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Development Director Jobs in Gainesville, FL (NOW HIRING)

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Development Director information

See Gainesville, FL salary details

$36.7K

$83.7K

$140.4K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in Gainesville, FL is $83,702.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,400.00 and $98,300.00 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 Gainesville, FL? The most popular types of Development jobs in Gainesville, FL are:
What job categories do people searching Development Director jobs in Gainesville, FL look for? The top searched job categories for Development Director jobs in Gainesville, FL are:
What cities near Gainesville, FL are hiring for Development Director jobs? Cities near Gainesville, FL with the most Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in Gainesville, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,702 per year, or $40.2 per hour.

Director of Development - Campaign

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


University Of Florida rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

382nd of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Director of Development - Campaign
Job no: 539832
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Advancement, Executive/Director/Management, Campaign
Department:
The University of Florida is currently in its fifth comprehensive campaign-a bold, future-shaping initiative building on the extraordinary momentum of recent years and propelling the university into its next era of impact. To help advance this historic effort, UF Advancement is expanding its team with mission-driven development professionals who are ready to champion UF's priorities and inspire transformational philanthropy.
Join the UF Advancement team as a Director of Development and take advantage of a unique opportunity to combine strategic fundraising leadership, meaningful relationship building, and mission-driven impact within a leading research university environment. Professionals considered for these roles will support:
Major Gift Fundraising & Donor Portfolio Management
  • Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors capable of making gifts of $100,000+ through strategic relationship development and personalized engagement.
  • Develop and implement individualized strategies for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors aligned with college/unit priorities.
  • Lead donor solicitations and philanthropic conversations that result in significant charitable investments and long-term partnerships.
  • Achieve annual fundraising and performance goals, including philanthropic production targets, donor visits, proposals submitted, and total dollars raised.

Donor Engagement, Stewardship & Relationship Building
  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with donors, prospects, alumni, volunteers, and university stakeholders through meaningful, in-person engagement.
  • Steward donors through thoughtful recognition, communication, and ongoing engagement aligned with UF Advancement's mission, values, and standards.
  • Create tailored communication and engagement strategies that keep donors informed about institutional priorities, opportunities, and philanthropic impact.
  • Represent the college/unit at events and engagement activities designed to strengthen donor relationships and advance fundraising objectives.

Strategic Fundraising Planning & Collaboration
  • Collaborate with faculty, administrators, and program leaders to identify funding priorities and translate institutional needs into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
  • Partner with faculty and staff to coordinate comprehensive donor engagement and fundraising strategies.
  • Build and sustain strong internal partnerships through consistent, proactive communication with leadership, faculty, and advancement colleagues.
  • Develop efficient travel and engagement strategies to maximize donor outreach and fundraising productivity across priority regions.

Communications, Proposal Development & Storytelling
  • Prepare persuasive written materials including gift proposals, concept papers, donor correspondence, and case statements that inspire philanthropic investment.
  • Communicate institutional priorities and impact effectively through exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Tailor messaging and solicitation approaches to diverse donor audiences and philanthropic interests.

Performance Management & Operational Effectiveness
  • Operate effectively in a goal-driven, metrics-based advancement environment with strong accountability for fundraising outcomes.
  • Demonstrate strong organizational, prioritization, and time-management skills while managing multiple projects and donor relationships simultaneously.
  • Utilize donor databases, contact management systems, and tracking tools to document activity, manage pipelines, and support strategic decision-making.
  • Maintain technical proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and other advancement-related technologies.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's degree in appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in Development or a related field; or a bachelor's degree in appropriate areas of specialization and five years of experience in Development or a related field; and a valid driver's license.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Fundraising Expertise: Demonstrated success securing major gifts, ideally at the $100,000+ level, and cultivating long-term donor relationships; and strong understanding of fundraising principles, donor strategy development, and advancement best practices.
  • Higher Education & Mission Alignment: Experience working within higher education or a similarly complex organization; and enthusiasm for advancing the mission of a large, comprehensive research university through philanthropy.
  • Relationship Management & Collaboration: Ability to work independently while contributing as a collaborative and collegial team member; and skilled at building productive relationships across varying levels of leadership and stakeholder groups.
  • Leadership & Professionalism: Commitment to fostering a respectful, professional, and collaborative work environment; and ability to lead through influence, inspire confidence, and thrive in a data-informed culture.
  • Technical & Operational Skills: Proficiency with Windows-based systems, Microsoft Office Suite, donor databases, and constituent relationship management platforms.
  • Travel & Engagement: Willingness and ability to travel frequently to maintain strong donor and university relationships.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
At the University of Florida, we are feeding communities, healing coastlines, exploring space, curing diseases, powering cities, building industries, and imagining wonders. As the state's most comprehensive university, UF is a land, sea, and space grant institution with ties to every Florida county, a top academic medical center, and much more. The ideas born here gather steam and make tangible impacts. Florida is among the nation's leaders in technology transfer, turning discoveries into companies, products, and jobs. Join us - help shape what comes next.
ABOUT GAINESVILLE
Gainesville, Florida is a vibrant, welcoming city known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and strong sense of community. As home to the University of Florida and UF Health, it is a hub for education, healthcare, and innovation. With award-winning parks, a thriving arts scene, and a variety of dining and entertainment options, Gainesville offers something for everyone.
Ranked the #1 city to move to in Florida by USA Today in 2024, Gainesville combines small-town charm with big-city amenities-making it a great place to live, work, and thrive. Visit the city's website for community information.
As one of the nation's leading public research universities, the University of Florida is committed to supporting the whole employee-both personally and professionally. Our comprehensive benefits package is thoughtfully designed to enhance your well-being, provide flexibility for a variety of individual and family needs, and empower your long-term growth. From health and wellness to career development, UF invests in helping you thrive at every stage of life.
OUR BENEFITS
As one of the nation's leading public research universities, the University of Florida is committed to supporting the whole employee-both personally and professionally. Our comprehensive benefits package is thoughtfully designed to enhance your well-being, provide flexibility for a variety of individual and family needs, and empower your long-term growth. From health and wellness to career development, UF invests in helping you thrive at every stage of life.
NOTICE TO APPLICANTS
Interest forms for opportunities will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as positions become available. Should you be considered to advance in the screening and selection process, you will be contacted by the department.
Because this is a pooled recruitment, applicants may not receive immediate updates regarding their status. Hiring managers will review qualified candidates as openings arise, and selected applicants will be contacted directly for further screening, interviews, or additional documentation.
We appreciate your patience throughout this process. Inclusion in the talent pool indicates that your application will remain active and eligible for consideration for up to six months from the date of submission. Applicants are encouraged to ensure that contact information remains current during this period.
JOIN OUR TEAM AND LET'S GROW GREATER TOGETHER!
Advertised: 08 May 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 08 Nov 2026 Eastern Standard Time
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About University of Florida

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Florida is one of the top ranked public universities in the United States (ranked top 5 amongst public universities in 2023 US news and world report). It is one of only a few comprehensive universities, having medical, veterinary, dental, nursing, public health, and engineering disciplines all co-localized on the same, contiguous campus to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. Gainesville is located in the northern region of Florida, within 1-1.5 hours of each coast, and just 1.5-2 hours to Orlando and Tampa. It is a small to medium-sized city with a low cost of living, excellent public and private schools, and southern hospitality. While Gainesville is widely recognized as the home of the Gators, it is quickly becoming known as a center for innovation and a place with a lifestyle that's comfortable for families, yet attractive for young professionals.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Gainesville, FL, US

Year founded

1853