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Program Development Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Development Director

Golden, CO · On-site

$104K - $118K/yr

The Development Director oversees a Development team of two. This position is directly responsible ... Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of the AAC's individual giving program, including annual ...

As the Development Director, you'll serve as a key member of the leadership team and partner ... This role offers an exciting opportunity to build upon an already successful development program ...

The Development Director will work closely with the Principal/Head of Schools and an engaged Board ... DESA's programs, student opportunities, and institutional priorities. Together, these entities ...

Job Title Duet, Director of Program Development Hours Required 40 and Hours The Director of Program Development oversees specialized Clinical Programs and ensures regulatory compliance to support ...

Ensure development of strong corporate donor engagement opportunities that are aligned with program ... Work with Executive Director on opportunities to highlight the local and global work of IRC.

Summary The Development Director is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for ... Provide strategic oversight for donor programs, ensuring effective cultivation, solicitation ...

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Program Development Director information

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$29.5K

$78.2K

$137K

How much do program development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for program development director in the United States is $78,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a program development director do?

A Program Development Director is responsible for overseeing the creation, expansion, and management of an organization’s programs or services. They identify opportunities for new programs, seek funding or partnerships, and ensure that existing programs meet organizational goals and community needs. Their duties often include strategic planning, budgeting, evaluating program effectiveness, and leading teams. This role is crucial for driving growth and ensuring programs align with the organization's mission.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program development director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Development Director, you need expertise in strategic planning, program design, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field and several years of leadership experience. Familiarity with grant writing software, budgeting tools, and data analysis systems is commonly required. Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder relationship-building skills set top performers apart. These capabilities are crucial for designing impactful programs, securing resources, and ensuring successful implementation and outcomes.

What are some typical challenges a program development director faces when launching new initiatives, and how can they be addressed?

Program Development Directors often encounter challenges such as aligning new initiatives with organizational goals, securing stakeholder buy-in, and managing cross-functional teams. Effective communication and strategic planning are crucial to overcoming these obstacles. Building strong relationships with key stakeholders and regularly evaluating program metrics can help ensure successful implementation and continuous improvement of new programs.

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

AspectProgram Development DirectorProgram Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple programs, develops strategic plans, manages teams, and aligns programs with organizational goals.Manages specific projects or programs, ensures project delivery, and coordinates activities within a program.
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in related field, experience in program planning, leadership skills.Bachelor’s degree, project management experience, often certifications like PMP.
Work EnvironmentStrategic, leadership-focused, often in office settings or remote leadership roles.Operational, detail-oriented, often in office or on-site project locations.

The Program Development Director focuses on strategic oversight and long-term planning across multiple programs, while the Program Manager handles day-to-day project execution within specific programs. Both roles require strong organizational skills and relevant credentials, but their scope and focus differ significantly.

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Infographic showing various Program Development Director job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,196 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Development Director

Golden, CO • On-site

American Alpine Club
Non-Profits • 1 - 10 employees

$104K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

FLSA Code: Exempt
Organizational Size: 20-35 staff
Compensation: $104,000 - $118,000
The Development Director leads and executes comprehensive fundraising strategies that advance the American Alpine Club's mission and long-term sustainability. Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, this role is both strategic and hands-on - responsible for designing and implementing AAC's development strategy and tactics across individual giving, planned giving, corporate partnerships, and foundation and grants support, while personally managing a portfolio of major donors. The Development Director oversees a Development team of two.
This position is directly responsible for approximately $2 million in annual revenue. The Development Director oversees all philanthropic revenue streams, strengthens donor stewardship practices and development systems, and plays a central role in expanding AAC's philanthropic capacity in alignment with its strategic priorities.
The ideal candidate is a strategic, relationship-driven fundraiser and leader with demonstrated success across multiple giving channels. They bring strong planning and organizational skills, a donor-centered mindset, and the ability to work collaboratively across teams. Experience in the outdoor, recreation, or conservation sectors is a plus but not required.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy
  • Design and execute a comprehensive development strategy aligned with AAC's strategic priorities and annual revenue targets.
  • Drive revenue growth across individual donors, corporate partners, foundations, and grants - identifying and pursuing opportunities to diversify and expand fundraising streams.
  • Develop, document, and refine policies and procedures to ensure clarity, efficiency, and accountability across Development.
  • Build and manage the development budget; lead revenue forecasting, tracking, and compliance reporting in partnership with Finance and Operations.
  • Set clear performance targets and timelines for each giving channel and implement dashboards and metrics to assess progress and adjust strategies in real time.

