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Development Director Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Director of Development

Detroit, MI · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

The Director of Development is a senior leader and crucial partner to Pewabic's new Executive Director, responsible for designing, leading, and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that ...

New

Managing Director of Development

Detroit, MI · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In partnership with the Executive Director and the City Year Detroit's Board and Development team, leverage and enhance the site's existing Development plan to implement a strategic and diversified ...

Managing Director of Development

Detroit, MI · On-site +1

$100K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In partnership with the Executive Director and the City YearDetroit'sBoard and Development team, leverage and enhance the site's existing Development plan to implement a strategic and diversified ...

Director of Fund Development DIVISION: Admin/Fund Development DEPARTMENT: Fund Development LOCATION: 9301 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI 48210 REPORTS TO: Assistant Vice President of Youth Services ...

Director of Fund Development DIVISION: Admin/Fund Development DEPARTMENT: Fund Development LOCATION: 9301 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI 48210 REPORTS TO: Assistant Vice President of Youth Services ...

Director of Fund Development LOCATION: 9301 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI 48210 REPORTS TO: Assistant Vice President of Youth Services CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time Regular APPROVED DATE: 03/25/2025 JOB ...

Showing results 21-40

Development Director information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$40K

$91.3K

$153.2K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in Detroit, MI is $91,288.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,200.00 and $107,200.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Development jobs in Detroit, MI?

The most popular types of Development jobs in Detroit, MI are:

What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Development Director jobs?

Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,288 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Director of Development

Louisville Ballet

Detroit, MI • On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

The Director of Development is a senior leader and crucial partner to Pewabic's new Executive Director, responsible for designing, leading, and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that advances the organization's mission, financial sustainability, and long-term growth. This role calls for an entrepreneurial, self-directed fundraiser - someone ambitious about building and stewarding a growing portfolio of donors and institutional partners. The Director of Development will be instrumental in shaping Pewabic's next strategic chapter through the expansion of individual and institutional giving, broadening Pewabic's reach and impact for years to come. The Director of Development oversees all aspects of contributed revenue - major gifts, annual giving, institutional funding, events, and donor stewardship - and serves as a key member of the leadership team, working closely with the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and staff to build a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organizational priorities.

  • Work collaboratively with the Executive Director, staff, and Board to set annual revenue goals and long-term development plans.

  • Provide regular reporting and analysis on fundraising performance, pipeline, and trends.

  • Collaborate with communications and marketing to develop compelling print and digital materials that tell Pewabic's story and make a powerful case for support to prospective donors and funders.

Major Gifts & Donor Engagement

Build and manage a robust portfolio of major donors and prospects; cultivate, solicit, and steward donors at all levels; partner with the Executive Director and Board to expand Pewabic's donor base.

Institutional Giving

Oversee foundation, corporate, and government grant strategy; build and maintain strong relationships with institutional funders; ensure timely submission of proposals, reports, and compliance requirements.

Annual Giving & Campaigns

Design and execute annual fund strategies including appeals, digital campaigns, and donor segmentation; lead special campaigns for capital, endowment, or other initiatives as applicable.

Events & Community Engagement

Oversee development-related events, including Pewabic's Garden Party, ensuring they align with fundraising goals and deepen donor engagement.

Board Engagement

Partner with the Board of Trustees and Development Committee to strengthen trustee involvement in fundraising, providing tools, training, and guidance.

Operations, Systems & Team Leadership

Oversee donor database, gift processing, reporting, and development budget management; engage, manage, and develop staff and consultants to foster a high-performing, collaborative team.

Required Qualifications
  • 5-10+ years of progressive fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in major gifts and institutional funding

  • Proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals
    Experience working with Boards and senior leadership

  • Strong relationship-building and communication skills

  • Strategic thinker with ability to execute and deliver results

  • Familiarity with CRM systems and development operations

  • Passion for arts, culture, and community impact

Preferred Qualifications
  • Background in arts, culture, or mission-driven nonprofit organizations

  • Experience with capital or endowment campaigns

  • Knowledge of the metro Detroit philanthropic landscape

Physical and Work Environment Requirements
  • Extended computer use

  • Ability to walk campus properties and access multiple buildings

  • Occasional evening or weekend availability

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