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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
Director of Development

Director of Development

Mount Mary University

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:
The Development Director (Major Gifts) is responsible for donor relations including research and identification, qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of major gifts from alumnae and friends of the University.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Implement all aspects of gift cycle including identification, research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Focus on securing support for university priorities such as academic programs, scholarships, unrestricted, facility renovation/expansion, and other campus improvements
• Work collaboratively with and in support of volunteers, development staff, and other university representatives to achieve established goals
• Document all prospect and donor actions for historical records, accountability, analysis, and planning.
• Manage related expense budget
• Build and manage portfolio of approximately 100 mid-major gift prospects
• Organize or participate in other initiatives to promote the University and philanthropy
• Stewardship preparation and reporting related to scholarships & endowment funds
• Provide effective training, support and leadership for campaign volunteers and leaders to meet annual financial goals
• Act as an ambassador of the University and actively seek out opportunities to become involved in the community
• Create strategies to market to major donors in concert with the PR/Marketing Office/Alumnae Relations
• Perform other related duties as assigned
Skills and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree, CFRE a plus
• A minimum of 3 years successful major gifts experience preferably in higher education or closely related field
• Understand and affirm the mission of Mount Mary University and the School Sisters of Notre Dame.
• Ability to understand the needs and interests of leadership and major gift donors in order to develop relationships between them and the University
• Interest in all aspects of education and a dedication to promoting the University's fundraising priorities by developing excellent relationships with faculty, administration, trustees, volunteers, and the Alumnae & Donor Relations team
• Successful experience in making cold calls, as well as, developing cultivation and solicitation strategies
• Adheres to the highest ethical standards; demonstrates empathetic disposition and perseverance; reflects an optimistic and positive attitude, and conveys a sensitivity to needs and rights of the donors
• Excellent interpersonal skills, writing and listening skills, and a demonstrated record of completing assignments
• Be a good steward of University and donor resources
• Knowledge of and ability to successfully utilize donor software: research, report writing and analysis
Qualifications:
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform primary functions.
Physical Demands:
• May be required to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Must reach, bend, stoop, lift
• Must sit, walk or stand
• Some repetitive motion may be required
Working Conditions:
• Varying workflow; sometimes stressful with high workload times of the year
• Occasional evening or weekend commitments
• Must be willing to travel occasionally
• Must have mode of transportation to meet with donors
Mount Mary University practices equal opportunity employment as part of our ongoing commitment to diversity in our workplace.

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