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Director Of Development Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Director Of Development information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$39.4K

$89.8K

$150.7K

How much do director of development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of development in Raleigh, NC is $89,806.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $105,500.00 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 Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Of Development jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Director Of Development jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Director Of Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Of Development job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,806 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Director of Planning & Development Services

Wake County

Raleigh, NC

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Wake County rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

140th of 649 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

How to ApplyWake County is partnering with Raftelis to lead the recruitment for our Director of Planning and Development Services.

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning July 9, 2026.

Theexpected hiring range is 158,953 to 222,533, depending on qualifications. WakeCounty offers a comprehensive total compensation package that reflects itscommitment to recruiting and retaining exceptional public sector leaders.

To view the full job description and submit your application, please visit raftelis.com.

The PositionWake County, one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation, is seeking its next Director of Planning and Development Services. The County welcomes approximately 25,000 new residents every year, and the moment calls for a leader who can shape the County's growth with clarity, consistency, and vision. The Director of Planning and Development Services steps into a rare opportunity: to serve as the founding director of a newly established department, build its culture, and guide Wake County's approach to land use, permitting, and environmental stewardship at a pivotal point in its history. For the leader who thrives at the intersection of complex regulatory work, community engagement, and organizational development, this is an extremely compelling opportunity.

The Director leads a department of approximately 100 staff organized across four divisions: Administration, Planning, Building Permits and Inspections, and Watershed Management. The department serves as Wake County's primary authority for administering land development regulations, guided by the County's Unified Development Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, Stormwater Regulations, and the North Carolina Building Code. Wake County does not exercise zoning authority over municipal jurisdictions, which shapes how the Director engages with the development community and neighboring governments: less as a traditional regulatory enforcer and more as a convener, a resource, and a partner in responsible growth.

The Director has four direct reports (division-level leaders) and is a member of the County's Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the County Manager. The Director shapes department strategy, develops and executes the annual business plan, oversees budget planning and fiscal accountability, and monitors state and federal legislation for regulatory impacts. The Director also represents the department in public forums, before the Board of County Commissioners, and in ongoing relationships with municipalities, regional transportation and environmental agencies, homebuilders, and other development stakeholders. Success in this role requires someone who can translate technical complexity into accessible language, who applies rules fairly and consistently across all customers, and who is equally comfortable defending a difficult decision before the development community as they are mentoring a new division manager.

The incoming leader inherits strong foundations: well-regarded regulatory workflows, high-quality staff with deep expertise, and established relationships with the homebuilding community and partner jurisdictions.

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