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Director Of Program Development Jobs in Rhode Island

Harriscomputer

Program Director

Carolina, RI · On-site

Overview The Director of Program Management & Operations provides leadership and direction to ensure the successful execution of strategic and complex programs for the business. This role is ...

Cityyear

Development Director

Providence, RI · Hybrid

Number of Positions: 1 Work Location: Hybrid On-Site/Remote Position Overview The Director of Development provides strategic leadership for City Year Rhode Island's comprehensive fundraising program ...

City Year

Development Director

Providence, RI · On-site

Number of Positions: 1 Work Location: Hybrid On-Site/Remote Position Overview The Director of Development provides strategic leadership for City Year Rhode Island's comprehensive fundraising program ...

Socket.dev

Director of Rehabilitation

Manville, RI · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Continuing education, mentorship programs and clinical leadership development * Tuition loan ... The Director of Rehabilitation (DOR) is responsible for leading and managing the rehabilitation ...

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All JobsOf Program Development JobsDirector Of Program Development JobsDirector Of Program Development Jobs in Rhode Island

Director Of Program Development information

See Rhode Island salary details

$28.9K

$76.6K

$134.2K

How much do director of program development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of program development in Rhode Island is $76,578.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,900.00 and $90,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of program development do?

A director of program development oversees the planning, design, and implementation of programs within an organization. They coordinate teams, develop strategies, manage budgets, and ensure programs meet organizational goals and standards. Strong leadership, project management skills, and knowledge of industry best practices are essential for this role.

What are the typical challenges a director of program development faces when launching new initiatives within an organization?

Directors of Program Development often encounter challenges such as aligning new initiatives with the organization's strategic goals, securing stakeholder buy-in, and managing cross-functional teams with varying priorities. Navigating budget constraints, adapting to shifting market demands, and ensuring programs are both scalable and sustainable are also common hurdles. Successful directors leverage strong communication, project management, and analytical skills to address these challenges and drive impactful results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of program development?

To excel as a Director Of Program Development, you need expertise in program management, strategic planning, and budget oversight, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with project management software, data analysis tools, and compliance systems is typically required. Outstanding leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are crucial for successfully designing, implementing, and scaling programs that align with organizational goals.

What qualifications do you need to be a director of program development?

A director of program development typically needs a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business, management, or a specific industry area, along with several years of experience in program management or development. Strong leadership, strategic planning skills, and proficiency with project management tools are also important, and some roles may require a master's degree or professional certifications like PMP.

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

AspectDirector Of Program DevelopmentProgram Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple projects, develops strategic program plans, manages teams, and aligns programs with organizational goals.Manages individual projects or programs, coordinates resources, and ensures project deliverables meet objectives.
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often in business, management, or related field; advanced degrees or certifications like PMP are common.Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; PMP or similar certifications are frequently preferred.
Work EnvironmentTypically in corporate, nonprofit, or government settings, involving strategic planning and leadership.Involves project coordination within similar environments, focusing on execution and delivery.

The main difference between a Director Of Program Development and a Program Manager lies in scope and strategic focus. The Director oversees multiple programs and aligns them with organizational goals, while the Program Manager handles specific projects within those programs. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the Director's role is more strategic and leadership-oriented.

What are popular job titles related to Director Of Program Development jobs in Rhode Island? For Director Of Program Development jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Of Program Development jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Director Of Program Development jobs in Rhode Island are:
What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Director Of Program Development jobs? Cities in Rhode Island with the most Director Of Program Development job openings:
Director Of Program Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of Program Development job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,578 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Sr. Director of Development, CELS & GSO

University Of Rhode Islan

Kingston, RI • On-site

$130K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Title: Senior Director of Development, College of the Environment and Life Sciences & the Graduate School of Oceanography

