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Foundation Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Foundation Development information

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$33K

$77.4K

$133K

How much do foundation development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation development in the United States is $77,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $90,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges someone might face when working in Foundation Development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Foundation Development often encounter challenges such as building and maintaining donor relationships, meeting fundraising targets, and coordinating across various departments. Navigating donor expectations and effectively communicating the foundation's mission requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills. To address these challenges, it's important to stay organized, leverage data-driven strategies, and collaborate closely with program staff and leadership to align fundraising efforts with organizational goals. Proactive relationship management and ongoing professional development can also help overcome common obstacles in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Foundation Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Foundation Development, you need expertise in fundraising, grant writing, donor relations, and a background in nonprofit or philanthropic management, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with donor management software (like Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce), CRM systems, and fundraising certification (such as CFRE) is highly valued. Strong communication, relationship-building, and strategic planning skills help you engage stakeholders and inspire support. These abilities are crucial for securing financial resources, fostering donor trust, and advancing the foundation’s mission.

What is Foundation Development?

Foundation Development refers to the process of establishing, managing, and growing nonprofit organizations known as foundations. This involves fundraising, donor relations, strategic planning, grant writing, and overseeing charitable programs to fulfill the foundation’s mission. Professionals in foundation development work to secure funding, build partnerships, and ensure the foundation's long-term sustainability and impact. The role requires strong communication and organizational skills, as well as a passion for philanthropy and community service.

What is the difference between Foundation Development vs Foundation Repair?

AspectFoundation DevelopmentFoundation Repair
Primary FocusConstructing new foundations for buildings and structuresFixing and stabilizing existing foundations
Required CredentialsEngineering degrees, construction certificationsEngineering or construction certifications, specialized repair training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, new building projectsExisting structures, repair sites
Industry UsageConstruction, civil engineeringBuilding maintenance, structural engineering

Foundation Development involves constructing new foundations for buildings, focusing on design and installation. Foundation Repair centers on diagnosing and fixing issues in existing foundations to ensure stability. While both roles require engineering knowledge and construction skills, Foundation Development is about creating new structures, whereas Foundation Repair is about restoring existing ones.

More about Foundation Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Foundation Development jobs? Cities with the most Foundation Development job openings:
What states have the most Foundation Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Foundation Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Foundation Development job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,438 per year, or $37.2 per hour.
Senior Development Associate, Hawaii Island

Senior Development Associate, Hawaii Island

University of Hawaii Foundation

Hilo, HI • On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Title: Senior Development Associate

Department: Development

FLSA Status: Full-Time Exempt

Annual Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000


About the University of Hawai’i Foundation:

The University of Hawaiʻi Foundation was established in 1955 to encourage private support for the University of Hawaiʻi. Today it is the central fundraising organization for the UH System and is contracted by the Board of Regents to be the sole provider of fundraising and alumni services. In addition to fundraising, the Foundation manages more than 7000 gift accounts for the benefit of the university and its students.

The UH Foundation is a private, institutionally related corporation designated as a 501(c)(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service. It is a legally separate entity from the University of Hawaiʻi, the UH Alumni Association, and all other UH affiliates. However, the UH Foundation works closely with these organizations, as well as with others in the community, exclusively for the benefit of the university.

Our Vision

To inspire giving and partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi by fostering UH pride and passion among donors, alumni and the community.

Our Mission

To unite donors' passions with the University of Hawaiʻi's aspirations by raising philanthropic support and managing private investments to benefit UH, the people of Hawaiʻi and our future generations.

Our Values

Our values shape our relationships and guide our thinking and actions. By living our values, we build trust with our fellow employees, our donors, the university and the broader community.

Position Summary:

The Senior Development Associate is a key member of the University of Hawai‘i Foundation (UH Foundation) Development team, primarily focused on identifying, engaging, soliciting and stewarding prospective donors for leadership annual gifts and major gifts that support the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo (UH Hilo) and Hawai‘i Community College (Hawai‘i CC). The Senior Development Associate will close gifts and steward donors so that positive and mutually beneficial relationships continue.

