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Development Director Jobs in Conway, AR (NOW HIRING)

Graphyte

Director of Project Development

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$150 - $230/hr

As Director of Project Development, you own that work. You'll identify and evaluate new project opportunities, secure land, build community and stakeholder support, drive permitting strategy, and ...

Youth Homeorporated

Development Manager

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

General Summary Under the direction of the Marketing and Development Director, the Development Manager is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals ...

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Development Director information

See Conway, AR salary details

$35.5K

$81K

$135.9K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in Conway, AR is $81,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,400.00 and $95,200.00 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 Conway, AR?

The most popular types of Development jobs in Conway, AR are:

What job categories do people searching Development Director jobs in Conway, AR look for?

The top searched job categories for Development Director jobs in Conway, AR are:

What cities near Conway, AR are hiring for Development Director jobs?

Cities near Conway, AR with the most Development Director job openings:

Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in Conway, AR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,020 per year, or $39 per hour.

Development Director

Central Arkansas Library System

Little Rock, AR • On-site

$73K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
The Development Director serves as the primary point person for all development and fundraising activities, leading a comprehensive fundraising program that includes annual giving, grants, major gifts, recruitment of event sponsors, and planned giving. The position builds and stewards donor relationships and supports fundraising goals of the CALS Foundation (a 501c3 that exists to support the programs and projects of the Central Arkansas Library System). The role provides leadership for the CALS volunteer program, grants program, and fundraising initiatives that advance the CALS Strategic Plan and enhance library programs and services.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Deploy best practices as a member of the Senior Leadership Team to engage the support and participation of staff and all Boards (CALS Board, CALS Foundation Board) to achieve the fundraising goals that support the library's strategic plan, goals, and objectives. Act as the primary point person for all matters related to development and fundraising.
  • Manage and oversee a comprehensive fundraising plan for the library, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, sponsorships, solicitation of grants, fundraising events, and special campaigns (including capital campaigns).
  • Plan and implement short-term and long-range plans for ongoing fundraising efforts that support new library initiatives in keeping with the CALS Strategic Plan.
  • Serve as CALS's primary frontline fundraiser, building relationships with donors and stewarding donors to ensure continued support for the library. Build relationships within the community and other non-profit organizations. Participate in community relations activities as necessary to promote CALS and cultivate donor relationships.
  • Supervise and manage Development Office staff (Development Specialist, Grants & Development Coordinator, and Volunteer Coordinator) as well as any vendor activity.
  • Execute policies and procedures for gift management and donor management activities. Develop and maintain donor stewardship policies and procedures.
  • In collaboration with the CALS Foundation board and CALS Senior Leadership Team, create, direct, and implement fundraising goals of the CALS Foundation.
  • Increase awareness of the mission of CALS Foundation. Direct all communications and marketing for the CALS Foundation, working in conjunction with the Development Specialist and the Communications Department.
  • Administer a consolidated donor management system for the CALS Foundation that is accurate, reliable, and IRS compliant.
  • Develop, cultivate and maintain effective working relationships with all boards, volunteers, staff, elected officials, major donors, prospective donors, other foundations, and other business and community leaders.
  • Supervise and assist in the researching of grant opportunities to support identified CALS projects and programs, write or assist in writing grant applications in partnership with applicable Library staff; submit grant reports and documentation as required.
  • Provide leadership and support for CALS Volunteer program.
  • Provide support for CUBS (CALS Used Book Sale) activities, including regular CALS Used Book Sale events and the operation of Library Square Books (CALS used bookstore).
  • Maintain a working knowledge of all library programs (especially Six Bridges Book Festival, Summer@CALS, Rock It! Lab, Count Up!, Be Mighty, Encyclopedia of Arkansas, Digital Literacy, Community Resources, and Community Outreach) in order to connect funding opportunities with the needs of library programs with a goal of enhancing program capacity.
  • Maintain an active role in appropriate professional organizations that foster professional growth.
  • Pursue professional development which may include travel to keep informed of current and emerging fundraising trends.
  • Adhere to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Code of Ethical Standards.
  • Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree, plus five (5) years related experience and/or training, and five (5) years related management experience.
  • Demonstrated success in managing a portfolio of major gifts ($10,000+).
  • Ability to apply fundraising strategies to the public library environment.
  • Ability to communicate in a persuasive and informative manner, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to promote library programs and services and effectively communicate the importance of the library to the community.
  • Proven leadership and management skills that foster teamwork, effective communication, and high morale.
  • Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and facilitation skills.
  • Ability to appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information, with discretion and trust.
  • Strong commitment to public service.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and standard office equipment, with the ability to prepare clear, accurate, and well-formatted documents and reports.
  • Experience with fundraising software and donor databases.

Physical Requirements
  • Intermittent standing, walking, occasionally pushing, carrying, or lifting.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Other Requirements
  • Reliable transportation is required.
  • Must pass a background check.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.
Benefits
Salary starts at $35.51 per hour annualized to $73,860 and includes excellent benefits such as medical, dental, vision, company paid retirement, life insurance, paid time off, paid parental leave, and holiday pay.
To Apply
Submit a cover letter and resume with the online application at https://cals.org/job-opportunities/. Position open until filled.

Apply