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Project Development Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Development Director

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$109.42 - $117.35/hr

Job Overview:** As the Development Director you will oversee the design, implementation, and monitoring of resource mobilization efforts in support of our mission. The specific areas of ...

Development Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

The Development Director will lead the community fundraising team potentially with 1-2 direct ... Proven ability to manage multiple projects with varying priorities at one time. * Excellent verbal ...

Showing results 21-40

Project Development Director information

See California salary details

$61.7K

$140.2K

$219.6K

How much do project development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development director in California is $140,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $148,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Project Development Director, you need expertise in project management, business development, strategic planning, and a relevant degree—often in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project or Asana), budgeting tools, and certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2 are highly advantageous. Leadership, negotiation, and strong interpersonal communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring project success, stakeholder alignment, and effective delivery of organizational goals.

What are some common challenges faced by a project development director when managing cross-functional teams?

Project Development Directors often work with diverse teams from various departments such as engineering, finance, marketing, and legal. One common challenge is aligning different priorities and communication styles to ensure everyone is working towards the same project goals. Additionally, balancing stakeholder expectations while managing tight deadlines and budget constraints can require strong negotiation and problem-solving skills. Successful Project Development Directors foster collaboration, set clear objectives, and proactively address potential conflicts to keep projects on track.

What does a project development director do?

A Project Development Director oversees the planning, execution, and completion of major projects within an organization. Their responsibilities include identifying project opportunities, managing budgets, coordinating teams, and ensuring projects align with organizational goals. They often serve as the main point of contact for stakeholders and are responsible for mitigating risks and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope. Effective leadership, strategic planning, and strong communication skills are essential for success in this role.

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

AspectProject Development DirectorProject Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple projects, strategic planning, and long-term development initiativesManages individual projects, coordinates teams, and ensures project deliverables
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in relevant fields, extensive experience in project planning and leadershipBachelor's degree, PMP or similar certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level, strategic meetings, cross-department collaborationOn-site or remote project teams, day-to-day project oversight

The Project Development Director focuses on strategic, high-level planning and oversees multiple projects, while the Project Manager handles the execution and daily management of individual projects. Both roles require strong leadership and industry knowledge, but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Project Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Project Development Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Project Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Project Development Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,214 per year, or $67.4 per hour.

Development Director

Her Data Project

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$109.42 - $117.35/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Development DirectorSkip to main contentWe use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and personalize content. Read about how we use cookies and how you can control them by visiting our Cookie Settings page. If you continue to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies# Careers at IRCDevelopment Director page is loaded## Development DirectorApplyremote type: Hybridlocations: Sacramento, CA USAtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: JR00004364The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.We are committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. We are a dedicated advocate for the most vulnerable.**Job Overview:** As the Development Director you will oversee the design, implementation, and monitoring of resource mobilization efforts in support of our mission. The specific areas of responsibility and oversight include: donor relations and reporting, collaboration with colleagues at IRC headquarters on a new collaborative fundraising structure for individual donors, outreach and prospecting to local corporate and private foundation donors, special events planning and oversight. As a member our region's senior leadership team, you will share responsibilities with other Directors for providing effective oversight over regional operations and good stewardship of resources. This is a full-time exempt position, reporting to the Executive Director of the Sacramento/Turlock region.**Major Responsibilities:** The Development Director works in close coordination with the Executive Director and local leadership to achieve the following goals:* Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan with specific and measurable goals and objectives for development of restricted and unrestricted funds.* Develop strategy for and execute special, restricted fundraising campaigns through digital and traditional channels, in partnership with HQ Mass Markets teams.* Cultivate national partnerships from companies and foundations based in the Sacramento/Central Valley region, in coordination with HQ-based Institutional Philanthropy & Partnerships team.* Support local high-value donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship in close collaboration with USA Philanthropy team.* Oversee the preparation of letters of inquiry, proposals, budgets and reports to local foundations and other potential donors in coordination with the Sacramento-Turlock grants team, office leadership and HQ counterparts.* Oversee joint initiatives with local programming to identify funding needs and create strategic plans to seek funding support for these needs.* Organize annual fundraisers and other special events as applicable.* Ensure development of strong corporate donor engagement opportunities that are aligned with program need and donor interest for national and local donors.* Serve as focal point and liaison for Sacramento-Turlock to HQ fundraising teams.* Provide high level oversight for the Sacramento-Turlock grants team.* Coordinate with Resource & Development Coordinators across the region to ensure consistency between volunteer and financial / in-kind support.* Assist in raising awareness about the IRC and representing the office at meetings, seminars, and forums.* Recruit, hire, train and supervise development-related interns and volunteers, when appropriate.* Maintain ongoing communication on status of resource development initiatives and provide timely reports on management issues and concerns.* Participate actively on Sacramento-Turlock’s Leadership Team and collaborate closely with management team to ensure efficient collaboration with all offices in the delivery of quality services* Work with Executive Director on opportunities to highlight the local and global work of IRC.* Other tasks as assigned.**Job Requirements:*** University degree (BA/BS) required; graduate degree in Development, Nonprofit Management or Business Management, or International Relations preferred* Minimum of five (5) years prior experience with leading fundraising, communications, public relations, and other development duties in the non-profit sector required* Impeccable attention to detail* Experience with Salesforce strongly preferred* Strong writing skills required* Strong donor network in the Sacramento/Central Valley region preferred* Demonstrated record of foundation and donor relations with successful development of private foundation grant proposals* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills: the ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with donors, volunteers, partner agencies, government officials, multi-cultural clients and colleagues on all levels. Demonstrated ability to work successfully in a multi-cultural environment.* Experience coordinating multiple partners and consensus building toward common goal.* Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (especially Word, Excel, Outlook) and internet research* Strong organizational, leadership and team-building skills with ability to promote productivity and efficiency**Working Environment:**Hybrid work with minimum 3x/week in office. Standard office environment. Some travel to other regional offices required as well as to various venues for events and for meeting with donors. Availability for non-traditional hours including weeknights and weekends on a limited basis required. **Compensation:** ($109,416 - $117,354). Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements. #J-18808-Ljbffr