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Strategic Development Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hyde Park Day School

Development Director

Chicago, IL

$95K - $145K/yr

Development Director Hyde Park Day School | Chicago, IL Hyde Park Day School (HPDS) is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Development Director to lead and expand a comprehensive fundraising and ...

JLM HR Consulting

Development Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K/yr

The Development Director will work closely with the Principal/Head of Schools and an engaged Board ... Key Responsibilities Strategy & Revenue Growth * Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising ...

JLM HR Consulting

Development Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K/yr

The Development Director will work closely with the Principal/Head of Schools and an engaged Board ... Key Responsibilities Strategy & Revenue Growth * Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising ...

UnCommon Law

Development Director

Oakland, CA · On-site

$126K - $165K/yr

About the Role The Development Director is a dynamic and strategic leader and team manager responsible for designing and leading UnCommon Law's comprehensive fundraising efforts to help grow and ...

Hyde Park Day School

Development Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $145K/yr

Development Director Hyde Park Day School | Chicago, IL Hyde Park Day School (HPDS) is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Development Director to lead and expand a comprehensive fundraising and ...

UnCommon Law

Development Director

Oakland, CA · On-site +1

$126K - $165K/yr

About the Role The Development Director is a dynamic and strategic leader and team manager responsible for designing and leading UnCommon Law's comprehensive fundraising efforts to help grow and ...

JLM HR Consulting

Development Director

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$110K/yr

The Development Director will work closely with the Principal/Head of Schools and an engaged Board ... Key Responsibilities Strategy & Revenue Growth * Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising ...

North Star Initiative

Development Director

Lititz, PA · On-site

Innovate fundraising strategies * Develop, implement and evaluate marketing programs to increase ... The Development Director shall perform all other tasks as determined by the Chief Executive Officer ...

Heart House

Development Director

Dallas, TX

Two direct reports (Marketing & Development Specialist, Community and Family Engagement Coordinator ... Develop and execute a strategic fundraising plan to meet or exceed annual revenue goals. * Identify ...

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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 Jun 26, 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 business strategies, and aligning organizational goals with market trends. They analyze industry data, collaborate with executive teams, and often use tools like SWOT analysis to guide decision-making. This role typically requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and experience in business planning.

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

In the US, roles such as Chief Executive Officers, Investment Bankers, and certain specialized surgeons can earn $500,000 or more annually. Executive leadership positions often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills, while high-level finance and medical roles typically involve demanding schedules and significant responsibility.

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.

Is being a BDM a stressful job?

Being a Business Development Manager (BDM) can be stressful due to targets, client negotiations, and workload management. The role often requires strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to handle pressure in a competitive environment.

How much money should a development director raise?

A Strategic Development Director typically aims to raise funds aligned with organizational goals, which can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars annually depending on the size and scope of the organization. Success in this role often depends on skills in donor relations, grant writing, and strategic planning, with expectations varying by sector and organization size.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,553 per year, or $64.7 per hour.
Development Director

Development Director

Hyde Park Day School

Chicago, IL

$95K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Development Director

Hyde Park Day School | Chicago, IL

Hyde Park Day School (HPDS) is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Development Director to lead and expand a comprehensive fundraising and engagement program that directly advances our mission: preparing students with learning disabilities for successful transitions into mainstream school environments.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role in a mission-driven, highly respected school community while building meaningful relationships with donors, families, alumni, and institutional partners.

About the Role

The Development Director is responsible for the design and execution of the school's overall development strategy, including annual giving, major gifts, capital campaign leadership, alumni engagement, events, and communications. This role partners closely with the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and key stakeholders to strengthen philanthropic support and ensure long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including the Annual Fund, major gifts, planned giving, corporate sponsorships, and a capital campaign currently in its early stages
  • Manage a portfolio of donors and cultivate strong, long-term relationships with individuals, families, alumni, foundations, and corporate partners
  • Partner with the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and campaign consultants to drive capital campaign planning and execution
  • Oversee donor engagement and stewardship strategies, ensuring thoughtful, timely, and personalized communication
  • Develop and expand alumni engagement initiatives to foster lifelong connection and philanthropic support
  • Plan and execute high-impact fundraising and community events, including the annual gala and donor recognition initiatives
  • Supervise and mentor development staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team
  • Oversee development communications, including newsletters, email campaigns, and digital content, ensuring alignment with the school's mission and voice
  • Manage the development budget and monitor performance against established goals
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or relevant certification preferred
  • Minimum of five (5) years of nonprofit development or fundraising experience, including leadership responsibility
  • Demonstrated success across multiple fundraising channels (annual giving, major gifts, campaigns, and events)
  • Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills
  • Strong organizational, strategic planning, and project management abilities
  • Proficiency with donor databases/CRMs and fundraising tools
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality
Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this position is $95,000 to $145,000 annually. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise.

Hyde Park Day School offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off; retirement plan with employer contributions; disability and life insurance; and additional employee support programs.

Why Hyde Park Day School

At HPDS, you will join a collaborative and mission-driven team dedicated to supporting students with learning disabilities through individualized, strengths-based education. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while helping shape the future of the school's philanthropic efforts.

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The Leslie Shankman School Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

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