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If you’ve Googled “Development Director job description,” you’ve probably seen the same format repeated over and over again—dry bullet points, vague wording, and zero insight into what actually makes a great Development Director.
And here’s the problem: Generic job posts don’t attract top talent. They repel them.
Most experienced candidates can smell a templated post from a mile away. So what do they do? Scroll past. Or worse—never apply at all.
That’s why writing a compelling, human, and clear job post matters more than ever. A great job post doesn’t just list responsibilities—it tells a story. It shows why the role matters. And it helps you connect with the kind of candidates who will move your mission forward.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to write a Development Director job post that actually works. One that reflects your culture, excites serious applicants, and filters out low-effort ones. We’ll also share two ready-to-use templates, point out the common mistakes most posts make, and show you how to stand out—even in a crowded hiring market.
If you haven’t already, we highly recommend reading our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ —it breaks down why most job descriptions fall flat, and how to fix them with simple, effective changes.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
What A Development Director Actually Does
A Development Director is the person responsible for raising the money that keeps your mission moving forward.
They lead fundraising strategy, manage donor relationships, write grant proposals, and often oversee events, sponsorships, and corporate giving programs. But it’s more than just asking for donations—great Development Directors are relationship builders. They align people’s values with your organization’s impact and help supporters feel like real partners in your work.
This role requires both strategic thinking and emotional intelligence. The best Development Directors know how to spot funding opportunities, craft compelling stories, and inspire action. They also bring strong organizational skills to track progress, manage budgets, and coordinate with marketing, finance, and executive teams.
In short: if your nonprofit or mission-driven organization needs sustainable growth, your Development Director is the engine behind it.
Two Great Development Director Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1: Job Description For Experienced Candidates
📌 Job Title: Development Director for HopeBridge Foundation – Help Us Expand Life-Changing Programs
📍 Location: Austin, TX (Hybrid) | 💼 Type: Full-Time | 💰 Salary: $75,000–$90,000/year
🎥 A quick message from our Executive Director
Watch this 2-minute video to hear what we’re building at HopeBridge and why this role is so important:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube link]
Who We Are
HopeBridge Foundation is a nonprofit based in Austin, Texas, focused on providing mental health support and housing resources for underserved youth. For over 12 years, we’ve helped thousands of young people regain stability and dignity through crisis response, counseling, and transitional housing.
We’re in an exciting phase of growth—and we’re hiring a Development Director to help take our fundraising strategy to the next level.
Our Company Culture
At HopeBridge, we lead with empathy. Our team is tight-knit, mission-driven, and highly collaborative. We believe people do their best work when they feel seen, supported, and trusted. We’re big on communication, growth, and giving credit where it’s due. And we take our work seriously—without taking ourselves too seriously.
Why This Role Matters
This isn’t a behind-the-scenes fundraising role. As our Development Director, you’ll be a visible leader responsible for cultivating donor relationships, writing grants, and designing campaigns that drive real, measurable impact in the lives of young people.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Create and implement an annual fundraising strategy
- Build and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and foundations
- Lead grant research, writing, and reporting
- Oversee donor communications and stewardship efforts
- Plan and support key fundraising events
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board on fundraising goals
- Use our CRM (Kindful) to track and analyze donor activity
What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years experience in nonprofit development or fundraising
- Strong writing and presentation skills
- Proven success in cultivating donor and foundation relationships
- Experience writing grant proposals (required)
- Experience with CRM tools like Kindful or DonorPerfect
- Ability to work independently and lead initiatives with confidence
Perks & Benefits
- $75,000–$90,000 salary (based on experience)
- Hybrid work schedule with flexible hours
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with employer match
- 20 PTO days + all federal holidays
- $1,500 annual professional development budget
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This is your chance to lead fundraising at an organization that’s scaling fast—and still has heart. You’ll have real ownership, direct access to leadership, and a seat at the table as we plan the future of our programs.
We promote from within, support bold ideas, and deeply value the people behind the mission. If you’re tired of bureaucracy and looking for a place where your work actually matters, you’ll feel right at home.
