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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 ...

FSA

Director of Development

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Director of Development and Communications (Santa Barbara) Director of Development and Communications - Santa Barbara June 17, 2013 Family Service Agency (FSA) seeks an expert and engaging Director ...

Improve Your Tomorrow

Director of Development

Stockton, CA · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

The Director of Development (DoD) is IYT's frontline, individual-contributor revenue leader embedded within their California region. Reporting directly to the Regional Executive Director, the DoD ...

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)

All Seniors

Director of Development

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95 - $135/hr

Director of Development - Lead Strategic Fundraising for LA Senior Care Company: All Seniors Foundation Location: Los Angeles, CA About Us: All Seniors Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed ...

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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 Sep 5, 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 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 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 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, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,176 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Director of Development

National Association of Episcopal Schools

Saratoga, CA • On-site

$130 - $150/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School seeks a strategic, relationship-driven, and results-oriented Director of Development to help lead and grow the school’s philanthropic program. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Director of Development is responsible for advancing the school’s annual giving program, strengthening the pipeline of major gift donors, and building the systems and strategies necessary to support long-term fundraising success. Working closely with the development team, this role plays a key part in fostering a culture of philanthropy across the Saint Andrew’s community while preparing the school for future campaign initiatives. 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 directly manages the Development Operations Manager.

Benefits
  • Kaiser, UHC Health plans with school contribution up to 90%, dependent coverage up to 25%
  • Guardian Dental, Vision, Life, Accident, Short/Long Term Disability, covered by school
  • Retirement 401K plan with school contribution of 6%
  • FSA (Flexible Spending Account for healthcare) with school match up to $1000
  • Additional FSA-Dependent Care, Specified Disease, Hospital Confinement, Whole Life available
  • Paid Vacation/Personal Days, paid Holidays, paid School Breaks, Sick Leave with rollover hours
  • Partial tuition remission is available
  • Years of service bonus
  • Paid professional development and continuing education

Reports To: Chief Advancement Officer

Job Type: On-Site, Regular Full-time, Exempt, Salary

Compensation: $130,000 – $150,000 annually DOE

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • Minimum of five years of experience in development, fundraising, or advancement, preferably in an independent school, higher education, or nonprofit environment.
  • Demonstrated success in annual giving and major gift fundraising.
  • Experience managing staff and volunteers, with the ability to lead, prioritize, and develop team members.
  • Experience using donor databases such as Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM systems.
  • Strong strategic thinking and organizational planning skills.
  • Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with school leadership, volunteers, and colleagues.
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of events and donor engagement.
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