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Development Director Jobs in Hamden, CT (NOW HIRING)

Economic Development Director

Berlin, CT · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Economic Development Director Hours: (35) per week Union Affiliation : Middle Management Salary Range: Group C, $90,324 - $115,472 annually Function : Under the direction of the Town Manager ...

The Director of Development is a key member of the leadership team responsible for the planning, development, and execution of comprehensive fundraising, communications, community outreach, and ...

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Development Director information

See Hamden, CT salary details

$40.3K

$91.8K

$154.1K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in Hamden, CT is $91,849.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,600.00 and $107,900.00 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 jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Development Directors in large organizations or corporations can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses, profit sharing, and extensive experience. High-level executive roles such as Chief Development Officer or similar senior leadership positions in nonprofit or corporate sectors also have the potential for such compensation, often requiring advanced skills, strategic planning, and a strong network.

How much money should a development director raise?

A development director's fundraising goals vary depending on the organization size and sector, but they typically aim to raise several million dollars annually for nonprofits or large projects. Success often depends on skills in donor relations, strategic planning, and use of fundraising tools. Setting realistic targets aligned with organizational needs is essential for effective performance.

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 does a Director of Development do?

A Director of Development oversees fundraising efforts, builds relationships with donors, and develops strategies to support an organization’s financial growth. They often manage a team, coordinate campaigns, and utilize tools like CRM systems to track progress, ensuring the organization meets its funding goals.

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.

Is being a BDM a stressful job?

A Business Development Manager (BDM) role can be stressful due to targets, client negotiations, and workload management. Success often depends on strong communication, time management, and resilience, with some roles involving high-pressure environments and performance metrics.
What are the most commonly searched types of Development jobs in Hamden, CT? The most popular types of Development jobs in Hamden, CT are:
What cities near Hamden, CT are hiring for Development Director jobs? Cities near Hamden, CT with the most Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in Hamden, CT as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,849 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Economic Development Director

Town of Berlin

Berlin, CT • On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Economic Development Director
Hours: (35) per week
Union Affiliation: Middle Management
Salary Range: Group C, $90,324 - $115,472 annually
Function: Under the direction of the Town Manager, oversees and administers the Town's economic development program. This includes real estate acquisition; special projects related to economic development, real estate, and other development projects; as well as grant writing and administration. Spearheads economic development, real estate and special projects that require interdepartmental coordination.
Typical Duties, Responsibilities, Tasks & Assignments:
  • Plans, directs, and administers all aspects of the Town's economic development and real estate functions. Leads real estate and related development agreement negotiations at the direction of the Town Manager. Recommends Departmental policies, projects, and procedures. Performs duties as Staff Liaison to the Town's Economic Development Commission and confers with the Town Manager and the Economic Development Commission concerning ongoing and future projects. Prepares Town Council agenda items and attends Town Council meetings and meetings of other Boards and Commissions, as needed.

  • Develops and maintains an inventory of available commercial and industrial real estate and markets the Town's economic development opportunities and responds to media questions and inquiries. Manages local business retention programs to develop and grow businesses.

  • Assists the Town Manager and other departments in the research, preparation and acquisition process for grants, some of which are in excess of $1 million. Provides oversight and grant management as necessary.

  • Works in conjunction with the Town Manager to establish and oversee a project management system for the Town's priority capital projects. Oversees the management of programs, including tax abatements, infrastructure loans and grants, and façade grants. Provides technical assistance to all other Town Departments and/or Divisions engaged in capital projects particularly in the areas of real estate and grants.

  • Under the direction of the Town Manager and Corporation Counsel, oversees and administers the Town's real estate acquisition activities for economic development, open space and for other governmental purposes. Serves as ombudsman for development projects, ensures due diligence and participates in property development activities as required.

  • Plans, develops and implements short and long range strategic initiatives for economic development including recommendations for zoning amendments to support economic development. Develops and presents strategic capital budget plans and administers ongoing budget.

  • Develops and maintains effective working relationships with local businesses, developers, state and federal government officials, colleagues and the public and consistently displays tact and professionalism, in an effort to continually develop Berlin as guided by the Economic Development Commission.

  • Leads efforts to promote economic development through social media and public engagement. Maintains a community calendar of events, coordinates with the Mayor and Town Council on outreach and recognition activities, and organizes ribbon cuttings, anniversaries, and related events.

  • Coordinates with various Town departments, regional partners, and private entities to advance housing and community development initiatives, including the development and preservation of affordable housing.

  • Supports and facilitates Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) projects, brownfield redevelopment efforts (including the identification, application for, and administration of related grants).

  • Collaborates with the Arts & Culture Committee and other community stakeholders to enhance quality of life and economic vitality.

  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Special Skills & Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 5 years of related experience or equivalent preferred. Strong leadership and communication skills required. Must possess a working knowledge of economic development; including governmental programs, real estate negotiation, contracts, and land use regulatory issues. Knowledge and experience in obtaining and administering grants including grants in excess of $1 million. Comprehensive technical and practical knowledge of the materials, methods and techniques relative to local economic development issues. Working knowledge of a variety of computer software programs including data collection and spreadsheets. Knowledge of municipal government processes and organization. Must possess the ability to work independently, to lead interdepartmental initiatives involving economic development, real estate and capital projects.