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Development Director Jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA (NOW HIRING)

ASAC

Grants Writer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

Fund Development Director POSITION DESCRIPTION SUMMARY : The Grants Writer will manage all aspects of ASAC grants, including but not limited to grant research and writing, grant compliance management ...

Cornell College

Development Officer

Mount Vernon, IA · On-site

$60/hr

Position Summary Reports to the Senior Director of Development and serves as a key frontline gift officer for the development team. This position oversees a portfolio of 150-200 major gift prospects ...

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Development Director information

See Cedar Rapids, IA salary details

$39.6K

$90.4K

$151.7K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in Cedar Rapids, IA is $90,436.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,500.00 and $106,200.00 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 Cedar Rapids, IA?

The most popular types of Development jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA are:

What job categories do people searching Development Director jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Development Director jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA are:

What cities near Cedar Rapids, IA are hiring for Development Director jobs?

Cities near Cedar Rapids, IA with the most Development Director job openings:

Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in Cedar Rapids, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,899 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Director of Grants Development

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Kirkwood Community College rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

602nd of 629 rated colleges and universities

Job description

JOB GOAL:

To advance the college?s mission, vision, values and strategic initiatives through continuous quality improvement and assessment.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: 

The Director of Grants Development (Director) reports to the Senior Director of Institutional Effectiveness.  Through private and public funding sources, the Director provides leadership for the development of College projects that advance its mission and strategic priorities. He/she relies upon collaborative relationship-building strategies that result in innovative solutions to address identified unmet student and stakeholder needs. 

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday in office with an option for 2 days per week remote with supervisor approval.

UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:  

  • Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence. 
  • Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.  
  • Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.  
  • Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.  
  • Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence. 
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Manages the Grants Development Office, including its project portfolio, project management processes, and annual program of work calendar.
  • Monitors emerging funding opportunities and industry news relevant to College priorities.
  • Conducts research-based grants prospecting, evaluating model programs' strengths and weaknesses and their fit with College priorities.
  • Serves as project manager for internal teams of subject-matter experts, facilitating meetings and training on the grant-seeking process, and consulting with diverse stakeholders on idea generation, concept development, and grant strategy.
  • Develops concept papers, proposals, plans, and literature reviews on best practices.
  • Manages grant application development, submission, and negotiation, including writing, reviewing, and rewriting.
  • Develops grant budgets and monitors post-award processes in partnership with Finance.
  • Assists project managers with grants administration issues during project execution.
  • Perform other related work duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS: 

  • Ability to promptly and effectively assess client needs in a collaborative, deliberate manner.
  • Ability to organize and develop quality grant submissions.
  • Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
  • Organize material and complete writing assignments according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
  • Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned. 

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:

Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) Standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelors's degree in related field
  • Five years of effective grant writing experience
  • Three years of effective grants management experience
  • Knowledge of program design
  • Knowledge of outcome evalution

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Graduate degree in a related field
  • Three years of employment in higher education leadership
  • Knowledge of curriculum and training design principles and practices.
  • Understanding of Federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) higher education circulars
  • Certification in grant writing and management
  • Experience with Microsoft 365 and related applications

EEO/AA STATEMENT:
It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, 319-398-5572,equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov.

WHY KIRKWOOD:
Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. 

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