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Development Director Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

MaineHealth

Senior Director - Engineering

Portland, ME · On-site

$142K - $193K/yr

Oversee engineering staffing, workforce planning, and team development * Direct infrastructure maintenance programs to ensure system reliability and performance * Ensure full compliance with all ...

Portland Webworks

Software Development Manager

Portland, ME · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

This role reports to the Director of Software Development. Key Responsibilities Team & People Management * Lead and support a distributed team of CMS developers (in-house and contract) * Conduct ...

ProSearch

Executive Director

Portland, ME · On-site

Executive Director Portland, Maine ProSearch is partnering with Educate Maine to identify its next ... We are seeking an accomplished executive with experience in education, workforce development ...

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Development Director information

See Portland, ME salary details

$41.4K

$94.5K

$158.6K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in Portland, ME is $94,549.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,600.00 and $111,000.00 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.
More about Development Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Development jobs in Portland, ME? The most popular types of Development jobs in Portland, ME are:
What job categories do people searching Development Director jobs in Portland, ME look for? The top searched job categories for Development Director jobs in Portland, ME are:
What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Development Director jobs? Cities near Portland, ME with the most Development Director job openings:
Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in Portland, ME as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,549 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Director of Development

Catholic Foundation of Maine

Portland, ME • On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

The Catholic Foundation of Maine is seeking a mission-driven Director of Development to advance philanthropic support for the ministries, parishes, schools, and special initiatives of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. Reporting directly to the CEO, this key leadership position is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors while building meaningful relationships that connect charitable giving with the mission of the Church. The Director of Development will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, conduct donor visits and presentations, support capital campaigns and special fundraising initiatives, and collaborate closely with diocesan leaders, clergy, volunteers, and community stakeholders to foster a strong culture of stewardship and generosity throughout the Diocese.
The ideal candidate is a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing who embraces and supports the teachings and mission of the Church. Qualified candidates will have 5-10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including a proven track record in major gift development, donor relationship management, and capital campaign support. Strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across diverse constituencies. A bachelor's degree is required, and CFRE certification is preferred. This full-time position offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact by helping secure resources that strengthen and sustain Catholic ministries across Maine.
Pay Range: $85,000 - $95,000
Contact Email
[email protected]
How to apply
To apply for the position, send a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to: [email protected] .

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