Based at the UH Hilo and Hawai‘i CC campuses, the Senior Development Associate may need to visit areas of the University campus, as well as locations in and around Hawai‘i Island. The Senior Development Associate may need to work weekends or evenings and may exceed a 40-hour work week to fulfill the demands of the position. The Senior Development Associate must be able and willing to travel interisland or nationally upon request.


Reports to:

Director of Development, Hawai‘i Island


Unit Focus:

  • UH Hilo
  • Hawai‘i CC


Duties & Responsibilities:

Development and Fundraising (60%)

Development Support (40%)


Development and Fundraising Responsibilities:

  • Build and actively manage a portfolio of 35-40 leadership annual and major gift prospects.
  • Identify, cultivate and solicit prospective donors with a focus on leadership annual gifts of $5,000-$10,000, including some major gifts of $25,000 and above. The Senior Development Associate is expected to make appointments for personal visits with prospects that ultimately lead to gift solicitations.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues throughout development and across UH to identify new prospects and strategically cultivate alumni, parents and friends.
  • Meet annual and campaign goals, as set by UH Foundation in coordination with UH. These include goals related to the number of visits, number of solicitations, and gifts raised.
  • Participate actively and consistently in the UH Foundation Prospect Management Process: file timely (monthly) prospect clearance requests for cultivation and solicitation; provide monthly schedules of prospect appointment; file timely (monthly) contact reports on prospects; communicate with all team members on each assigned prospect; develop written strategies and adhere to scheduled strategy for the cultivation and closing of gifts within fundraising focus.
  • Develop a clear understanding of unit focus, its strengths and philanthropic opportunities; development cooperative working relationships with development officers, faculty, staff, administrators, UH leadership and UHF leadership.
  • Work as a positive and productive member of the UH Foundation Development Team for the benefit of UH.
  • Work closely with constituents to ensure effective coordination of effort with their programs and activities in creating and implementing gift prospect strategies.
  • Assist with additional development functions assigned.


Development Support Responsibilities:

  • Organize and facilitate meetings, schedule and coordinate dates, times, venues, attendance, agenda, and facilities, compile briefings or takes notes when necessary and provide administrative support and follow-up on matters arising from internal, external and donor meetings and gifts.
  • Prepare for meetings and other activities, then document and organize the follow-up requirements at the end of these activities.
  • Research, draft, and edit written communications that may include briefing materials for meetings and events, proposals, reports, and correspondence.
  • Gather, assemble and refine material and data required for correspondence, memorandums, reports, or other material.


Job Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • A minimum of one year of progressive experience in non-profit organizations, especially in alumni, development, education, or membership settings, is preferred.
  • Experience and demonstrated success in developing major gift strategies, soliciting and closing gifts and developing recommendations for stimulating interest in the organization’s program is preferred.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license as well as pass a background check including driving record upon offer of employment. A reliable mode of transportation is required.


Essential Functions:

  • Ability to sit at a desk and use a computer for extended periods of time.
  • Occasional standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting of light office items up to 25 lbs.
  • Ability to operate general office equipment such as a computer, printer, photocopier, scanner, phone system, etc.
  • Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to use office equipment and handle paperwork.
  • Visual acuity to read printed and electronic documents and computer screens.
  • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing so others will understand.
  • Hearing and speaking abilities for in-person, phone, and video conversations.




Benefits:

UHF voluntarily pays 100% of the following –

  • 10% 403(b) contributions after 7 months of employment. This is automatic and NOT dependent on the employee making any contributions. PLUS, ALL contributions are 100% immediately vested!
  • Term life insurance
  • AD&D insurance
  • Short term disability insurance
  • Long term disability insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement after 1 year of employment
  • Employee assistance program
  • Generous PTO and paid holidays


UHF voluntarily provides the following in which the company and employees share the cost –

  • Health, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Free parking after 5 years of service


Other benefits available for employees to purchase –

  • Medical Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Insurance coverage for spouse and/or children
  • Critical care insurance
  • Legal insurance
  • Pet insurance