Development director nonprofit job description: 2025 guide

This person isn’t just focused on raising money—they’re building the systems, relationships, and strategies that fuel long-term success. From cultivating donor trust to aligning board engagement, they lay the groundwork for growth that lasts.

A great development director brings together heart, strategy, and execution. They help nonprofits diversify revenue streams, expand community support, and lead with intention. It’s not just about today’s gifts—it’s about creating a sustainable engine that powers the mission for years to come.

That’s why this role demands more than passion. It requires expertise in relationship-building, strategic planning, revenue diversification, and leadership development. It’s one of the most important investments a nonprofit can make in its future.

The development director role: A key driver of fundraising success

Think of your development director as the person who helps turn big ideas into real impact. They’re the bridge between your mission and the people who want to support it. Whether it’s building relationships with donors, setting up fundraising campaigns, or working side-by-side with board members, this role is all about making sure your nonprofit has what it needs to grow.

A good development director doesn’t just bring in money—they bring in long-term support. They create strategies that help one-time donors become recurring givers. They keep an eye on trends, track what’s working, and find new ways to connect with your community. They understand what makes people give and how to keep them coming back.

This role is a mix of strategy, heart, and communication. It takes someone who knows how to build trust, tell your story, and turn a simple donation into something that feels meaningful for the person giving it. It’s one of the most important positions in your organization when it comes to long-term success.

Core responsibilities: What does a development director do?

The day-to-day work of a development director might not always be flashy, but it’s the foundation of your fundraising success. They’re the ones keeping everything moving behind the scenes—planning campaigns, talking to donors, and making sure no opportunity slips through the cracks.

Here’s a look at some of the main things a development director does:

• Develop and execute fundraising strategies that support your short- and long-term goals.
• Lead fundraising campaigns from start to finish—setting goals, creating timelines, and tracking results.
• Plan and manage special events that bring people together and build community support.
• Oversee major gifts efforts by building strong relationships with key donors.
• Keep your donor databases organized and up to date so nothing gets lost or forgotten.
• Work closely with your board members to bring in their networks and get everyone aligned around fundraising goals.
• Look for new ways to grow recurring donations, boost donor retention, and create sustainable revenue.

A strong development director helps your nonprofit run like a well-oiled machine. They don’t just manage tasks—they build systems that work and relationships that last.

Essential qualifications for a development director

Now that we’ve talked about what a development director does, let’s look at what makes someone a good fit for the job. It’s not just about experience—it’s about having the right mix of skills, education, and mindset to lead fundraising efforts with confidence and care.

Most nonprofits look for a few key qualifications when hiring for this role:

• A bachelor’s degree in something like communications, marketing, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Several years of experience working in fundraising or development—usually at least three to five.
• A proven track record of leading successful fundraising initiatives and hitting campaign goals.
• Strong interpersonal skills—this role is all about connecting with people, so being able to build trust quickly is a must.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. From donor letters to board meetings, clear messaging matters.
• Experience managing donor databases and using tools that help track giving and engagement.
• Ability to lead a full-time team or collaborate across departments to get things done.

These qualifications set the foundation, but the right person also brings passion, creativity, and a genuine love for the mission.

Soft skills and leadership qualities that matter

Some things don’t show up on a resume, but they make all the difference in this role. A great development director brings more than just experience—they bring energy, empathy, and leadership that inspires others to give and get involved.

Here are a few soft skills and traits that really set someone apart:

• Strategic thinking – They know how to see the big picture while still managing the details that move things forward.
• Relationship-building – This role is all about trust. Great development directors connect with donors, staff, and board members in a way that feels real.
• Emotional intelligence – They understand what motivates people and how to meet them where they are.
• Public speaking and storytelling – A strong message can move people to act, and development directors often have to share that message clearly and confidently.
• Problem-solving – When challenges come up (and they always do), they don’t panic—they get creative.
• Team leadership – Whether they’re managing a full-time team or coordinating across departments, good leadership keeps everyone on the same page.

These qualities make it easier to build momentum, grow a strong donor base, and keep your fundraising strategy aligned with your mission.

How the development director supports long-term growth

Fundraising isn’t just about meeting this year’s goals—it’s about building something that lasts. A strong development director helps your nonprofit grow in ways that keep your mission moving forward, year after year.

They don’t just focus on short-term wins. They build systems and strategies that set your organization up for long-term success. That might mean growing a reliable base of monthly donors, designing campaigns that deepen donor loyalty, or helping the team think ahead about future funding needs.

They also make sure your fundraising efforts are sustainable—not just for today, but for the next five or ten years. That means tracking what’s working, adjusting as you go, and building a clear plan that supports growth without burning out your team.

When you’ve got the right person in this role, you’re not just raising money—you’re building a future.

Development director job description template (copy-paste ready)

Here’s a simple, ready-to-use job description you can copy, customize, and post. Whether you’re hiring your first development director or looking to update an old listing, this template covers the essentials without overcomplicating things.

