career with long-term growth potential. We invest in your learning & development with paid professional memberships, certifications, and tuition reimbursement.
  • Mental Health & Wellness: Your well-being matters. We provide comprehensive mental health support including but not limited to 8-free counseling sessions per year and access to additional wellness resources.
  • Balance: We recognize that balance varies for everyone, and we support our team members with that in mind. Recharge with generous vacation time, 9-paid holidays, and half-days on Fridays during designated months.
  • Community & Connection: Build relationships through informal gatherings, lunches, community and company events, volunteer opportunities, and a vibrant social culture. Learn more about recent Continental events here!
  • Culture of Belonging: The Continental IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Allies) is our commitment to evolving our culture where team members feel a sense of belongingness each day. Our You Belong Here Initiative and Business Resource Groups focus on fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment for all.
  • Performance Incentives: Participate in our Building Above and Beyond (BAAB) incentive program that rewards team members annually based on company goals and achievements.
  • Industry-Leading Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) with company match, and company-paid life and disability insurance.
  • Family Support: Support your growing family with 6-weeks paid parental leave and with family-forming & fertility resources (up to 12-weeks leave for birth mothers).

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and all applicable state and local fair employment practices laws, and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.
For the benefit of our residents, the communities we serve, and our co-workers, all applicants are required to pass a post-offer criminal background check prior to joining the Continental team.
We are committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The posted salary range represents our good faith estimate of the base salary for this role at the time of posting. Final compensation is based on a variety of factors, including a candidate's experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. This range does not include bonus potential or other forms of compensation and benefits.
Salary Range: $145,000 - $170,000 annually
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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