Department: Development

Reports to: Jeff Simon, Associate Vice President for Unit Development

Location: Kingston, RI

Employment Type: Exempt, Full-Time


Position Summary

The University of Rhode Island Foundation (URIF) seeks an experienced, strategic, and entrepreneurial fundraising leader to serve as Senior Director of Development for the College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS). This position provides leadership for a comprehensive major and principal gifts program, advances college and university fundraising priorities, and serves as the senior philanthropic partner for the Dean of CELS and advisor to the Graduate School of Oceanography (GSO) at the Narragansett Bay Campus.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Unit Development, the Senior Director of Development leads, plans, and executes a comprehensive fundraising program for CELS. The Senior Director manages a portfolio of approximately 125+ major and principal gift prospects and donors, primarily focused on individuals with the capacity to make gifts of $100,000 or more. The position works closely with the Dean, Foundation leadership, faculty, advisory council members, and development colleagues to secure transformational philanthropic support for student success, faculty excellence, research, innovation, experiential learning, and capital priorities. The Senior Director also provides leadership, mentoring, and strategic direction for development staff assigned to CELS and GSO and plays a key role in university-wide campaign initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Major Gift Development

  • Serve as the senior development leader for CELS and provide strategic leadership for a comprehensive, donor-centered fundraising program aligned with College and University priorities.
  • Collaborate with the Dean to identify, articulate, and advance philanthropic priorities; establish annual and long-term fundraising goals; and foster a culture of philanthropy among alumni, faculty, students, and external partners.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for a portfolio of 125+ major and principal gift prospects and donors.
  • Personally solicit and close major and principal gifts, including annual, major, planned, capital, and endowment commitments.
  • Develop solicitation and closure strategies aligned with College priorities, University campaign objectives, and Foundation fundraising goals.
  • Partner with the Gift Planning Office to develop strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding planned gift donors.
  • Partner with Principal Gifts leadership to identify and advance high-capacity prospects capable of transformational philanthropic investments.
  • Review, analyze, and expand prospect pools to ensure an effective pipeline of major and principal gift opportunities.
  • Advise the Dean on prospect management issues, fundraising opportunities, and strategies that enhance the College’s philanthropic success.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Lead, mentor, and coach development staff assigned to CELS and GSO, ensuring achievement of performance expectations, professional development, and alignment with Foundation fundraising standards. Provide direct supervision for development staff supporting the GSO.
  • Provide strategic leadership and support for the Dean’s Advisory Council, including member recruitment, onboarding, engagement, fundraising participation, and stewardship.
  • Prepare and oversee proposals, briefing materials, stewardship reports, and engagement strategies for senior university leaders, volunteers, and board members.
  • Coordinate donor engagement activities involving the Dean and other academic leaders, including visit planning, follow-up, and stewardship.
  • Represent CELS and URIF at internal and external events and participate in signature university events that create opportunities for strategic donor engagement.

CELS/GSO Stewardship & Operations

  • Coordinate prospect strategies with Foundation leadership, principal gifts, corporate and foundation relations, annual giving, donor relations, alumni engagement, communications, and gift planning staff.
  • Partner with Donor Relations to ensure exemplary stewardship of named funds, endowments, and current-use gifts.
  • Respond proactively to emerging fundraising opportunities and contribute to Foundation-wide initiatives, campaign planning, and cross-unit collaborations.
  • Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions, strategies, proposals, and outcomes within the Foundation’s prospect management system.

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, preferably in higher education or a similarly complex nonprofit environment.
  • Demonstrated success in securing major gifts of $100,000+ and experience managing principal gift prospects.
  • Demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking, initiative, sound judgment, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively in a complex and collaborative environment.
  • Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills are required.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, lead teams, build relationships with high-level donors and volunteers, and achieve ambitious fundraising goals.
  • Some travel and evening/weekend work required.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, CRM/prospect management systems, and web-based applications required.

Preferred Education and Experience

  • Experience leading staff, campaign initiatives, advisory boards, or fundraising teams strongly preferred.

Salary: $130,000 to $140,000 commensurate with experience.


Join the URI Foundation team!

We offer competitive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off, and unparalleled retirement savings programs. Join our team of talented, mission-driven advancement professionals!

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, making decisions based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic characteristics, or any other characteristic protected by law.