Job Title: Development Director

Location: [Insert location or note if remote]

Job Type: Full-time

About Us:

[Insert a short paragraph about your nonprofit’s mission, who you serve, and what makes your work unique.]

Position Overview:

The development director plays a key leadership role in shaping and managing all fundraising efforts. This person will be responsible for creating strategies that support sustainable growth and deepen donor relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute short- and long-term fundraising strategies
• Manage major gifts, special events, and annual giving campaigns
• Build and maintain relationships with donors and community partners
• Collaborate with board members and leadership on development goals
• Track performance metrics and analyze fundraising outcomes
• Maintain accurate donor records using our donor database
• Oversee marketing and outreach tied to fundraising initiatives

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• 3–5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising
• Proven track record of meeting fundraising goals
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience with donor databases and campaign tracking tools
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with planned giving, grants, or corporate sponsorships
• Comfort speaking publicly and telling compelling stories
• Knowledge of nonprofit best practices and compliance standards

How to Apply:

[Insert application instructions here. Include any required documents, contact info, or deadlines.]

Development director career path and team integration

Hiring a development director isn’t just about filling a role—it’s about building a strong future for your organization. This position often becomes a stepping stone to even bigger leadership roles like Vice President of Development, Chief Advancement Officer, or even Executive Director in some cases.

That’s why it’s important to think about how this role fits into your overall team structure. The development director works closely with many parts of your organization. They often collaborate with:

• Executive leadership to align fundraising goals with strategic plans.
• Marketing teams to make sure donor messaging is clear and consistent.
• Finance staff to track budgets, revenue goals, and campaign outcomes.
• Volunteer coordinators to bring more hands into fundraising events or outreach.
• Board members to unlock new connections and inspire giving at a higher level.

When the development director is fully integrated into your leadership team, fundraising stops feeling like a side task and becomes part of your nonprofit’s core strategy. That connection across teams is what helps development efforts feel more natural, more collaborative, and more impactful.

Best practices for hiring your next development director

Finding the right development director isn’t just about checking boxes on a job description. It’s about finding someone who understands your mission, knows how to connect with people, and has the drive to grow something meaningful.

Here are a few tips to help guide your hiring process:

• Ask the right interview questions. Go beyond skills and experience. Ask how they’ve built relationships with donors, handled tough fundraising challenges, or led a team through a major campaign.
• Look for alignment, not just credentials. A great candidate might not have every single requirement on paper, but if they’re passionate about your cause and have a track record of learning and growing, they’re worth serious consideration.
• Don’t overlook soft skills. Relationship-building, communication, and emotional intelligence can often make more of a difference than technical know-how.
• Include your board members in the process. Their involvement adds credibility to the hire and helps build early alignment around fundraising goals.
• Start with a solid onboarding plan. The first 90 days are key. Set clear goals, introduce them to your donor community, and give them access to the tools they’ll need to succeed.

Hiring well now can save you time, stress, and missed opportunities later. The right development director can change the game—not just for your fundraising, but for your whole organization.

How Harness empowers your fundraising

Not every nonprofit is in a position to bring on a full-time development director. And honestly, that’s okay. At Harness, we understand that building a strong fundraising program doesn’t always mean hiring another person—it means having the right support, the right tools, and a partner who knows how to help you grow.

That’s exactly what we offer. Harness isn’t just software—it’s a full-service solution. Whether you already have a development director or you’re not quite ready to hire one, we step in with the strategy, guidance, and hands-on support you need to move forward. Our experts become part of your team, working alongside you to create campaigns, engage donors, and raise the funds that keep your mission strong.

We’ve helped organizations raise millions without adding extra headcount—and when you’re ready to scale, we grow with you. Some of our partners use Harness to back up their in-house development team. Others rely on us as their primary fundraising support. Either way, we make sure you’re not doing this alone.

Frequently asked questions

What does a development director do in a nonprofit?
A development director leads all fundraising efforts. They build donor relationships, run campaigns, plan events, and make sure the organization has the funding it needs to thrive.

What qualifications should a nonprofit look for in a development director?
Most nonprofits look for a bachelor’s degree, several years of fundraising experience, and a strong track record of meeting goals. Great communication and people skills are just as important.

Is the development director a full-time role?
Yes, in most cases it’s a full-time position. It’s a hands-on role that requires day-to-day attention, strategy planning, and donor engagement.

Do all nonprofits need a development director?
Not necessarily. Smaller organizations may not be ready for a full-time hire. That’s where a partner like Harness can fill the gap by offering full-service support that delivers real fundraising results without expanding your team.

What’s the difference between a development director and a director of development?
The titles are often used interchangeably. Some organizations might use one over the other based on internal structure or preference, but the responsibilities are generally the same.

How does a development director work with board members?
They collaborate with the board to set fundraising goals, build donor networks, and align strategy. A strong connection between the development director and the board can lead to better support and bigger results.