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to make hiring fair and efficient. Instead of sending a generic cover letter, complete our short WorkScreen evaluation using the link below:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]
You’ll hear from us no matter what—and if you’re shortlisted, we’ll reach out quickly.
✅ Option 2: Job Description For Entry-Level or Willing-to-Train Candidates
📌 Job Title: Development Coordinator (Entry-Level Role) at HopeBridge Foundation
📍 Location: Austin, TX (Hybrid) | 💼 Type: Full-Time | 💰 Salary: $48,000–$55,000/year
🎥 Watch This First
Here’s a short video from our Program Director on what it’s like working at HopeBridge and how you’ll make an impact from day one:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube link]
Who We Are
HopeBridge Foundation is a nonprofit based in Austin, TX, working to support vulnerable youth through housing assistance, mental health counseling, and career mentorship programs. We’re a small, dedicated team that has helped over 6,000 young people since 2012—by meeting them where they are and building bridges to where they want to be.
We’re looking for a compassionate, detail-oriented person who wants to build a career in nonprofit fundraising—and we’re willing to train the right person.
Our Company Culture
We’re mission-first, people-centered, and proud of our low-ego, high-impact environment. Collaboration is our superpower. You’ll never be “just another employee” here—you’ll be part of a team that listens, grows together, and celebrates wins both big and small.
Why This Role Matters
This is a foundational role for someone looking to break into nonprofit development. You’ll learn how to write grants, work with donors, and support our mission in a meaningful way. You won’t be thrown into the deep end—we’ll support your growth every step of the way.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Assist with drafting grant proposals and impact reports
- Update donor records and run reports in Kindful (CRM)
- Help coordinate fundraising campaigns and events
- Send thank-you notes and other donor communications
- Research new fundraising opportunities
- Learn development best practices through hands-on training
What We’re Looking For
- Strong writing and communication skills
- High attention to detail and follow-through
- Interest in nonprofit work and social impact
- Comfortable with basic tech tools (Google Docs, Excel, etc.)
- Bonus: Any experience in customer service, writing, or events
Perks & Benefits
- $48,000–$55,000/year starting salary
- Hybrid work schedule with Fridays remote
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 15 PTO days + 10 paid holidays
- Ongoing training and mentorship
- Tuition reimbursement for nonprofit courses
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
If you’re looking to break into the nonprofit world, this is a rare opportunity to learn the ropes from a supportive team and gain real, marketable skills. You’ll get clear feedback, meaningful projects, and the chance to grow into a leadership role if that’s your goal.
We believe potential matters more than credentials—and if you’re driven by purpose, we’d love to meet you.
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to give every applicant a fair shot. Just click the link below to begin a short evaluation—we’ll review every submission:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]
No ghosting. No guesswork. You’ll hear back either way.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Why These Job Posts Work (And How They Attract the Right Candidates)
Let’s break down what makes the two HopeBridge job descriptions effective:
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Human
Instead of a vague title like “Development Position,” the job titles clearly state:
- The role (Development Director or Development Coordinator)
- The company (HopeBridge Foundation)
- The mission or purpose (“Help Us Expand Life-Changing Programs”)
This helps the right candidates self-identify instantly and builds curiosity about your impact.
✅ 2. The Video Element Builds Trust and Connection
Adding a Loom or YouTube video from the Executive or Program Director makes the post feel personal and human. It lets applicants see the faces behind the organization—and that simple touch makes you stand out from 95% of job posts online.
✅ 3. The “Who We Are” Section Tells a Story, Not Just a Mission Statement
Rather than copy-pasting a boilerplate paragraph from a website, the “About Us” sections are warm, mission-driven, and full of purpose. They help applicants understand not just what the organization does—but why it exists.
✅ 4. The Culture Is Shown, Not Claimed
Anyone can say “We’re collaborative.” But these job posts show what collaboration looks like at HopeBridge—through phrases like “low-ego, high-impact environment” or “you’ll never be just another employee.” This helps candidates picture what it’s like to actually work there.
