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Development Director Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

JLM HR Consulting

Development Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K/yr

The Development Director will work closely with the Principal/Head of Schools and an engaged Board of Directors to expand the organization's philanthropic base and advance its mission. About the ...

JLM HR Consulting

Development Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K/yr

The Development Director will work closely with the Principal/Head of Schools and an engaged Board of Directors to expand the organization's philanthropic base and advance its mission. About the ...

JLM HR Consulting

Development Director

Washington, DC · On-site +1

The Development Director will work closely with the Principal/Head of Schools and an engaged Board of Directors to expand the organization's philanthropic base and advance its mission. About the ...

Dream Project

Development Director

Washington, DC

The Development Director is also supported by the Business Manager and Program Manager and will collaborate with a passionate, involved and experienced Board of Directors and Executive Committee. As ...

Dream Project

Development Director

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$6/hr

The Development Director is also supported by the Business Manager and Program Manager and will collaborate with a passionate, involved and experienced Board of Directors and Executive Committee. As ...

A Wider Circle

Development Director

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

The Director of Development plays a critical role in visioning future growth plans, particularly focused on monthly giving and digital fundraising programs as well as coordinating key events and ...

A Wider Circle

Development Director

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

The Director of Development plays a critical role in visioning future growth plans, particularly focused on monthly giving and digital fundraising programs as well as coordinating key events and ...

A Wider Circle

Development Director

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

The Director of Development plays a critical role in visioning future growth plans, particularly focused on monthly giving and digital fundraising programs as well as coordinating key events and ...

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Development Director information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$41.9K

$95.5K

$160.2K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in Silver Spring, MD is $95,506.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,400.00 and $112,200.00 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
What are the most commonly searched types of Development jobs in Silver Spring, MD? The most popular types of Development jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What job categories do people searching Development Director jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Development Director jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Development Director jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Development Director job openings:
Development Director jobs near you
Development Director

Development Director

JLM HR Consulting

Washington, DC • On-site

$110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA) & The Ellington Fund
Washington, DC (On-Site)
Overview
Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA), in partnership with The Ellington Fund, seeks an accomplished and entrepreneurial Development Director to lead its fundraising strategy and execution at a critical stage of institutional growth.
This is a high-visibility leadership role with direct accountability for philanthropic revenue generation, donor engagement, and long-term development infrastructure. The Development Director will work closely with the Principal/Head of Schools and an engaged Board of Directors to expand the organization's philanthropic base and advance its mission.
About the Organization
Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA) is a nationally recognized public high school that integrates rigorous academics with intensive arts training.
The Ellington Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, serves as the primary fundraising partner supporting DESA's programs, student opportunities, and institutional priorities.
Together, these entities operate in close alignment to ensure sustainable growth and continued excellence.
The Role
The Development Director will design and execute a comprehensive, integrated fundraising strategy, with a focus on:
  • Generating new philanthropic revenue
  • Expanding and diversifying the donor base
  • Strengthening major gifts and institutional funding
  • Building scalable development systems and processes

This leader will combine strategic vision with hands-on execution, operating as both a senior advisor and a frontline fundraiser.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Revenue Growth
  • Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with institutional priorities
  • Establish annual goals, KPIs, and revenue targets
  • Identify and pursue diversified funding streams

Major Gifts Leadership
  • Build and manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects
  • Lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies
  • Partner with senior leadership and Board members on key donor relationships

Institutional Funding
  • Oversee grant strategy and pipeline development
  • Secure foundation, corporate, and government funding

Board & Executive Partnership
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to the Principal/Head of Schools
  • Support Board engagement in fundraising efforts
  • Provide regular performance reporting and strategic insight

Infrastructure & Team Development
  • Strengthen development operations, systems, and data utilization
  • Build a culture of accountability and performance within the function
  • Supervise staff and external partners

Performance Expectations
This is a performance-driven role with clear accountability:
  • Deliver a minimum of $250,000 in new philanthropic revenue annually, directly attributable to individual efforts
  • Build and maintain a donor pipeline of at least 3x annual revenue targets
  • Meet defined quarterly revenue benchmarks
  • Maintain strong donor engagement and retention outcomes

Performance is evaluated on a quarterly and annual basis, with direct alignment to compensation.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will be a results-oriented fundraising leader with a demonstrated ability to generate revenue, build relationships, and operate effectively in a mission-driven environment.
Professional Experience
  • 7-10+ years of progressive fundraising and development experience
  • Proven track record of securing major gifts and institutional funding
  • Experience working closely with executive leadership and Boards
  • Demonstrated ability to build and manage donor pipelines

Ideal Leadership Traits
Top-tier candidates will bring the following attributes:
1. Revenue Ownership & Accountability
Takes full ownership of fundraising outcomes, with a clear track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets.
2. Relationship-Driven Influence
Builds trust quickly with donors, Board members, and stakeholders; able to influence without authority and navigate complex relationships.
3. Strategic Agility
Balances long-term vision with near-term execution; able to pivot strategies based on data, feedback, and opportunity.
4. Execution Discipline
Demonstrates strong follow-through, organization, and pipeline management; consistently converts strategy into measurable outcomes.
5. Executive Presence
Communicates with confidence and clarity; represents the organization effectively with high-level donors and partners.
6. Mission Alignment
Displays a genuine commitment to arts education, youth development, and equity in access to opportunity.
7. Builder Mindset
Comfortable operating in a growth environment; able to build systems, processes, and structure where needed.
Compensation
  • Base Salary: $110,000 (aligned with and supported by new revenue generation)
  • Performance Bonus: 10%-20%
  • Additional incentive opportunities for exceeding targets
  • Competitive benefits package

Work Environment
  • On-site role in Washington, DC (remote work not available)
  • Occasional evening and weekend commitments required

Equal Opportunity
Duke Ellington School of the Arts and The Ellington Fund are equal opportunity employers committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment.
Search Process
DESA and The Ellington Fund are conducting a national search for this role. Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief statement of interest outlining relevant experience and alignment with the mission.

Apply