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Development Director Jobs in Ocean Springs, MS (NOW HIRING)

Activities Director

Mobile, AL · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

The Director will plan, coordinate, implement and execute all activity programs for all residents ... spiritual development, emotions, recreational and social needs of the residents are met and ...

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Development Director information

See Ocean Springs, MS salary details

$31.9K

$72.8K

$122.1K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in Ocean Springs, MS is $72,756.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,100.00 and $85,400.00 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 Ocean Springs, MS?

The most popular types of Development jobs in Ocean Springs, MS are:

What cities near Ocean Springs, MS are hiring for Development Director jobs?

Cities near Ocean Springs, MS with the most Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in Ocean Springs, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,756 per year, or $35 per hour.

Director of Resource Development

United Way Worldwide

Gulfport, MS • On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

United Way of South Mississippi’s Director of Resource Development is responsible for developing and maintaining diverse revenue streams as required to advance the community agenda of United Way of South Mississippi. This position oversees all aspects of resource development, including the development and execution of workplace giving, major gifts, and all fundraising efforts. The position will build and maintain relationships; develop and execute growth strategies for existing and new partners; recruit and manage campaign and event volunteers; plan and coordinate engagement opportunities, including the planning and implementing of annual fundraising campaigns. This position will work in a team environment to develop investment products and revenue targets to acquire resources to impact community needs.

Reports to

CEO

Supervises

N/A

Position Classification

FT, Salary, Exempt

Responsibilities
  • Research, develop, and maintain all aspects of relationship/contact management for key donors, including database management, recognition materials, and oral and written communications.
  • Ensures the development and implementation of campaign strategies to meet financial resource potential.
  • Works with Marketing and Communications Specialists on marketing and media efforts, including material and message development.
  • Lead development of strategies for the annual and special campaigns and events to assist the Executive Director and campaign volunteers.
  • Develop annual and other timetables for special campaigns and fundraising events.
  • Create motivational meetings and special events related to resource development, including all arrangements and recruitment of support as needed (volunteers, staff, agency staff).
  • Develops and oversees RD department budgets and develops realistic timetables to accomplish organizational goals.
  • Develops campaign cabinet meeting agendas in cooperation with the campaign chair. Responsible for the orientation and training of United Way campaign cabinet, loaned executives, and company coordinators.
  • Works with the finance director to develop and maintain procedures for maximum collection, accurate reporting, and safekeeping of campaign funds.
  • Prepares reports on campaign progress, evaluation, and analysis, and projections.
  • Assists other United Way staff with their areas of responsibility when requested.
  • Closes individual campaigns and enters data into Andar.
  • Maintains current and up-to-date individual donor and business communication demographic data and donations.
Qualifications
  • College degree in marketing, business administration or related field preferred.
  • Minimum of three years experience in fundraising, sales, marketing, or a related field, as well as experience in community-based volunteer efforts.
  • Public speaking experience.
  • Ability to develop and implement a donor-centered approach to resource development.
  • Ability to develop and implement strategies to increase revenue.
  • Skilled at directing volunteers; training and motivating people; analyzing, reporting, and evaluating campaign-related material and data; working independently and in a group.
  • Effective oral and written communications.
  • Ability to successfully organize and prioritize tasks to meet goals.
  • Knowledge of social and economic trends in Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River and Stone counties.
  • Ability to problem-solve and generate creative solutions.
  • Competent in database software and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Exhibits the highest ethical and moral values.
  • Willingness to adapt to a schedule as the campaign dictates.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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