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Development Director Jobs in Ridgefield, CT (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Development Director

Darien, CT · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Are you an experienced Development Director? Apply now to lead our fundraising efforts, strengthen our programs and expand community impact. As a key member of the leadership team, the Development ...

Lila Medlink LLC

Director of Development

White Plains, NY · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Director of Development - Direct Hire Location: White Plains NY Job Type: Full-Time, Day (Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 5 PM) Salary: $130K - $170K annually Benefits: Full suite of benefits and retirement plan ...

bizjobz LLC

Director of Business Development

Stamford, CT · Hybrid

$140K - $200K/yr

We are looking for a Director of Business Development who can get the job done. Come work for a Global company that specializes in providing engagement solutions for F500 businesses. They offer ...

TAL Healthcare

Be Seen First

Director of Development - Westchester

White Plains, NY · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

They are hiring a highly strategic and dynamic Director of Development to lead its fundraising initiatives and drive organizational growth. In this newly created position, the successful candidate ...

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Development Director information

See Ridgefield, CT salary details

$40.3K

$92K

$154.4K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in Ridgefield, CT is $92,011.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,700.00 and $108,100.00 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 Ridgefield, CT? The most popular types of Development jobs in Ridgefield, CT are:
What job categories do people searching Development Director jobs in Ridgefield, CT look for? The top searched job categories for Development Director jobs in Ridgefield, CT are:
What cities near Ridgefield, CT are hiring for Development Director jobs? Cities near Ridgefield, CT with the most Development Director job openings:
Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in Ridgefield, CT as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,011 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
Development Director

Development Director

YMCA

Darien, CT • On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,978 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

494th of 690 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Are you an experienced Development Director? Apply now to lead our fundraising efforts, strengthen our programs and expand community impact.
Job Description
As a key member of the leadership team, the Development Director works closely with the CEO, Board volunteers, donors, and community partners to secure the resources necessary to advance the YMCA's mission. This is an exciting opportunity for a fundraising professional who thrives on building meaningful relationships, creating innovative philanthropic strategies, and inspiring others to invest in a cause that changes lives.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Six or more years of professional fundraising experience, preferably within a YMCA or nonprofit environment.
  • Demonstrated success in major gifts, annual giving, grants, sponsorships, and donor stewardship.
  • Experience writing and managing foundation and government grant proposals.
  • Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to engage donors, volunteers, community leaders, and diverse stakeholder groups.
  • Knowledge of charitable giving vehicles and philanthropic best practices.
  • Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and project management abilities with attention to detail and follow-through.

Essential Functions
As Development Director, you will:
  • Lead and execute the YMCA's comprehensive fundraising strategy, including annual campaigns, major gifts, grants, sponsorships, special events, capital campaigns, and endowment initiatives.
  • Partner with the CEO and Board Financial Development Committee to identify new funding opportunities and expand donor engagement.
  • Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and major gift prospects.
  • Research, prepare, and manage grant proposals and funding opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government sources.
  • Oversee donor recognition, stewardship programs, gift processing, and donor database management.
  • Develop fundraising systems, policies, procedures, and budgets that support sustainable growth.
  • Train, support, and inspire volunteers and staff to participate in fundraising efforts and foster a culture of philanthropy.
  • Represent the YMCA at community events, donor meetings, and organizational functions.
  • Monitor fundraising performance and implement strategies to achieve organizational goals.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
  • Philanthropy
  • Volunteer Engagement
  • Communication & Influence
  • Collaboration
  • Program & Project Management

Ymca Careers
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