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Strategic Development Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

For The People

Development Director

Oakland, CA · On-site

$135K - $155K/yr

This is an opportunity to build and strengthen the systems, relationships, and strategies that sustain and expand FTP's impact. Working alongside the CEO, the Development Director will drive efforts ...

For The People

Development Director

Oakland, CA

This is an opportunity to build and strengthen the systems, relationships, and strategies that sustain and expand FTP's impact. Working alongside the CEO, the Development Director will drive efforts ...

For The People

Development Director

Oakland, CA · On-site

This is an opportunity to build and strengthen the systems, relationships, and strategies that sustain and expand FTPs impact. Working alongside the CEO, the Development Director will drive efforts ...

New Life Center

Development Director

Fargo, ND · On-site

Exempt Summary The Development Director serves as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team and provides strategic leadership for New Life Center's fundraising, donor engagement, volunteer ...

Reading Partners

Development Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$98K - $122K/yr

As a trusted advisor and strategic thought partner to the Executive Directors, the Development Director is a senior leader who catalyzes regional growth as a resource mobilizer, fundraising and ...

READING PARTNERS

Development Director

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

As a trusted advisor and strategic thought partner to the Executive Directors, the Development Director is a senior leader who catalyzes regional growth as a resource mobilizer, fundraising and ...

Destiny Arts Center

Development Director

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$135K - $145K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY The Development Director is a strategic fundraising leader responsible for growing Destiny's philanthropic revenue, with a primary focus on contributed income, major gifts ...

Destiny Arts Center

Development Director

Oakland, CA · On-site

$135K - $145K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY The Development Director is a strategic fundraising leader responsible for growing Destiny's philanthropic revenue, with a primary focus on contributed income, major gifts ...

The Posse Foundation

Development Director

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

The development director, in coordination with the site director and national development team will plan, manage, and coordinate the site's development efforts including building new strategies for ...

YMCA

Development Director

Darien, CT · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Are you an experienced Development Director? Apply now to lead our fundraising efforts, strengthen ... Lead and execute the YMCA's comprehensive fundraising strategy, including annual campaigns, major ...

Playworks

Development Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

ABOUT THE POSITION , The Development Director is part of a team of fundraisers and relationship ... As a trusted advisor and strategic thought partner to the ED, the Director is a senior leader in ...

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Strategic Development Director information

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$134.6K

$260K

How much do strategic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for strategic development director in the United States is $134,553.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,000.00 and $183,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Strategic Development Director vs Business Development Manager?

AspectStrategic Development DirectorBusiness Development Manager
Primary FocusLong-term strategic growth and market positioningShort-term sales and client acquisition
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Business, MBA often preferredBachelor's in Business, Marketing, or related field
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level meetings, strategic planning sessionsClient meetings, sales presentations, networking events
Industry UsageCorporate strategy, large enterprises, consulting firms

The Strategic Development Director focuses on shaping the company's long-term growth strategies, while the Business Development Manager concentrates on immediate sales opportunities and client relationships. Both roles require strong business acumen and industry knowledge, but differ mainly in scope and time horizon.

What does a director of strategic development do?

A director of strategic development is responsible for identifying growth opportunities, developing long-term strategies, and aligning business initiatives with organizational goals. They analyze market trends, collaborate with executive teams, and often use tools like SWOT analysis to inform decision-making. This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and industry knowledge.

How much does a strategy director make in the US?

A strategy director in the US typically earns between $100,000 and $180,000 annually, with the median salary around $130,000. Compensation varies based on industry, experience, location, and company size, and may include bonuses and benefits.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, roles such as Chief Executive Officers, investment bankers, specialized surgeons, and certain senior technology executives can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced education, and leadership responsibilities, often involving performance bonuses and stock options.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Strategic Development Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Strategic Development Director, you need expertise in strategic planning, business development, financial analysis, and a relevant degree such as an MBA. Familiarity with CRM platforms, market research tools, and data analytics systems is often required, along with certifications like PMP or Six Sigma being advantageous. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills help build strong partnerships and drive organizational growth. These competencies are critical for identifying opportunities, guiding teams, and ensuring long-term business success.