✅ 5. The Responsibilities Show Impact
These aren’t just checklists. The tasks are framed around why they matter to the mission. For example:
“Plan and support key fundraising events”
becomes
“Design campaigns that drive real, measurable impact in the lives of young people.”
This makes the work feel meaningful, not just mechanical.
✅ 6. The Perks and Benefits Are Transparent
Instead of the generic “competitive salary,” both posts list a clear salary range, PTO, healthcare benefits, and development stipends. Transparency builds trust—and helps attract serious applicants who are aligned with what you offer.
✅ 7. The “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Section Does the Selling
This section is your pitch—and it’s written for humans, not HR systems. It explains why someone would enjoy the job, how they’ll grow, and what kind of people thrive in this environment. This is what gets a great applicant excited to apply.
✅ 8. The Hiring Process Respects Candidates’ Time
Using WorkScreen for structured evaluations shows you value applicants’ time and strengths—not just their resumes. Promising to reply to everyone, not ghost them, instantly sets you apart from the majority of companies today.
Together, these elements create a job post that doesn’t just “check boxes”—it connects. It inspires the kind of candidates who care deeply about mission, culture, and impact—and filters out those looking for something generic.
Example of a Bad Development Director Job Description (And Why It Fails)
Let’s look at the kind of job post you’ll find on dozens of outdated career pages. Then we’ll break down why it falls flat:
❌ Bad Job Description Example
📌 Job Title: Development Director
📍 Location: United States
💼 Type: Full-Time
🕒 Deadline: Rolling Applications
Job Summary
We are seeking a Development Director to lead all fundraising efforts across individual giving, corporate sponsorships, and foundation support. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, be results-oriented, and have a background in nonprofit fundraising.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement fundraising plans
- Manage donor relationships
- Oversee grant proposals and donor reporting
- Coordinate fundraising campaigns
- Collaborate with board members
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Minimum 5 years of fundraising experience
- Strong writing and organizational skills
- Experience using fundraising software
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter to hr@nonprofit.org. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Description Doesn’t Work
1. The Job Title Is Too Generic
Just “Development Director” gives no context. What kind of organization? What’s the mission? Who are they trying to attract? There’s no purpose, no positioning, and no connection.
2. The Introduction Is Cold and Robotic
There’s no “why.” No mention of the organization’s mission, impact, or values. Just a copy-paste summary that could apply to any nonprofit on the planet.
3. Responsibilities Are Vague and Lifeless
They’re technically correct—but emotionally flat. There’s no sense of impact, no specific goals, no narrative. It reads like someone copied it from a policy document.
4. No Insight Into Culture or Values
Candidates care deeply about workplace culture—especially in the nonprofit sector. This post gives them no clue what kind of people they’d work with, or what kind of environment they’d be stepping into.
5. No Salary Transparency
This is one of the fastest ways to lose good candidates. The lack of a salary range makes it feel like the organization either isn’t confident in its offer—or doesn’t want to commit. Both send the wrong message.
6. The Hiring Process Feels Dismissive
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is a red flag. It signals poor communication, low regard for applicant experience, and a frustrating process.
7. Zero Personality in the CTA
There’s nothing warm, encouraging, or persuasive. Just an email and a deadline. It doesn’t feel like an opportunity—it feels like a chore.
👉 The result? High-quality, mission-driven candidates skip right past posts like this. And those who do apply may not be aligned with your vision, culture, or expectations.
Bonus Tips That Make Job Descriptions Stand Out
Most hiring managers think the work ends once they list responsibilities and requirements—but the best job descriptions go a step further. They add subtle, thoughtful touches that build trust, show care, and create real connection.
Here are a few powerful (but often overlooked) extras you should consider adding to your Development Director job post:
✅ Tip 1: Add a Security & Privacy Notice
Scams are everywhere—and good candidates are cautious. A simple statement like this builds trust immediately:
🔒 Important Notice: We take your privacy seriously. HopeBridge Foundation will never ask for payment, financial information, or personal documents outside of the official application process. If you receive suspicious messages, please contact us directly.
