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Development Director Jobs in Belfast, ME (NOW HIRING)

Penobscot Bay YMCA

Director of Development

Rockport, ME · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

As a key member of our executive team, the Director of Development will lead all fundraising and philanthropic efforts, including major gifts, annual campaigns, grant funding, corporate sponsorships ...

Penobscot Bay YMCA

Director of Development

Rockport, ME

$70K - $100K/yr

As a key member of our executive team, the Director of Development will lead all fundraising and philanthropic efforts, including major gifts, annual campaigns, grant funding, corporate sponsorships ...

Penobscot Bay YMCA

Director of Development

Rockport, ME · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

As a key member of our executive team, the Director of Development will lead all fundraising and philanthropic efforts, including major gifts, annual campaigns, grant funding, corporate sponsorships ...

YMCA

Director Of Development

Rockport, ME · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Lead and execute a comprehensive development strategy that advances our mission, strengthens ... Work closely with Program Directors to increase awareness of and build community support for the Y ...

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Development Director information

See Belfast, ME salary details

$40.5K

$92.4K

$155K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in Belfast, ME is $92,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $108,500.00 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 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.
More about Development Director jobs
What cities near Belfast, ME are hiring for Development Director jobs? Cities near Belfast, ME with the most Development Director job openings:
Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in Belfast, ME as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,386 per year, or $44.4 per hour.
Director of Development

Director of Development

Penobscot Bay YMCA

Rockport, ME • On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Join Us in Building a Stronger, Healthier Future for Our Community
The Penobscot Bay YMCA is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and mission-driven Director of Development to lead our fundraising and advancement efforts - helping us strengthen the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
As a key member of our executive team, the Director of Development will lead all fundraising and philanthropic efforts, including major gifts, annual campaigns, grant funding, corporate sponsorships, and donor stewardship. You'll work alongside our CEO, Board of Directors, and community partners to strengthen and grow our fundraising efforts, building on successful campaigns, events, and donor relationships while developing new opportunities for support and community impact.
Interested candidates should apply through the job link and submit both a resume and cover letter. We are seeking candidates who are passionate about strengthening our community and advancing the mission of the Penobscot Bay YMCA.
What You'll Do:
  • Lead and execute a comprehensive development strategy that advances our mission, strengthens existing fundraising efforts, and supports the Y's long-term financial sustainability.
  • Cultivate, steward, and expand relationships with major donors, foundations, corporate partners, and community supporters.
  • Build upon successful fundraising campaigns, special events, and donor engagement initiatives while identifying new opportunities for philanthropic support and community impact.
  • Collaborate with staff to create compelling marketing and communications that inspire giving, increase awareness, and connect people to our cause.
  • Serve as a community ambassador-strengthening partnerships, elevating the YMCA's visibility, and positioning the Penobscot Bay YMCA as a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

What We're Looking For:
  • 5+ years of proven success in fundraising, donor development, and philanthropic relationship management.
  • Exceptional relationship-building, strategic planning, and communication skills, with the ability to engage donors, volunteers, board members, and community partners.
  • Experience leading major gift fundraising, grant writing, sponsorship development, annual campaigns, and donor stewardship initiatives.
  • A passion for mission-driven work and the ability to inspire generosity through meaningful relationships and community impact.
  • Strong project management skills, data fluency, and the ability to balance ongoing fundraising efforts while identifying new opportunities for growth and support.
  • Comfort working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with a willingness to contribute at both strategic and hands-on levels.

Why Join Us?
  • Competitive Salary - $70,000-$100,000 annually, depending on experience and demonstrated fundraising success.
  • Comprehensive Benefits - Health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, generous PTO, and paid holidays.
  • Retirement Security - Access to the YMCA Retirement Fund, including potential eligibility for a 10% YMCA contribution after two years.
  • Family Membership Included - Enjoy a complimentary family membership and access to the programs, facilities, and wellness opportunities our Y provides.
  • Community Impact - Help secure the resources that make life-changing programs possible for children, families, seniors, and individuals throughout our community.
  • Leadership Opportunity - Join a collaborative leadership team and play a key role in shaping the future growth, sustainability, and impact of the Penobscot Bay YMCA.
  • A Role That Makes a Difference - As a member of our leadership team, you'll help build upon a strong foundation of community support while shaping the future growth, sustainability, and impact of the Penobscot Bay YMCA for generations to come.

