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Nonprofit Development Director Jobs in Reston, VA

The Dream Project has been designated "One of the Best" Nonprofits in the greater Washington DC ... The Development Director is also supported by the Business Manager and Program Manager and will ...

The Dream Project has been designated "One of the Best" Nonprofits in the greater Washington DC ... The Development Director is also supported by the Business Manager and Program Manager and will ...

The Development Director will work closely with the Principal/Head of Schools and an engaged Board ... The Ellington Fund , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, serves as the primary fundraising partner supporting ...

Development Director

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

A Wider Circle, a social service nonprofit serving the DMV region, is seeking a Director of Development who works in partnership with the CEO and organizational leadership and leads the organization ...

The Development Director will work closely with the Principal/Head of Schools and an engaged Board ... The Ellington Fund , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, serves as the primary fundraising partner supporting ...

Development Director

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$100 - $120/hr

A Wider Circle, a social service nonprofit serving the DMV region, is seeking a Director of Development who works in partnership with the CEO and organizational leadership and leads the organization ...

Development Director

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

A Wider Circle, a social service nonprofit serving the DMV region, is seeking a Director of Development who works in partnership with the CEO and organizational leadership and leads the organization ...

SRC, Inc. is seeking a senior-level Business Development Director to lead strategic growth across ... SRC, Inc., a not-for-profit research and development company, combines information, science ...

SRC, Inc. is seeking a senior-level Business Development Director to lead strategic growth across ... SRC, Inc., a not-for-profit research and development company, combines information, science ...

SRC, Inc. is seeking a senior-level Business Development Director to lead strategic growth across ... SRC, Inc., a not-for-profit research and development company, combines information, science ...

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Nonprofit Development Director information

See Reston, VA salary details

$16.6K

$99.6K

$185.2K

How much do nonprofit development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for nonprofit development director in Reston, VA is $99,571.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $119,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a nonprofit development director do?

A Nonprofit Development Director is responsible for planning and implementing strategies to raise funds and resources for a nonprofit organization. This role involves overseeing fundraising campaigns, building relationships with donors, managing grant applications, and coordinating events. They also work closely with the executive team to set fundraising goals and ensure the organization has the financial support needed to fulfill its mission.

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

To thrive as a Nonprofit Development Director, you need expertise in fundraising strategy, donor relations, grant writing, and a strong understanding of nonprofit management, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in development roles. Familiarity with donor management software (such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce), CRM systems, and fundraising analytics tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills set top performers apart in this position. These skills are crucial to building sustainable funding streams and fostering mission-aligned partnerships that ensure organizational impact and growth.

What are some common challenges a nonprofit development director faces when building donor relationships?

One common challenge for Nonprofit Development Directors is establishing trust and long-term relationships with donors in a competitive fundraising environment. Balancing personalized attention with a large portfolio of prospects can be demanding, as can aligning donor interests with organizational needs. Additionally, Development Directors often need to collaborate closely with program staff and leadership to ensure that fundraising messages are accurate and compelling. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong communication skills, strategic planning, and adaptability.

What is the difference between Nonprofit Development Director vs Nonprofit Fundraising Manager?

AspectNonprofit Development DirectorNonprofit Fundraising Manager
Primary FocusStrategic development, long-term growth, and overall fundraising goalsExecuting specific fundraising campaigns and events
ResponsibilitiesBuilding donor relationships, creating development plans, overseeing fundraising staffManaging fundraising activities, coordinating campaigns, donor outreach
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree, experience in fundraising, and strong communication skillsSimilar credentials, often with experience in event planning and donor relations
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, strategic planning meetings, donor visitsEvent sites, community outreach, campaign coordination

The Nonprofit Development Director focuses on strategic planning and long-term growth of fundraising efforts, while the Nonprofit Fundraising Manager handles the day-to-day execution of fundraising activities. Both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, but their scope and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nonprofit Development jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Nonprofit Development jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Nonprofit Development Director jobs in Reston, VA?

For Nonprofit Development Director jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Nonprofit Development Director jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Nonprofit Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Nonprofit Development Director job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,571 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Development Director

Dream Project

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$6/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead the development and implementation of annual fundraising plans and goals in alignment with the strategic plan.

  • Develop initiatives to expand the individual donor base and cultivate high-level donors for gifts of $10,000+.

