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Director Of Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Novin Development

Director of Development

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

We're looking for a confident, entrepreneurial, and self-motivated Director of Development to join our team. The role demands drive, flexibility, and a proactive attitude to successfully manage ...

St Andrews School Inc

Director of Development

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

The Director of Development combines strategic thinking with strong execution, bringing a data-informed and relationship-centered approach to all aspects of fundraising. The Director of Development ...

brailleinstitute

Director of Development

Anaheim, CA · On-site +1

$110K - $125K/yr

The Director of Development - Orange County serves as the organization's lead fundraiser and development representative for the Orange County region (with potential support for Riverside County)

Braille Institute

Director of Development

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

The Director of Development - Orange County serves as the organization's lead fundraiser and development representative for the Orange County region (with potential support for Riverside County)

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Director Of Development information

See California salary details

$40K

$91.2K

$153K

How much do director of development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of development in California is $91,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $107,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Development, you need expertise in fundraising strategy, donor relations, and nonprofit management, often supported by a relevant degree and substantial experience in development roles. Familiarity with donor management systems (such as Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce), grant writing, and data analysis tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills help cultivate donor trust and inspire teams. These capabilities are crucial for meeting fundraising goals, sustaining organizational growth, and advancing the nonprofit’s mission.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of development when managing fundraising initiatives?

Directors of Development often face challenges such as balancing short-term fundraising goals with long-term relationship building, motivating and aligning diverse teams, and adapting strategies to shifting donor priorities. They must also ensure effective communication across departments and with external stakeholders. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong leadership, data-driven decision making, and the ability to inspire both staff and donors toward the organization's mission.

What is the difference between Director Of Development vs Development Manager?

AspectDirector Of DevelopmentDevelopment Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall development strategy, manages teams, and aligns projects with organizational goals.Manages specific development projects, coordinates teams, and ensures project delivery.
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, often advanced degrees, and experience in leadership roles.Bachelor's degree in relevant field, experience in project management or development.
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level, strategic planning, often in office settings.Operational, project-focused, collaborative team environment.

The main difference is that the Director Of Development focuses on strategic oversight and leadership, while the Development Manager handles day-to-day project management. Both roles require relevant experience and collaboration, but the director has a broader scope and higher-level responsibilities.

What does a director of development do?

A Director of Development is responsible for overseeing an organization's fundraising and development strategies. They manage donor relationships, create fundraising campaigns, and coordinate with staff to achieve financial goals. This role often involves working with nonprofits or educational institutions to secure grants, cultivate major donors, and ensure the sustainability of funding. The Director of Development also analyzes fundraising data and trends to improve future efforts and typically reports to executive leadership.
What are the most commonly searched types of Of Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Of Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Director Of Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Director Of Development job openings:
Director Of Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,176 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Director of Development

Novin Development

Walnut Creek, CA • On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

About Us:


Novin Development is a leading affordable and mixed-income housing developer committed to creating quality, sustainable homes across the greater Bay Area. We are passionate about social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and increasing access to affordable housing for diverse income groups. From ground-up development to rehabilitation, our projects are thoughtfully designed to blend aesthetics, functionality, and community integration. We're looking for a confident, entrepreneurial, and self-motivated Director of Development to join our team. The role demands drive, flexibility, and a proactive attitude to successfully manage acquisitions, construction, budgets, and schedules - all while elevating projects to the highest standards of customer satisfaction. If you’re looking for an opportunity to make a tangible impact in the affordable housing sector while working in a collaborative, dynamic environment, we want you to join our team.

At Novin Development, we foster a close-knit team of thoughtful leaders, where all ideas are valued. We approach our work with the agility and energy of a start-up, backed by a strong value system. From the first shovel in the ground to the opening of our projects, our ultimate goal is to provide homes to those in need in the most innovative and efficient way possible. If you have a passion for leadership, a commitment to sustainable housing development, and a focus on client satisfaction, we would love for you to join our award-winning team.

This is a hybrid position with three days in the office (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays) in Walnut Creek, CA.

Job Overview:

As the Director of Development at NDC, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of development projects from acquisition to completion. You will work closely with the executive team to drive the company's strategic vision and ensure the successful execution of projects. This role requires a strong leader with exceptional project management skills and a proven track record of delivering high-quality results on time and within budget.


Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage development projects from inception to completion.
  • Develop and implement project strategies to meet company goals and objectives.
  • Manage acquisition processes, including due diligence, financial analysis, and negotiations.
  • Oversee construction activities, including scheduling, budgeting, and quality control.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success.
  • Drive innovation and continuous improvement in development processes.
  • Cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders, partners, and vendors.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Construction Management, Business Administration, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
  • 7+ years of experience in real estate development, with a focus on commercial or residential projects.
  • Proven track record of successfully managing development projects from start to finish.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.


Benefits

  • Hybrid Schedule
  • 80 hours of vacation pay (Increased through years of service)
  • 40 hours of sick pay
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Discretionary Bonus
  • Health Insurance - Kaiser or Blue Anthem (your choice).
  • Dental and Vision insurance
  • $1,500 yearly Educational Stipend
  • 401k Plan - 100% match up to 4% of base salary vested after 2 years.


This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Novin Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, including those with disabilities, veterans, and individuals from underrepresented communities.