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Development Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JW House

Development Director

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$80K - $85K/yr

Development Director - Non-Profit Reports to: Executive Director Status: Full Time, Exempt Hours: Monday - Friday with occasional nights and weekends required Committees: Development, any ad hoc ...

YWCA Greater Flint

Development Director

Flint, MI · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Director of Development will be joining the organization during an exciting time of expansion and growth. Reporting to the CEO, the Director will oversee and drive fundraising efforts in support ...

Bridge Industrial

Development - Director

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Director, Development-East Rutherford NJ location Company Overview: Kurv Industrial ("Kurv") is a privately-owned, vertically integrated real estate operating company and investment manager that ...

YWCA Charleston

Development Director

Charleston, WV · On-site

We are looking for a Development Director to serve as the captain of our fundraising ship. This is a relationship role, a storytelling role, and a strategic leadership role, all wrapped into one. You ...

DLP Capital

Development Director

Saint Augustine, FL · On-site

The Development Director position is responsible for all aspects of taking a project from initial acquisition analysis and potential purchase through municipal entitlements, design team coordination ...

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Development Director information

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$40.5K

$92.4K

$155K

How much do development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for development director in the United States is $92,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $108,500.00 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 cities are hiring for Development Director jobs? Cities with the most Development Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Development jobs? The most popular types of Development jobs are:
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Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Director job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 47% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,386 per year, or $44.4 per hour.
Development Director

Development Director

Lighthouse Youth & Family Services

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Join Our Team: Director of Development

Lighthouse Youth & Family Services is a nonprofit committed to ending youth homelessness and ensuring young people have access to essential care, including mental and behavioral health services, housing, emergency shelter, juvenile justice programs, residential treatment, and foster care and adoption.

We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and relationship-driven Director of Development to lead and grow a dynamic fundraising program that supports life-changing services for youth and families across our region.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director of Development leads major and annual giving, planned giving, events, database strategy, and volunteer engagement—ensuring a strong, sustainable fundraising pipeline. The role manages a multidisciplinary team and partners with Marketing & Communications, Grants & Contracts, and program leaders to maximize impact.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provides leadership, guidance, and professional development to support high performance and goal achievement of direct reports: Development Manager, Major Gifts Officer, Special Events Manager, and Database Administrator.
  • Develops and implements fundraising strategies to achieve or exceed annual revenue goals in partnership with the Chief Development Officer.
  • Leads planning and execution of annual giving campaigns (including direct mail, digital fundraising, and donor acquisition strategies) as well as major giving, planned giving, and donor stewardship initiatives.
  • Maintains a portfolio of major donors and prospects, completing moves management steps and soliciting gifts.
  • Provides direction for special events to maximize revenue, donor cultivation, and brand awareness.
  • Ensures data integrity, accurate reporting, and efficient processes that support fundraising and stewardship.
  • Provides strategic oversight and direction for volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition through the Development Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, with the goal of having a volunteer program that serves as a pipeline for future donors.
  • Provides leadership and support for special projects and campaigns.

What You Bring:

  • Required Education and Experience:
    • Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, marketing, or a related field.
    • Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive work experience in fundraising and development in a nonprofit organization.
    • Minimum of five (5) years of successful donor portfolio management experience and a proven success record in securing five- and six-figure gifts and planned gifts.
    • Minimum of five (5) years of experience successfully managing and mentoring development professionals to achieve desired goals.
    • Experience planning and executing nonprofit special events.
    • Expertise in donor management software, preferably Raiser’s Edge.
  • Preferred Education and Experience:
    • Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation.
    • Master’s degree in a relevant field.
    • Experience working with human services or youth-focused nonprofit organizations.
    • Experience in establishing or growing a legacy/planned giving program.
    • Experience leading and growing a nonprofit volunteer program.

Why Work with Lighthouse Youth & Family Services?

Join an organization that values its employees and the critical work they do. We foster a great culture and work environment where you can have a rewarding career that impacts the lives of youth and families.

  • Rewarding Career: Make a difference in the lives of youth.
  • Respected Agency: Work for a diverse, seasoned, and well-respected agency with an engaged leadership team.
  • Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a competitive salary.
  • Generous Paid Time Off: Benefit from 23 days of prorated PTO based on your hire date.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, including company-paid life and long-term disability insurance.
  • Retirement Planning: 401k Retirement Plan including a company match (up to 6%).
  • Continuing Education Support: Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Payment Reimbursement ($5,250 per year).
  • Loan Forgiveness Eligibility: Qualify for the Department of Education’s Loan Forgiveness Program.
  • Employee Perks: YMCA Discounts, Cell Phone Discounts, and Pet Insurance.
  • Wellness & Support: Employee Assistance Program and an engaging Wellness Program.
  • Paid Leave Options: Parental, Bereavement, and Jury Duty.
  • Professional Development: Paid training and professional development opportunities.
  • Referral Bonus Program: Opportunity to earn bonuses for referring qualified candidates.

If you’re an experienced development leader ready to advance a powerful mission, we encourage you to apply!

Apply