Director, Development Jobs

Explore Director, Development opportunities on Ladders, where professionals can find vetted roles paying $100,000 or more. Directors of Development lead fundraising and advancement programs, build relationships with donors and partners, and help organizations turn strategic priorities into sustainable support.

What Does a Director of Development Do?

A Director of Development typically sets fundraising goals and plans, oversees campaigns and grant initiatives, and cultivates relationships with individual, corporate, and institutional supporters. Depending on the organization, the role may also guide donor communications, sponsorships, planned giving, special events, and development operations. Directors often manage staff and collaborate with executive leadership, finance, marketing, and program teams.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers commonly look for a record of meeting fundraising targets, strong relationship-building and communication skills, and the ability to develop and execute strategic plans. Experience with donor databases, budgets, campaign reporting, and team leadership may be important. Requirements vary by organization; some roles seek experience in a specific sector, such as nonprofits, higher education, healthcare, arts, or advocacy.

Director, Development Salary and Career Outlook

Compensation depends on factors such as organization type, location, scope of responsibility, and experience. Ladders focuses on vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more, making it easier to explore senior development roles at that compensation level. Career paths may lead to vice president of development, chief development officer, or other executive leadership positions.

Find Director, Development Jobs on Ladders

Browse Director, Development listings to compare leadership opportunities and find roles that fit your background and goals. Use filters to narrow your search by location, industry, and other preferences, and review each listing for its responsibilities and qualifications.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$176K - $212K *

Elevate your career by leading residential land development initiatives, driving project management, and fostering strategic partnerships in the Pacific Northwest. Collaborate with diverse teams to id...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$145K - $175K *

Grow your career with a leadership role overseeing project development teams, driving solar and energy storage initiatives from concept to execution. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure project s...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Lead the full lifecycle of commercial real estate investments, managing acquisitions, development, and leasing across diverse asset classes. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive project success and...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$350K - $500K+*

Drive the full development lifecycle for diverse projects, from site selection to stabilization. Lead a team, manage budgets, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery an...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$115K - $135K *

Engage in transformative fundraising efforts by developing and executing strategies to cultivate major donors, enhance community support, and lead impactful events that align with organizational prior...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in fundraising and donor engagement to advance strategic priorities. Collaborate with leadership to develop comprehensive strategies, manage donor relationships, and secure philanthrop...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$88K - $108K *

Join a team that's dedicated to cultivating high-level donor relationships and executing impactful fundraising strategies. Drive engagement through innovative events and personalized outreach to enhan...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$150K - $180K *

Transform renewable energy and data center projects from site selection to commercialization. Lead cross-functional teams, manage budgets, and engage with utilities to drive successful outcomes in the...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$135K - $200K *

Accelerate progress at a leading federal technology firm by strategically guiding a portfolio of cloud and software development programs, ensuring optimal performance and fostering key customer relati...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Drive impactful fundraising strategies that enhance donor relations, oversee grant applications, and manage communications. Collaborate with leaders to promote the organization’s mission and engage co...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$92K - $108K *

Engage in transformative fundraising efforts by cultivating major gift prospects. Collaborate with leadership to enhance alumni engagement and drive significant contributions, ensuring a vibrant acade...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$92K - $100K *

Grow your career by leading major gift fundraising efforts, engaging alumni and donors to secure significant contributions. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance giving strategies and foster meani...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$332K - $469K *

Drive strategic leadership in drug development, mentoring teams to optimize innovative therapies across diverse portfolios, ensuring alignment with business goals and fostering collaboration for impac...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$140K - $150K *

Lead the development and construction of affordable housing projects, managing all phases from sourcing to lease-up. Collaborate with stakeholders, oversee teams, and ensure timely, budget-compliant p...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$85K - $100K *

Grow your career with a dynamic role focused on fundraising, donor relations, and strategic engagement. Collaborate with leadership to enhance revenue streams and cultivate authentic relationships tha...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$90K - $97K *

Drive philanthropic partnerships to enhance access and excellence in the arts. Lead major gift initiatives, cultivate donor relationships, and collaborate with university stakeholders to maximize fund...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$95K - $115K *

Oversee the strategic development and operations of fundraising systems, ensuring data integrity and effective reporting. Collaborate cross-departmentally to support fundraising goals and enhance oper...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$145K - $175K *

Collaborate with us to develop and implement strategic fundraising initiatives that drive growth, engage major donors, and strengthen our fundraising program while overseeing a small development team...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$170K - $190K *

Lead complex affordable housing and community development projects. Drive strategy, financial planning, and regulatory compliance while collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to achieve...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$102K - $179K *

Drive impactful fundraising strategies and lead a dynamic team to secure major gifts, enhancing philanthropic support for research and education. Collaborate with stakeholders to elevate departmental...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to designing and executing a strategic resource development plan, enhancing donor engagement, and overseeing grant management to support the mission of the organization an...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$80K - $95K *

Lead a dedicated team in effective property management, ensuring optimal operations, tenant relations, and collaboration with social services to enhance community living standards and uphold organizat...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $95K *

Optimize property management and operations by leading a dedicated team, ensuring tenant satisfaction, and fostering community partnerships while maintaining compliance with housing regulations and fi...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$95K - $115K *

Optimize fundraising operations by leading a dynamic team, enhancing data practices, and driving strategic initiatives to support sustainable philanthropic growth and effective donor engagement...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$100K - $120K *

Champion major gift fundraising by building authentic relationships with donors, collaborating with university leaders, and creating compelling narratives that inspire generosity, all while managing a...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Director of Development do?question toggle

    A Director of Development leads an organization's fundraising strategy and activities. Responsibilities may include managing campaigns, cultivating donors, pursuing grants and sponsorships, overseeing development staff, and reporting on fundraising results.

  • What qualifications are needed for Director, Development jobs?question toggle

    Qualifications vary, but employers often seek fundraising experience, a history of meeting revenue goals, excellent communication and relationship-building skills, strategic planning ability, and experience managing teams or development operations.

  • How much do Director, Development jobs pay?question toggle

    Pay varies by employer, location, sector, and role scope. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including eligible Director, Development opportunities.

  • Where do Directors of Development work?question toggle

    Directors of Development work across organizations that rely on fundraising or external support, including nonprofits, universities, healthcare systems, cultural institutions, foundations, and advocacy organizations.

  • What roles can follow a Director of Development position?question toggle

    Experienced Directors of Development may advance to vice president of development, chief development officer, executive director, or other senior leadership roles, depending on the organization and their experience.