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Director Of Development Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Graceland University

Director of Development

Lamoni, IA · On-site

Director of Development; reports to Senior Director for Major Gifts Graceland University strives to provide a positive, vibrant working environment for employees. Position descriptions are essential ...

Graceland University

Director of Development

Lamoni, IA · On-site

Director of Development; reports to Senior Director for Major Gifts Graceland University strives to provide a positive, vibrant working environment for employees. Position descriptions are essential ...

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Director Of Development information

See Iowa salary details

$38K

$86.8K

$145.6K

How much do director of development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of development in Iowa is $86,775.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,700.00 and $101,900.00 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 Iowa? The most popular types of Of Development jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Director Of Development jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Director Of Development job openings:
Director Of Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of Development job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,775 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Director of Development

Graceland University

Lamoni, IA • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description


Director of Development; reports to Senior Director for Major Gifts
Graceland University strives to provide a positive, vibrant working environment for employees. Position descriptions are essential to understanding the scope of the position, the expectations, and the general nature of the work performed.
The Director of Development will work closely with other advancement team members, senior administrators, and interact with other University faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and community members to manage and strengthen Graceland University's fundraising practices and develop strategies to achieve the institution's desired financial future through the promotion of a culture of philanthropy, both internally and externally.
THIS POSITION SUPPORTS THE UNIVERSITY MISSION BY:
  • The Director of Development is in charge of engaging, cultivating, and stewarding a portfolio of donors to meet and exceed the fundraising goals of the University.
  • Focus fundraising efforts to maximize the impact Graceland has on preparing students for productive careers and rich lives.
  • Contribute to Student Success/Retention
  • Embracing a growth mindset by willing to be a life-long learner, focusing on strategic priorities of the university, using failure as a means to move forward

THIS POSITION CONTRIBUTES TO STUDENT SUCCESS/RETENTION BY:
  • Providing financial resources for scholarships, capital projects, endowment growth and all other fundraising needs
  • Attending athletic events, performing arts and other student activities to show support and to develop personal connections to students
  • Develop relationships with family members of students to enhance the families view of Graceland

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • The Director of Development is responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and planned gift prospects in support of Graceland University's strategic priorities. Working in partnership with the Senior Director of Major Gifts, this position develops and executes individualized fundraising strategies for an assigned portfolio of approximately 150 major gift prospects and donors, with the goal of securing unrestricted, major, and planned gifts while building long-term philanthropic relationships that advance the University's mission.
  • Participate in portfolio reviews with the Senior Director of Advancement Services to evaluate prospect movement, refine fundraising strategies, and ensure accurate portfolio management.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni, donors, and friends of the University to inspire philanthropic investment and meaningful engagement with Graceland.
  • Prepare gift proposals, stewardship reports, and donor communications in collaboration with Institutional Advancement colleagues.
  • Coordinate donor visits involving the President, Vice President, and other university leaders to maximize fundraising opportunities.
  • Contribute to the planning and execution of Graceland University's comprehensive fundraising campaign by collaborating with Institutional Advancement colleagues to secure philanthropic support for the University's strategic priorities.
  • Maintain accurate donor records, contact reports, and fundraising strategies within the University's constituent relationship management system.
  • Support donor cultivation and stewardship through university events, including Homecoming, commencement, donor receptions, and other engagement activities.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, business development, annual giving, sales, communications, marketing, or a related field, with demonstrated success in building relationships and achieving measurable results.
  • Demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward donor, client, or constituent relationships while building productive partnerships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
  • Proficiency with constituent relationship management (CRM) systems and Microsoft Office applications, or the ability to quickly learn new technology.
  • Commitment to the mission and values of Graceland University.
  • Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively, including evenings and weekends as needed.
  • This position may be based in either Lamoni, Iowa, or Independence, Missouri, and requires regular travel to all Graceland University campus locations and throughout assigned fundraising territories to cultivate and steward donor relationships.

About Us
Graceland University welcomes your application and interest in the open positions listed on this website. Updates are made regularly, so please check back often. Benefits overview is available here. Graceland offers a generous paid time off policy, which includes vacation, sick leave and holiday pay.
Graceland is a nonsectarian institution sponsored by Community of Christ, which provides a rich Christian heritage. Graceland has two main campuses: one located in Lamoni, Iowa, and one located in Independence, Missouri.
Founded in 1895 and sponsored by Community of Christ, Graceland University is much more than a school. Graceland is a community of passionate, caring and dedicated individuals who make up a worldwide community network that reaches far beyond the two campuses.
All applications/resumes are kept on file for one year. If you see future positions that interest you, please let us know so we may submit your application materials. Reference letters will not be accessible to applicants during the application process nor after becoming an employee.
Graceland is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Graceland welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. We're looking for candidates who share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Graceland University consists of two campuses: the Lamoni campus is a residential liberal arts institution situated in south central Iowa, approximately 70 miles south of Des Moines, IA and the Independence, Missouri campus which focuses on degree completion, adult and graduate programs.

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