How much money should a development director raise?

A Development Director is responsible for raising funds aligned with organizational goals, often targeting specific revenue benchmarks such as millions of dollars annually for large nonprofits or corporations. The exact amount varies based on the organization's size, sector, and fundraising strategy, and the role typically involves managing donor relationships, grant applications, and fundraising campaigns.

What are some common challenges faced by Strategic Development Directors, and how can they be effectively managed?

Strategic Development Directors often navigate challenges such as aligning diverse stakeholder interests, adapting to rapidly changing market conditions, and ensuring strategic initiatives deliver tangible results. Success in this role requires strong communication skills to facilitate collaboration across departments, proactive market research to anticipate trends, and the ability to prioritize initiatives that align with long-term organizational goals. Building cross-functional relationships and fostering a culture of agility can help address these challenges and drive sustained growth.

What does a Strategic Development Director do?

A Strategic Development Director is responsible for shaping and implementing an organization's long-term vision and growth strategies. They analyze market trends, identify new business opportunities, and work closely with senior leadership to set goals that drive the company forward. Their role often includes overseeing mergers and acquisitions, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring initiatives align with the company’s objectives. Effective Strategic Development Directors combine analytical skills with leadership to guide their organizations toward sustained success.
What cities are hiring for Strategic Development Director jobs? Cities with the most Strategic Development Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Strategic Development jobs? The most popular types of Strategic Development jobs are:
What states have the most Strategic Development Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Strategic Development Director jobs include:
Strategic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Strategic Development Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,553 per year, or $64.7 per hour.

Development Director

For The People

Oakland, CA • On-site

$135K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

FOR THE PEOPLE
Development Director - Job Description
For The People (FTP) is the national nonprofit working with prosecutors to identify people in prison who can be safely released, reuniting families and strengthening communities for generations to come. We work with elected prosecutors to reevaluate past sentences and, where it can be shown that a current sentence is no longer in the interest of justice, we support the prosecuting agencies through the resentencing and prison release process. To learn more, visit fortheppl.org.
About the Position
We are seeking a Development Director to lead For The People's fundraising and development strategy during an exciting period of growth. This is an opportunity to build and strengthen the systems, relationships, and strategies that sustain and expand FTP's impact. Working alongside the CEO, the Development Director will drive efforts to identify, engage, augment, and steward our funders and funding streams as FTP continues to grow and expand.
The Development Director will collaborate closely with leaders across the organization to align fundraising strategy with programmatic priorities, organizational goals, and long-term growth plans. The Development Director will play a key role in helping FTP achieve its fundraising objectives while continuing to strengthen the organization's development function. The successful candidate will bring a fresh perspective and be a creative and strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial spirit, a growth mindset, and a passion for FTP's mission and values.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy Development
  • Lead the development and execution of FTP's annual fundraising strategy in support of the organization's strategic priorities, long-term sustainability, and growth.
  • Partner with the CEO and organizational leaders to identify funding opportunities, establish fundraising goals, and develop plans to achieve them.
  • Grow and diversify FTP's funding streams, including foundation, individual, corporate, and public-sector support.
  • Partner with teams across the organization to identify compelling stories, case studies, impact data, and organizational priorities that strengthen fundraising strategies, proposals, and donor communications.
  • Strengthen board engagement in fundraising, stewardship, and ambassador activities.

