Development Director Job Description

What is a Development Director?

A development director works within various organizations to secure funding and sponsorships. From managing department leaders in establishing fundraising plans, maintaining donor relationships and securing new ones, a development director advances the company's initiatives through actively seeking partners. Additionally, a development director will meet with important business partners and organize events. A development director analyzes reports and details the effectiveness of campaigns. They will meet with other members of the development team to plan ways to increase brand awareness and funding.

A bachelor's degree in business management, public relations or related field is generally required to attain this top-tier position in the department. Successful development director are proactive, self-motivated leaders who excel in a team setting. They consistently work to accomplish goals, motivate employees and increase their organization's revenue.

Development Director Job Description Template

Job Overview

Here at XYZ Inc., we are the leading company in our industry in the Capital City area. We're pleased to have a 3.8 Glassdoor rating from our employees. We are hiring an experienced Development Director to help us keep growing. If you're dedicated and ambitious, XYZ Inc. is an excellent place to grow your career. Don't hesitate to apply.

Responsibilities for Development Director

  • Develop and organize all aspects of the company's fundraising programs
  • Research and identify potential donors and sponsors and implement strategies to foster positive relationships
  • Establish and maintain friendly business communications with individual and business donors or sponsors
  • Research donation programs and opportunities available through local, state and federal programs
  • Create reports post-event to analyze data and determine the marketing effectiveness for the fundraising program
  • Oversee department and inter-department meetings to plan milestones and requirements of all teams within the business regarding fundraisers
  • Create print marketing materials related to fundraising by working closely with the advertising department
  • Meet with senior management to gauge business needs and brainstorm ideas for fundraising programs for the coming year

Qualifications for Development Director

  • 5-7 years of business fundraising experience
  • Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Suite
  • Exceptional verbal and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work well in a diverse group
  • Experience measuring data and outcomes of events to determine marketing effectiveness
  • 3-5 years of management experience required
  • Positive and collaborative attitude when managing groups and overseeing initiatives
  • Experience managing and tracking donor contributions and organizing gathered data
  • Demonstrated experience raising funds and examples of positive outcomes

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Employers: How to Write Great Job Descriptions

  • Be sure to mention requisite years of experience and educational requirements
  • Tell job seekers what's unique about your company and job
  • Ideal length is a few paragraphs or about 200 words
  • Make sure to use appropriate paragraph breaks and bullet points so it’s easy on the eyes
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