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Development Director Jobs in Ridgeland, MS (NOW HIRING)

UHS

Director - Business Development

Flowood, MS · On-site

The Director of Business Development oversees the provision of Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service activities within the Marketing Department. The Director of Business Development is responsible ...

UHS

Director - Business Development

Flowood, MS · On-site

The Director of Business Development oversees the provision of Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service activities within the Marketing Department. The Director of Business Development is responsible ...

L3HHCM20

Principal, Business Development

Jackson, MS · On-site +1

Principal, Business Development Job Code: 41483 Job Location: Remote Job Schedule: 9/80 As a ... Qualifies and shapes opportunities within the USAF through direct customer engagement at all ...

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Development Director information

See Ridgeland, MS salary details

$33.7K

$77K

$129.1K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in Ridgeland, MS is $76,974.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,300.00 and $90,400.00 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.

More about Development Director jobs

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

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

Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in Ridgeland, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,974 per year, or $37 per hour.

Director of Development

Jackson State University

Jackson, MS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Location : JSU Main Campus, MS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 4541
College/Division: Institutional Advancement
Opening Date: 06/04/2026
Description
The Division of Institutional Advancement is accepting applications for three Director of Development.
Examples of Duties
  • As a part of "Moves Management System," prepare and implement strategic plans for approximately 120-150 targeted prospects to cultivate and solicit them for major gifts to fund University priorities.
  • Meet annual goals for new prospects identified, contacts ("moves"), number of asks, number of closures, and dollars raised.
  • Document all development activities for accountability and assessment.
  • Focus on securing support for assigned university area or if central, for a set of campus-wide priorities that include the five academic colleges, administrative units, and or centers including, support for endowed chairs, scholarships, unrestricted support, facility renovations, and campus improvements.
  • Prepare, submit, and manage grant proposals to foundation and corporation sources within the divisional guidelines.
  • Maintain stewardship contacts with donors; adhere to the highest ethical standards; demonstrate empathetic disposition, and perseverance; reflect optimistic and positive attitude, and convey sensitivity to needs of the donors.
  • Offer prospect strategy counsel to others who are managing prospects (i.e., colleges, schools, departments, etc.).
  • Be a resource for development/advancement staff, from identifying potential volunteer connections to knowing about meeting and event spaces in key locations.
  • Work collaboratively with deans, faculty, development colleagues and internal and external constituents.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the AVP for development.

Typical Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Three to five years of fundraising experience is preferred.
  • Experience in higher education fundraising desirable.
  • Ability to travel extensively (approximately 60-70 percent of time), and possess a valid driver's license.
  • Ability to work effectively with top level prospects and have a high degree of professionalism and personal motivation.
  • Be knowledgeable of gift planning techniques to advise donors and prospects on available giving options, techniques, and their tax implications.
  • Ability to develop strategic plans, set goals, and be able to accomplish them as part of an organizational strategic plan.
  • Have effective communication skills (writing and speaking) to make individual and group presentations to prospective donors.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees, including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for the complete benefits package.
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