Individual Giving and Donor Portfolio
  • Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of the AAC's individual giving program, including annual giving, mid-level and major donor engagement, planned giving, and direct response campaigns, with responsibility for achieving annual revenue and pipeline goals.
  • Manage, coach, and support the Individual Giving Officer, providing clear priorities, goals, portfolio strategy, and accountability while ensuring effective coordination between annual, mid-level, and major giving efforts.
  • Maintain a personal portfolio of high-value major donors and prospects, with direct responsibility for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, including personally making and closing five- and six-figure gifts and developing multi-year and transformational giving opportunities.
  • Develop and oversee a comprehensive donor stewardship strategy that strengthens relationships, increases retention, creates opportunities for donor upgrades, and drives sustainable year-over-year growth in individual giving.
  • Develop compelling philanthropic opportunities and donor strategies that connect individual donors with AAC priorities, including grants, programs, facilities, publications, and other organizational needs.
  • Guide the development of donor-facing materials, including proposals, impact reports, stewardship communications, and solicitation materials, ensuring they clearly communicate the AAC's mission, impact, and opportunities for philanthropic investment.
  • Use fundraising data and portfolio metrics to monitor performance, identify gaps and opportunities, and regularly adjust strategies to ensure individual giving goals are met.

Corporate Partnerships
  • Manage and grow the AAC's portfolio of corporate partners, including outreach, proposal development, reporting, and relationship stewardship.
  • Identify and pursue new corporate partnership opportunities aligned with AAC's mission, programs, and audience, including endemic and non-endemic opportunities.
  • Develop sponsorship and partnership packages that offer compelling value to corporate partners while advancing organizational goals.
  • Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to ensure appropriate brand integration and visibility for corporate partners.

Grants and Foundation Support
  • Manage AAC's foundation and grants opportunities, ensuring timely submission of letters of inquiry, proposals, reports, and renewal applications.
  • Research and identify new foundation funding prospects.
  • Write and submit high-quality grant proposals and reports in collaboration with program staff and leadership.
  • Build and maintain relationships with program officers at key foundations to position AAC for long-term funding partnerships.

Reporting & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Maintain the integrity and effective use of AAC's CRM (Salesforce) for donor tracking, portfolio management, and reporting, including processes for gift acknowledgments and donor communication workflows, in concert with IT and operations.
  • Work closely across teams to align fundraising content, storytelling, and donor communications with AAC's brand and strategic priorities.
  • Partner with Finance and Programs staff to ensure accurate gift processing, fund tracking, and compliance with donor intent and grant restrictions.
  • Support the VP of Advancement and Executive Director in engaging board members as fundraising ambassadors, helping them leverage their networks for cultivation and solicitation.
  • Foster a culture of philanthropy, creativity, collaboration, and effectiveness.

Qualifications and Competencies
  • 6+ years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, with demonstrated success; proven ability to supervise, coach, and support staff (preferred 3+ years of management experience).
  • Familiarity with DAFs, QCDs, and other planned giving vehicles. Experience with mid-level or major gift programs. CFRE certification is a plus.
  • Proven ability to personally cultivate, solicit, and close gifts at the five- and six-figure level.
  • Demonstrated ability to design and execute a fundraising strategy, manage a development budget, and use data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.
  • Commitment to AAC's mission and values.

Work Environment and Travel
  • 75% Desk-Based Work: Work using Google Workspace, Slack, Salesforce.
  • 25% Travel and In-Person Engagement: Includes donor visits, events, conferences, and in-person team gatherings.

Benefits
The AAC currently offers a comprehensive benefits package including employer-paid medical (with reproductive and gender-affirming care), HSA, dental, vision, life, AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, a wellness program, a matching 401k retirement plan, flexible work scheduling, pro deals, generous paid time off, and bonding leave. Benefits are reviewed annually and changed as needed. Team members are notified when any benefit changes occur.
How to Apply
All who love the AAC mission are encouraged to apply, including people of color, Black, Indigenous, transgender, and non-binary people. Apply online. No phone calls or emails, please. Cover letters are required. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those who apply by September 15, 2026. Candidates will not be contacted prior to the priority deadline.
The AAC is an equal-opportunity employer. Your gender, religion, sexual orientation, skin color, first language, marital status, and body size and ability do not factor into employment decisions here.
If you love our mission and are good at what you do, come as you are.
A note about applying: our position descriptions outline general needs for a role, but these are not set rules. If you meet more than two-thirds of the suggested skills, we encourage you to apply. Include any applicable experience, both paid and volunteered, that helped you build these competencies.
About the AAC
Founded in 1902, the American Alpine Club (AAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing climbers with resources that advance knowledge, inspiration, and advocacy. Through our rescue benefit and medical expense coverage, climbing and grief grants, campgrounds, and discounts, we are committed to empowering our members. We share knowledge and inspiration through the American Alpine Journal, Accidents in North American Climbing, and preserving climbing history in the AAC Library and Archives. Finally, we advocate for our members and the places we climb by breaking down barriers to climbing and seeking to preserve our climbing landscapes and public lands nationally and locally. At the AAC, we are connected through our passion for climbing. United We Climb.