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Development Director Jobs in Buffalo, NY (NOW HIRING)

Linde plc

Business Development Director

Tonawanda, NY · On-site

$130 - $160/hr

Tonawanda, NY or The Woodlands, TX, United States | req29383 As the Business Development Director, you will lead and develop large, complex industrial gas projects for Linde Gases US, partnering with ...

Jobless

Solar Business Development Director

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$135 - $155/hr

Role Overview The Business Development Director is a senior growth leader responsible for expanding Montante Solar's customer and partner relationships, originating high-quality solar and energy ...

Acara Solutions

Director of Development

Buffalo, NY

$110K/yr

Director of Development Location: Buffalo, NY (Remote/Hybrid) Employment Type: Direct Hire Industry: Non-Profit Compensation: Up to $110K/yr. **Based on experience Schedule: 40 Hours/Week M-F 8:00 AM ...

Harris

Director - R&D

Alabama, NY · On-site

Lead * monthly and annual R&D financial forecasting , ensuring alignment with strategic goals and budgetary expectations. * Prepare and deliver presentations for monthly BURC (Business Unit Review ...

Index Search Group

Service Sales Director

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

The Business Development Director will work closely with company leadership, finance, operations, and service management to create the strategy and systems needed to grow the business. Candidates ...

OPERATION EXODUS USA

Office Support

Cheektowaga, NY · On-site

$20/hr

The Office Support will report to the Office Manager and Outreach Development Director. Requirements · At least three years of office experience in a full range of receptionist duties · Excellent ...

OPERATION EXODUS USA

Office Support

Cheektowaga, NY

$20/hr

The Office Support will report to the Office Manager and Outreach Development Director. Requirements · At least three years of office experience in a full range of receptionist duties · Excellent ...

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Development Director information

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$39.2K

$89.5K

$150.1K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in Buffalo, NY is $89,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,800.00 and $105,100.00 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 Buffalo, NY?

The most popular types of Development jobs in Buffalo, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Development Director jobs in Buffalo, NY?

For Development Director jobs in Buffalo, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Development Director jobs in Buffalo, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Development Director jobs in Buffalo, NY are:

What cities near Buffalo, NY are hiring for Development Director jobs?

Cities near Buffalo, NY with the most Development Director job openings:

Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in Buffalo, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,491 per year, or $43 per hour.

Development Director

FeedMore Western New York

Buffalo, NY • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
SUMMARY OF DUTIES:
The Development Director is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and execution of fundraising and development initiatives within an organization. This role works closely with the leadership team to build and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, and other key stakeholders to ensure sustainable funding and long-term organizational success.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Leadership & Planning :
  • Develop and execute the organization's overall fundraising strategy in alignment with its mission, vision, and goals.
  • Set fundraising goals, monitor progress, and adjust strategies to meet or exceed targets
  • Plan and implement a comprehensive development program including the following: annual and planned giving programs, grants and special events.Plan and implement a comprehensive development program including the following: annual and planned giving programs, grants and special events.
  • Serve as a representative of the organization in the community; participate in community events, make presentations, seek involvement in professional and civic organizations, and identify opportunities to strengthen the presence of the organization in the community.

Fundraising & Revenue Generation :
  • Oversee all fundraising efforts, including annual campaigns, events, and grants.
  • Conduct prospect research and maintain prospect files for individuals, corporations, foundations, and groups who have the ability or inclination to support the organization.
  • Oversee plans and coordination of grant development activities including local, state, and national foundations.
  • Establish and enforce policies and accounting procedures for the proper receipt, acknowledgment, and maintain accurate donor files and complete audit trail for each gift.

Donor Relationship Management :
  • Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with donors, partners, and other key stakeholders.
  • Develop personalized strategies for donor cultivation, ensuring donors are informed and engaged with the organization's work and impact.
  • Lead donor recognition programs, ensuring donors feel valued and appreciated for their contributions.
  • Establish and administer donor recognition policies and develop a list of proper naming and gift recognition opportunities for various interest areas and levels of giving, maintains accurate gift profiles for each donor.
  • Oversee plans and facilitation of lunches, receptions, meetings, and other cultivation activities for potential donors to the organization.

Team Leadership & Development :
  • Manage and lead the development team, providing mentorship, training, and guidance to ensure team success.
  • Foster a culture of philanthropy within the organization by educating and involving staff, board members, Community Ambassador Council and volunteers in fundraising efforts.
  • Develop and manage the department's budget and resources effectively.

Data and Analytics :
  • Oversee the collection and analysis of donor data to monitor trends, forecast future fundraising potential, and track the effectiveness of fundraising programs.
  • Use data to create reports, ensuring transparency and accountability in all fundraising activities.

Marketing & Communications :
  • Collaborate with the communications teams to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all fundraising channels.
  • Oversee the development of fundraising materials, including appeals, newsletters, and campaign materials.

Other Duties:
  • Assist with all mission work as needed and requested with some or no prior notice including, but not limited to, serving as a truck spotter, helping with Farm Market/Community Garden/Freight Farms/on and off-site food distributions, preparation of meals and serving home-delivered meals.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or equivalent education and experience.
  • Five to ten years work experience in development or related field.
  • In depth knowledge of specialized aspects of fundraising for non-profits including annual giving, planned giving, grants, special events, major gifts and prospect research.
  • Candidate must be a creative, self-motivated individual with strong written and verbal abilities and excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Experience in program planning, development, and management with demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Must possess general knowledge and comprehension of basic accounting practices.
  • An ability to demonstrate successful goal attainment.
  • Must demonstrate a high level of professional and ethical behavior
  • Ability to work well with multiple constituencies.
  • Valid and current NYS driver's license and access to an automobile.
  • Capable of lifting a minimum of 35 lbs.

Salary Description
$70,000-$80,000/yr. *Bi-weekly Pay Periods

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