Requirements
Essential Functions
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive annual advancement strategy to support the fiscal health, growth, and long-term sustainability of the Y, including but not limited to major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, capital campaigns, annual giving, special events, public relations, marketing, and communications. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of these efforts and adjust plans as needed to support organizational goals.
  • Manage fundraising campaigns and appeals
  • Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors and prospective supporters
  • Develop and expand corporate sponsorship opportunities
  • Research, write, and submit grant proposals and reports to grant-making entities
  • Create and implement marketing campaigns and strategies that strengthen connections with current and future donors, members, and community supporters
  • Build upon successful fundraising campaigns, special events, sponsorships, and donor engagement initiatives while identifying new opportunities for philanthropic support and community impact.
  • Develop and grow corporate sponsorship opportunities that strengthen community partnerships and support YMCA programs and services.
  • Research, write, and submit grant proposals and reports to grant-making entities.
  • Create and implement marketing campaigns and strategies that strengthen connections with current and prospective donors, members, and community supporters.
  • Work closely with Program Directors to increase awareness of and build community support for the Y by creating compelling campaigns, communications, and marketing materials that effectively communicate our mission, programs, and case for support.
  • Provide leadership and direction to the Board of Directors, staff, consultants, and volunteers, developing strategies and setting clear priorities to achieve fundraising and organizational goals. Foster volunteer engagement and participation at all levels of financial development.
  • Track, monitor, and analyze fundraising, donor engagement, marketing, and community outreach efforts to measure effectiveness and inform future strategies.
  • Collect, organize, and maintain accurate donor records and fundraising data, ensuring timely reporting and effective stewardship of donor relationships.
  • Manage and analyze CRM, fundraising, and social media engagement data to strengthen communications, improve outreach, and increase engagement.
  • Establish tracking tools, performance metrics, and reporting processes, providing regular updates to staff, leadership, and the Board of Directors.
  • Create effective, sustainable, organization-wide collaborations and build a positive team culture while working closely with members of the leadership team.
  • Represent the Y throughout the community, building strong relationships with companies, foundations, schools, civic organizations, and individuals while positioning the Penobscot Bay YMCA as a charity of choice for philanthropic investment and community support.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO in support of the mission and success of the Penobscot Bay YMCA.

Qualifications
  • Exceptional analytical, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build rapport and credibility as a community leader and engage effectively with donors, board members, staff, and volunteers.
  • Polished written and verbal communications skills, including the ability to make presentations, write compelling press releases, case statements, grants, etc., and handle media inquiries.
  • Proven leader in strategic planning and implementation. Strong project management skills, analytical skills, creativity, and resourcefulness in approaches to increase the Y brand awareness and appreciation.
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred. Minimum of 5 years of professional fundraising experience and a demonstrated track record of success with major donors.
  • Must be confident, high energy, and passionate for mission-driven non-profit work with a commitment to the mission and values of the Penobscot Bay YMCA.
  • Proven entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to work in a highly flexible, fast-paced work environment. Must be results-oriented, organized, detail-oriented, adaptable, able to handle several tasks simultaneously, meet deadlines, and make decisions.
  • Strong leadership and management skills to motivate and mentor a team. Team player who is willing to do both high-level and administrative work as needed. YMCA Organizational Leader certification, preferred (we will train the right candidate)
  • Proficiency in fundraising and CRM data collection, analysis and reporting tools. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Suite applications, including Excel/Sheets, required.
  • Understands the YMCA is a public accommodation committed to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Application Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must submit the following:
• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest in the position and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and qualifications of the role.
Applications submitted without a cover letter may not be considered.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those necessary to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
  • This position requires regular use of a computer for extended periods of time
  • The employee must be able to communicate using a computer, phone, and a smart mobile device;
  • The employee is frequently required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment.
  • The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, and adjusting visual focus.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Salary Description
$70,000 - $100,000, commensurate with experience

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