It signals professionalism, protects your applicants, and shows you care about their safety.
✅ Tip 2: Mention Time-Off or Flexibility
Candidates care about work-life balance—but most job posts ignore it completely. Even a simple sentence can make a huge difference:
“Enjoy up to 20 PTO days, 10 holidays, and the ability to work remotely on Fridays.”
Bonus: This also helps filter in values-aligned candidates who appreciate balance and autonomy.
✅ Tip 3: Highlight Growth & Training Opportunities
Especially for entry-level roles, this shows you’re investing in people—not just filling a seat.
“We offer a $1,500 annual professional development budget, plus optional mentorship and nonprofit leadership training for those looking to grow their careers.”
When candidates feel like you care about their long-term development, they’re more likely to apply—and stay.
✅ Tip 4: Include a Loom or Video from the Hiring Manager
Job descriptions can feel cold. A short video makes your post 10x more human. It helps candidates understand your personality, expectations, and leadership style before they even apply.
Even a 90-second clip saying, “Hey, I’m [Your Name], here’s what we’re building, and what I’m excited to see in this new teammate,” creates emotional engagement that most job posts completely miss.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
✅ Tip 5: Emphasize Respect in Your Hiring Process
Let people know how you treat applicants. In a hiring market full of ghosting and silence, this can set you apart fast.
“We respect your time. Every applicant will receive a response—no matter the outcome.”
Simple, sincere, and powerful.
These small touches take less than 5 minutes to add—but they dramatically elevate your job post from “another opening” to “a meaningful opportunity.”
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?
These days, everyone’s using AI to write job posts—whether it’s ChatGPT, built-in ATS tools, or job board templates.
And while AI can save time, here’s the hard truth:
If you rely on AI to generate your entire job post from a one-line prompt, you’ll end up with generic content that attracts the wrong people.
❌ The Wrong Way to Use AI:
“Write a job description for a Development Director at a nonprofit.”
You’ll get something that looks okay at first glance—but it’ll be filled with:
- Corporate jargon
- Generic responsibilities
- No personality
- No cultural context
- No real “why” behind the role
It won’t connect with top-tier applicants—and worse, it will attract low-effort candidates skimming for any job, not your job.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI:
AI is a powerful writing partner—not a replacement for your input.
Here’s how to use it smartly:
- Start with real context.
Feed the AI with:- What your organization does
- The mission behind the role
- The culture and working style
- Key responsibilities (in your words)
- Benefits, salary range, and what makes the role exciting
- What your organization does
- Use a prompt like this:
“Help me write a Development Director job post for HopeBridge Foundation. We support at-risk youth in Austin, Texas. We’re hiring someone to lead grant writing, build donor relationships, and manage fundraising campaigns. Our culture is low-ego, fast-paced, and mission-driven. The role pays $75–90k and includes healthcare, PTO, and growth opportunities. We also value respect and transparency in the hiring process. Here’s some rough bullet points I’ve jotted down [paste notes]—can you help me shape it into something compelling?”
- Refine the output.
Don’t just copy and paste. Edit it for tone, clarity, and personality. Use it as a foundation, not a final draft.
Final Tip:
If you want a post that reflects your real brand, real values, and real mission—you need to supply the heart of it. Then let AI shape, polish, and structure it around that.
That’s how you get the best of both worlds: authenticity and efficiency.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description?
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title: Development Director – Help Us Grow Our Mission
📍 Location: [Location or Remote] | 💼 Job Type: Full-Time | 💰 Salary: [$X–$Y based on experience]
🎥 Watch this quick video from our team: [Insert video link here]
Who We Are
[Company Name] is a mission-driven organization focused on [brief mission, e.g., “supporting mental health access for underserved communities”]. We’re a small, passionate team making a real impact—and we’re looking for a Development Director who can help us scale that impact even further.
