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Project Development Director Jobs in Tempe, AZ (NOW HIRING)

The Development Content Manager reports to the Director of Philanthropy and works in partnership with the Project's Development Team, Communications Manager, Executive Director, staff, and Board of ...

Experience in planning, project development, scheduling, supervising, and managing civil ... Ability to guide, direct, and coordinate with multiple professionals involved in infrastructure ...

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Project Development Director information

See Tempe, AZ salary details

$60.8K

$138.2K

$216.4K

How much do project development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development director in Tempe, AZ is $138,198.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,800.00 and $145,900.00 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 Tempe, AZ? The most popular types of Project Development jobs in Tempe, AZ are:
What cities near Tempe, AZ are hiring for Project Development Director jobs? Cities near Tempe, AZ with the most Project Development Director job openings:

Director of Development, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering

Asuep

Tempe, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Director of Development, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering

The Director of Development is a fundraising professional with management responsibilities who designs and implements innovative programs to identify prospective major and/or principal gift donors and executes plans to qualify, cultivate, steward and solicit donors to secure and increase significant philanthropic support in partnership with other development staff, School/Unit Directors, deans and/or faculty and campus leadership, , aimed at assuring long-term financial support for the ASU Foundation and Arizona State University.

This position supports the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, which is the largest and most comprehensive engineering college in the nation, building engineers and inspiring innovators across the globe.

Specifically, the Director of Development will support the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment (SSEBE), one of the 8 schools within the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. SSEBE is home to degree programs in civil engineering, environmental engineering, sustainable engineering, construction engineering and construction management and technology.

What you'll do:
  • Creates and leads a coordinated program of fundraising and engagement activities designed to increase the number and level of annual, major and/or principal gift donors; sets direction and approach in partnership with ASU leader's vision in assigned area(s) of responsibility

  • Manages a personal major gift donor/prospect portfolio with a primary focus on securing gifts at or above $100,000 level and a personal fundraising goal of at least $1M in accordance with performance metrics

  • Leads a comprehensive unit or central development department/program; develops and executes strategies to involve campus leaders, alumni, friends, and volunteers to identify and cultivate new individual, corporate, institutional and/or foundation prospects on behalf of assigned area(s) of responsibility

  • Guided by the direction and scope of a prospect's interest, collaborates with various faculty, institute/center directors, and unit-based and foundation-based fundraisers to leverage the maximum philanthropic potential of a prospect

  • Guides the direction of written proposals, white papers, strategic plans, budgets, and other collateral materials as needed for securing significant ($100k+) philanthropic investments

  • High level of collaboration with both internal departments and broader University partners to identify common goals and develop, execute, and advance prospect and donor strategies and increase participation among high profile volunteers and donors (i.e., alumni engagement, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, development, donor relations, estate and gift planning, financial services, research, and prospect management, etc.)

  • Ensures the proper stewardship and recognition of donors in portfolio

  • Manages projects with moderate oversight; depending on area(s) of responsibility, may serve as a project manager for some complex, multilayered, university-wide proposals aimed at raising the higher gifts for a university campaign

  • Manages a team (may include staff and volunteers) with moderate oversight; provides leadership, determines and evaluates individual goals, develops and implements training and mentoring, monitors coverage of primary areas of focus ensuring that goals and objectives are attained

  • Motivates, develops and retains a high-performance team

  • Ensures compliance with prospect management guidelines for tracking and maintenance of contact and progress reporting

  • Within area(s) of responsibility, maintains up to date knowledge on key alumni and high-level donors, and/or oversees continuous research, development and up-to-date knowledge on prospects and works with other areas to coordinate contacts

  • Participates, as a member of the ASUF development team and serve as a resource to development colleagues

  • Sustains and elevates working relationships with deans, chairs, directors, and faculty members within area(s) of responsibility

What you'll need:
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with academic leadership, faculty, prospects, donors, and/or volunteers in a wide range of roles

  • Complex problem-solving skills coupled with the ability to conduct research, gather data, analyze information, and prepare effective, accurate, and timely reports and other documents to support development objectives

  • Strong knowledge and understanding of database management

  • Ability to successfully lead, coach and guide a team to achieve desired result

  • Ability to inquire about and understand organizational interests and needs, and determine how to persuade or market to that organization with compelling benefits

  • Ability to exercise good judgment, to demonstrate an understanding of ethics related to development activities, and to use discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others

  • Ability to foster effective working relationships within a team environment

  • Community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community

  • Knowledge offundraising techniques including proposal development, prospect identification, program planning, fund solicitation, database management, donor tracking, and social networking and marketing tools

  • Highly developed verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups

  • Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to Foundation and University business and confidential prospect information

  • Ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures and backgrounds

  • Ability to represent the institution well and possess an advocate's belief in the vision of ASU as the New American University

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable working in donor/prospect computer database systems

Relevant qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree

  • Five (5) years of successful professional development and/or fundraising experience with some management experience.

  • Or any equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved

  • Documented success in personally implementing sophisticated, multi-year cultivation strategies that use a relationship-building and moves management approach leading to successful gift closure

  • Demonstrated ability in securing major grants and gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other private funding sources

Preferred qualifications:
  • Advanced degree

  • Five (5) to seven (7) years of successful professional development and/or fundraising experience in higher education and 2 to 3 years of management experience.

  • Experience working in Salesforce and Workday

Benefits
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • 401(k) plan with matching employer contribution

  • 22 days of vacation time

  • 11 holidays, including your birthday

  • Parental leave

  • Significant tuition reductions

  • Professional development is highly valued at ASU Foundation, where employees are encouraged to look across the organization and nurture new areas of interest

  • $30 bi-weekly cell phone reimbursement

About ASU Foundation

The ASU Foundationfosters partnerships between ASU and like-minded individuals, corporations and foundations who believe in ASU's mission and provide resources for ASU to manifest its charter into meaningful impact. These partnerships empower ASU to advance student access, serve our community, protect the planet, create equity in higher education and conduct research for the public good.

At the ASU Foundation we value

Character
We prioritize character and integrity in every decision and action, establishing trust as the foundation of all that we do.

Service
We are dedicated to serving our students, donors, communities, and colleagues by fostering support and collaboration to ensure that our efforts are impactful.

Innovation
Innovation drives us to create meaningful opportunities and solutions, helping every member of our global community achieve meaningful outcomes.

The ASU Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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