ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Development Director Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

3M HEALTHCARE

WI · On-site

$152 - $223.65/hr

Business Development Director, Senior (Directed Energy) Work directly with key Army customers to lead a fast‑growing portfolio of AI‑enhanced electro‑optical targeting, tracking, and Directed ...

Samaritan Inn, Inc.

WI · On-site

$85 - $100/hr

Senior Director of Development Location: McKinney, TX Job Id: 198 # of Openings: 1 The Samaritan Inn is a comprehensive housing stability program that supports individuals in realizing dignity and ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsDevelopment JobsDevelopment Director JobsDevelopment Director Jobs in Wisconsin

Development Director information

See Wisconsin salary details

$40.9K

$93.3K

$156.5K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 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 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.

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 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
Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $93,250 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Development Director (Real Estate)

C.D. Smith Construction, Inc.

Fond Du Lac, WI • On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE
C.D. Smith Construction is seeking a Development Manager or Director to lead and grow our real estate development pipeline-from site sourcing and acquisition through entitlements, financing, and disposition. This executive role partners closely with company leadership to shape development strategy, evaluate opportunities through rigorous financial analysis, and build strong relationships with investors, public agencies, and external partners. Construction oversight is not a requirement for this position.
This position will be based in one of our Wisconsin offices: Milwaukee, Madison, or Fond du Lac, with travel as needed to support pursuits and projects throughout the United States.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Strategic vision: Help analyze and define long-term development strategy, identify emerging market opportunities, and set tactical objectives for the real estate department.
• Acquisition & feasibility: Lead the sourcing of new sites and conduct thorough financial analysis, including pro-forma modeling and risk assessments, to determine project viability.
• Entitlements & approvals: Manage the entitlement process, including public approvals, zoning actions, and permitting with governing bodies.
• Financial management: Secure project financing through lenders or investors, manage capital budgets, and monitor expenditures to prevent cost overruns.
• Stakeholder management: Build and maintain relationships with key partners, including architects, public officials, lenders/investors, and other stakeholders.
• Operational leadership: Mentor internal development team members, establish goals, and drive accountability.
• Asset/portfolio management: Support management of existing assets/LLC structures and coordinate with accounting on reporting and ongoing administration.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field required. Master's degree (MBA or MSRE) preferred.
• Experience: 4-10+ years of progressive experience in real estate development with a demonstrated record of sourcing, underwriting, entitling, financing, and executing successful projects.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Negotiation: Critical for closing land deals, securing favorable construction contracts, and finalizing lease agreements.
• Financial Acumen: Deep knowledge of real estate finance, accounting, and tax laws to manage complex investment structures.
• Regulatory Expertise: Thorough understanding of local building codes, zoning laws, and environmental standards.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to interpret market data and demographic trends to design projects that meet future demand.

Apply