Our Culture
We move fast, care deeply, and believe in treating people like people. We value clarity, collaboration, and a bias toward action. If you’re someone who takes ownership and wants to lead with purpose, you’ll feel right at home.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Develop and execute a smart fundraising strategy
- Build relationships with individual donors and foundations
- Write compelling grant proposals and manage reporting
- Plan donor campaigns and fundraising events
- Track progress in our CRM and provide insights to leadership
What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years in nonprofit development or fundraising
- Great communication and writing skills
- Experience managing donor relationships
- Grant writing background (preferred)
- Confident working independently and collaboratively
Perks & Benefits
- Salary: [$X–$Y based on experience]
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off + holidays
- Professional development budget
- Flexible schedule or hybrid/remote options
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll have a seat at the table and room to lead. We trust our team and give people ownership. If you’re looking for a meaningful role in a mission-focused org that actually walks its talk—you’ll love it here.
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to give every applicant a fair, fast process. Click below to complete a short evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]
You’ll hear back from us no matter the outcome.
✅ Option 2: Traditional Format – “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements”
📌 Job Title: Development Director
📍 Location: [Location] | 💼 Job Type: Full-Time | 💰 Salary Range: [$X–$Y]
🎥 Watch this quick video from our team: [Insert video link here]
Job Summary
[Company Name] is seeking a Development Director to lead our fundraising efforts. This role is responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive development strategy to support the organization’s growth and sustainability.
Responsibilities
- Create and manage a fundraising plan
- Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and partners
- Research and apply for grants
- Oversee donor communications and stewardship
- Plan and manage fundraising campaigns and events
- Track metrics and prepare development reports
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- 3–5 years in nonprofit fundraising or development
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Grant writing experience (preferred)
- Familiarity with CRM tools like Salesforce, DonorPerfect, or Kindful
Benefits
- Competitive salary: [$X–$Y]
- Health insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- Remote or hybrid work flexibility
- Growth and training opportunities
How to Apply
To apply, please complete our short skill-based evaluation via WorkScreen:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]
We review all applicants and will respond to everyone.
Why You Should Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step
Writing a strong job post is just the first step.
The real challenge? Figuring out who’s actually qualified to do the job—without wasting hours sorting through resumes, cover letters, and copy-pasted AI answers.
That’s where WorkScreen comes in.
WorkScreen helps you:
✅ Quickly identify your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
✅ Easily administer one-click skill assessments
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
✅ Eliminate low-effort applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
✅ Hire faster, more confidently, and more fairly
With built-in evaluations, automatic scoring, and a bias-reducing process, WorkScreen helps you make smarter hiring decisions—without relying on intuition alone.
If you're tired of sifting through unqualified applicants—or wasting time interviewing people who don’t fit—WorkScreen makes the hiring process efficient, fair, and insight-driven.
FAQ
Look for a blend of relationship-building, strategic thinking, and written communication. A strong Development Director should be able to cultivate donor trust, design long-term fundraising strategies, and write persuasive grant proposals. Bonus points if they can interpret fundraising data and coach others on donor stewardship. Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and storytelling are must-haves—not nice-to-haves.
According to data from sources like Glassdoor, Payscale, and Indeed, the average salary for a Development Director in the U.S. ranges from $75,000 to $110,000/year, depending on location, organization size, and experience level. At smaller nonprofits, the salary might land closer to the $70K–$85K range, while large foundations or national organizations may offer $100K+.
If your organization has grown beyond relying on sporadic grants or single events—and you need a sustainable, scalable fundraising strategy—then you’re ready. Hiring a Development Director makes sense when you need someone to own donor relationships, proactively seek funding opportunities, and take pressure off the executive team.
Yes—but it depends on the complexity of the role. A smaller organization may benefit from a part-time Development Director or even a consultant if the fundraising goals are modest. For remote roles, it’s essential that the Director is proactive in communication and has strong digital tools in place to manage relationships and systems without being onsite.
While both roles deal with raising money, a Development Director sets the strategy and often manages the full development team (including grant writers, event coordinators, or donor relations staff). A Fundraising Manager tends to focus more on the execution of that strategy—running campaigns, events, and appeals under the direction of the Development Director.