  • Research and cultivate potential foundation, corporate, and community donors, and create promotional materials to support fundraising activities.


Job description

Company Description
ABOUT THE DREAM PROJECT (https://www.dreamproject-va.org/about-us/)
Founded in 2010, the Dream Project's mission is to empower Virginia high school graduates whose immigration status creates barriers to post-secondary education. The Dream Project works with students to help them access, pay for and succeed in college.
For the 2021-22 academic year we have awarded 100 scholarships in the amount of $2,500, renewable annually for up to five years. We conduct an acclaimed mentoring program for high school juniors and seniors to help them navigate the opaque college application process, identify the right school, and apply for additional financial support. We also partner with Beyond 12 to provide our college students with coaching and support, as our students are the first in their families to attend college in the US. A part-time caseworker supports a well-funded loan and Covid-emergency relief fund and connects students to other community resources, and we have a partnership with George Mason University to provide subsidized mental health counseling. We provide general immigration advice to scholars and their parents, provide a supportive environment for parents and families and are actively involved in issue advocacy, especially in Northern Virginia.
The Dream Project has been designated "One of the Best" Nonprofits in the greater Washington DC area by the Catalogue for Philanthropy. Our 2021-2022 budget is $700,000. We are fortunate to have enjoyed phenomenal fundraising success and have substantial reserves.
Job Description
Reporting to and working in close partnership with the Executive Director (ED), the Development Director spearheads the Dream Project's fundraising efforts. The Development Director is also supported by the Business Manager and Program Manager and will collaborate with a passionate, involved and experienced Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
As we develop our 2022-2025 strategic plan, we envision a crucial role for an organized and motivated Development Director to allow us to expand and grow to meet the challenges of immigrant students. The position offers the opportunity to have a substantial impact on our scholars and their community and to imagine and develop new fundraising strategies and initiatives.
Candidates need not reside in the Northern Virginia/Washington DC metropolitan area. Travel to DC or Northern Virginia will be required.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Development Planning/Reporting and Leadership Engagement
  • Serves as an integral member of the Board's Fundraising Committee and leads the development and implementation of annual fundraising plans and goals as established by the Dream Project's three-year Strategic Plan
  • Reports to the ED and Board leadership on fundraising activities and progress toward goals
  • Creatively engages Board of Directors and Advisory Board members to leverage their networks in support of fundraising efforts

Direct Individual Fundraising
  • Develops initiatives and mechanisms to expand individual donor base at all levels
  • Identifies potential high-level donors and works with the ED and Board leadership to cultivate gifts of $10,000+
  • Grows and manages the Named Scholarship program (donors who pledge $2,500 per year for four years) through cultivation and stewardship
  • Imagines, creates and implements fundraising events
  • Leads stewardship activities to thank donors and keep them engaged in our mission
  • Works to elevate current donors to higher donation levels
  • Works with Business Manager to create and distribute annual donor mailings
  • Utilizes donor databases as maintained by our Business Manager using the Salesforce CRM platform

Institutional Donor Research/Engagement and Communications
  • Researches and cultivates potential foundation, corporate, local business, and faith community donors in order to expand these revenue streams, and reviews grant proposals as necessary
  • Works with ED to create publications and promotional materials that support fundraising activities, including the annual report and a monthly newsletter

Qualifications
CANDIDATE CHARACTERISTICS AND QUALIFICATIONS
  • Knowledge of the craft of fundraising and success in generating annual revenue in the nonprofit sector with three to five years experience
  • Experience building relationships and cultivating individuals for their support
  • Organizational and interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines
  • Oral and written communication abilities, including public speaking skills
  • Ability to communicate the stories, challenges and triumphs of our student community
  • Committed to working with a collaborative team and able to work closely with an activist Board of Directors
  • Occasional night and weekend work required (dinners, fundraising events, etc.)
  • Open and willing to pursue professional development opportunities
  • Spanish language a plus but not required

Additional Information
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The position is budgeted in the mid $60,000 range based on experience and track record with bonus potential for meeting or exceeding strategic plan goals. Benefits include health insurance, 401(k) plan and generous leave policy.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Qualified applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter describing professional goals and interest in the Dream Project's mission. Please submit all material by January 21, 2022 for full consideration.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.