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Development Director Jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO (NOW HIRING)

The Bronx

Development Director

Henderson, CO · On-site

$120 - $200/hr

Scion Executive Search has been engaged to conduct an immediate search for a Development Director for our client, an established Colorado-based nonprofit animal sanctuary dedicated to animal welfare ...

Thrive

Development Director

Englewood, CO · Hybrid

$65K - $70K/yr

The Development Director is a key leadership role responsible for shaping, strengthening, and executing Thrive's fundraising, grant strategy, and donor stewardship efforts. The Director will be both ...

ECOMOD LLC

Business Development Director

Hudson, CO · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Job Summary We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Sales & Business Development Director to spearhead our growth in the modular construction market. The ideal candidate will be a proactive ...

Donuts Inc.

Business Development Director

Denver, CO · On-site

$130 - $160/hr

The Business Development Director will drive business growth by architecting strategic partnerships and delivering high-value solutions that address the evolving needs of our partners. You will own ...

Filanc

Business Development Director

Denver, CO · On-site

Summary The Business Development Director identifies opportunities for new business acquisition. This position also prospects for opportunities, establishes and maintains client relationships ...

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Development Director information

See Wheat Ridge, CO salary details

$43K

$98.2K

$164.7K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in Wheat Ridge, CO is $98,180.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,400.00 and $115,300.00 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 Wheat Ridge, CO?

The most popular types of Development jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO are:

What job categories do people searching Development Director jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO look for?

The top searched job categories for Development Director jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO are:

What cities near Wheat Ridge, CO are hiring for Development Director jobs?

Cities near Wheat Ridge, CO with the most Development Director job openings:

Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in Wheat Ridge, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,180 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Development Director

The Bronx

Henderson, CO • On-site

$120 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Scion Executive Search has been engaged to conduct an immediate search for a Development Director for our client, an established Colorado-based nonprofit animal sanctuary dedicated to animal welfare and community engagement. This is a full-time position based in Denver, Colorado, and is available immediately.

POSITION OVERVIEW

As a senior member of the leadership team, the Development Director will craft and implement a robust fundraising strategy that drives the organization's mission forward and ensures its long-term financial health. This role will spearhead a major capital campaign in support of a $14M campus improvement initiative, while also cultivating diverse and sustainable revenue streams through major gifts, foundation support, membership growth, and corporate partnerships. The ideal candidate will be passionate about mission-driven work, entrepreneurial and proactive, and comfortable working with donors and community leaders. They will be a strategic thinker who is equally willing to execute day-to-day fundraising tasks, with a strong ability to inspire philanthropic investment in mission-driven work.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Support the formation of the Advisory Board and partner closely with Board members to advance fundraising priorities.
  • Guide board members through donor cultivation strategies and facilitate key introductions.
  • Develop briefing materials and fundraising plans to support board-level engagement.
  • Oversee donor databases and manage the prospect pipeline.
  • Monitor fundraising metrics and progress against revenue goals.
  • Compile updates and reports for leadership and board review.
  • Manage documentation requirements for grant submissions, sponsorships, and funding applications.
  • Lead the organization's social media presence to amplify development and fundraising initiatives.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • A Bachelor's degree is required, along with 5-10 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising roles.
  • Demonstrated track record of securing major gifts ranging from $25K to $1M, along with foundation grants.
  • Hands-on experience leading capital campaigns or other large-scale fundraising efforts.
  • Solid background building relationships with high-net-worth individuals and corporate partners.
  • Experience within animal welfare, conservation, education, or a related mission-driven sector preferred.
  • Familiarity with developing donor recognition initiatives or naming opportunity campaigns.
  • Track record of launching or growing membership or donor society programs.
  • Outstanding interpersonal and communication abilities.
  • Skilled grant writer with strong proposal development experience.
  • Strategic mindset paired with the ability to carry out fundraising initiatives effectively.
  • Confident engaging with philanthropists, foundation representatives, and corporate executives.
  • Highly organized, with the ability to juggle multiple fundraising efforts at once.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
  • This full-time role offers a base salary of $120,000 to $200,000 (DOE), along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health coverage and paid time off.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Scion Executive Search is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected class. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value, for ourselves, our client companies, and the candidates we represent.

MANDATORY NON-CRIMINAL RECORD POLICY

For opportunities located in a region that has enacted fair chance, arrest, or conviction-based employment ordinances, Scion Executive Search proactively follows the enacted guidance and considers for employment all qualified applications with arrest and conviction records.

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