Funder Prospecting, Cultivation and Stewardship
  • Build and manage a robust funding pipeline that ensures diverse funding streams for stable, long-term funding.
  • Lead cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and renewal efforts for major donors and institutional funders, partnering closely with the CEO on priority relationships.
  • Grow FTP's giving program through donor engagement strategies, giving campaigns, and fundraising events.
  • Expand FTP's portfolio of foundation, corporate, and government funding opportunities.
  • Provide strategic briefings for the CEO in advance of key funder meetings and opportunities.
  • Lead the development of compelling proposals, applications, and reports, serving as both a strategic thought partner and hands-on contributor.
  • Partner with the Communications Team, and other FTP teams as appropriate, to develop fundraising materials.

Development Operations, Analytics & Reporting
  • Build and oversee development systems, processes, and reporting to support effective donor management, stewardship, and revenue tracking.
  • Partner with the Finance Team on revenue forecasting, grant tracking, and financial reporting related to philanthropic funding.
  • Monitor fundraising performance and regularly communicate progress toward goals, key metrics, opportunities, challenges, and strategic recommendations to the CEO, the CFO, and Board, as appropriate.
  • Oversee all reporting requirements for donors/funders, ensuring reports are completed accurately, thoughtfully, and on time.
  • Continuously evaluate and improve FTP's fundraising strategies, systems, and practices to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

Team Leadership & Management
  • Manage, develop, and support members of the Development Team.
  • Manage and coordinate external consultants and contractors to support development priorities and fundraising initiatives.
  • Establish priorities, workflows, and accountability across development activities.
  • Partner closely with the Senior Executive Assistant & Development Manager to ensure strong coordination of donor engagement, stewardship, and development priorities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • A deep passion for FTP's mission to reduce the number of people serving excessive sentences across the nation, end institutional racism, and restore human dignity to the incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and all who are impacted by the criminal justice system.
  • 9+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or philanthropy.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience required; advanced degree a plus.
  • Proven success developing and executing fundraising strategies and operations that have grown and diversified philanthropic revenue.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing and developing staff while fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Experience partnering closely with executive leadership and serving as a trusted advisor on fundraising strategy and organizational growth.
  • Demonstrated success cultivating, securing, and stewarding major philanthropic support from foundations, individuals, corporations, and other institutional funders.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with a clear, concise, and compelling communication style.
  • Deep experience developing compelling grant proposals and funding applications.
  • Demonstrated ability to build effective strategies, and use data, statistics and metrics to execute and achieve goals.
  • Demonstrated ability to secure awards, fellowships, and corporate giving.
  • An entrepreneurial, roll-up-your-sleeves approach, with enthusiasm for contributing across every stage of the fundraising cycle.
  • Demonstrated Experience using Salesforce CRM for fundraising. Familiarity with GrantHub (a plus).

Location
We believe there is great value in working and collaborating face-to-face; therefore, our preference is to have the Development Director located in California and able to work in our Oakland office a minimum of 2 days per week. However, we are open to considering a flexible arrangement for the right candidate.
Benefits
  • Salary of $135,000-$155,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications
  • 100%-paid benefits package for the employee, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, holidays and paid time off
  • 25 paid hours for professional development/coaching
  • Option to enroll in 403(b) retirement plan

How To Apply
Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
Submit the information below at: https://fortheppl.bamboohr.com/jobs/
  1. a resume;
  2. a cover letter that describes why you are interested in the role, your qualifications, and specifics regarding your experience and successes in prior development roles;
  3. 3 references from people familiar with your qualifications.

Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and Equity Statement
FTP works every day to serve justice and that begins with our team. We are inclusive. We celebrate multiple approaches and points of view. We believe diversity drives creativity, understanding and effectiveness, so we are continuing to build a culture where difference is not only valued but sought after. We strive to create a team that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full authentic selves to work.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States to be considered for this role.
Request for Accommodations
If you require accommodations to review and/or apply for this position, please contact For The People at info@fortheppl.org and appropriate accommodations will be provided.
For the People is an Equal Opportunity Employer and wants our staff to reflect the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including formerly incarcerated and/or system-involved individuals. We look at each applicant's full experience and consider each applicant. We encourage people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system and its impacts are strongly encouraged to apply.

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