Are you a seasoned Development Director seeking a new career path? Discover our professionally built Development Director Resume Template. This time-saving tool provides a solid foundation for your job search. Simply click “Edit Resume” to customize it with your unique experiences and achievements. Customize fonts and colors to match your personal style and increase your chances of landing your dream job. Explore more Resume Templates for additional options.
Peter McDonald
Development Director
Summary
Accomplished Development Director with extensive experience in strategic fundraising, donor stewardship, and board development. Proven track record of exceeding campaign goals and securing millions of dollars in funding from various sources. Skilled in prospect research, major gift solicitation, grant writing, and managing a team of development professionals.
Highlights include leading a comprehensive fundraising campaign that surpassed the organization’s annual goal by 15%, raising over $7 million. Developed and implemented a strategic plan for donor stewardship that resulted in a 20% increase in donor retention and a 10% increase in average gift size. Built and maintained strong relationships with major donors, establishing trust and cultivating long-term support.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Development, Nonprofit Management
March 2015
Skills
- Donor Relationship Management
- Prospect Research
- Fund Development Strategy
- Major Gift Solicitation
- Grant Writing
- Board Development
Work Experience
Development Director
- Built and maintained strong relationships with major donors, establishing trust and cultivating longterm support.
- Conducted feasibility studies to assess the potential for major capital campaigns and identify prospective donors.
- Developed and delivered grant proposals to government agencies and private foundations, securing millions of dollars in funding.
- Managed the organizations endowment, ensuring its growth and stability through prudent investment strategies.
Development Director
- Led a comprehensive fundraising campaign that exceeded the organizations annual goal by 15%, raising over $7 million.
- Developed and implemented a strategic plan for donor stewardship, resulting in a 20% increase in donor retention and a 10% increase in average gift size.
- Created and managed a database of over 10,000 potential and current donors, tracking their giving history and communication preferences.
- Supervised a team of development professionals, providing guidance and mentorship to enhance their fundraising skills and performance.
Accomplishments
- Successfully led a $100 million capital campaign, exceeding the original goal by 15%
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive donor stewardship program, resulting in a 20% increase in donor retention
- Established strategic partnerships with major corporations and foundations, securing significant funding for the organization
- Created and managed a team of highly effective fundraising professionals, consistently exceeding performance targets
- Conducted thorough research and analysis to identify and cultivate major donors
Awards
- Association for Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award
- Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District V Development Professional of the Year
- National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) Planned Giving Professional of the Year
Certificates
- Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)
- Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive (ACFRE)
- Certified Nonprofit Executive (CNPE)
- Certified Gift Planner (CGP)
Career Expert Tips:
- Select the ideal resume template to showcase your professional experience effectively.
- Master the art of resume writing to highlight your unique qualifications and achievements.
- Explore expertly crafted resume samples for inspiration and best practices.
- Build your best resume for free this new year with ResumeGemini. Enjoy exclusive discounts on ATS optimized resume templates.
How To Write Resume For Development Director
- Highlight your experience in strategic fundraising and successful campaign management.
- Quantify your achievements with specific metrics and data points to demonstrate your impact.
- Showcase your skills in donor relationship management, prospect research, and grant writing.
- Emphasize your leadership and team management abilities, as well as your commitment to professional development.
- Tailor your resume to each job application, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the specific role.
Essential Experience Highlights for a Strong Development Director Resume
- Lead and manage all aspects of fundraising operations, including campaign planning, donor cultivation, and solicitation.
- Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to achieve organizational goals.
- Conduct thorough prospect research to identify and qualify potential donors.
- Cultivate relationships with major donors, building trust and securing significant financial contributions.
- Write compelling grant proposals and manage the grant application process to secure funding from government agencies and private foundations.
- Supervise and mentor a team of development professionals, providing guidance and support to enhance their performance.
- Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends in fundraising and donor engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) For Development Director
What are the primary responsibilities of a Development Director?
Development Directors are responsible for leading and managing all aspects of fundraising operations, including campaign planning, donor cultivation, solicitation, and grant writing. They work closely with major donors, conduct prospect research, and oversee a team of development professionals.
What skills are essential for success as a Development Director?
Essential skills for Development Directors include strategic planning, donor relationship management, prospect research, grant writing, and team leadership. They should also have a strong understanding of fundraising best practices and emerging trends.
What is the career path for Development Directors?
Development Directors typically advance to senior leadership roles within nonprofit organizations, such as Executive Director or CEO. They may also move into consulting or training roles, sharing their expertise in fundraising and donor engagement.
What is the average salary for Development Directors?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Fundraising Managers (which includes Development Directors) was $67,150 in May 2021.
What are the job outlook prospects for Development Directors?
The job outlook for Development Directors is projected to grow 11% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for fundraising professionals in nonprofit organizations.
What are some tips for writing a standout Development Director resume?
To write a standout Development Director resume, highlight your experience in strategic fundraising and successful campaign management, quantify your achievements with specific metrics, showcase your skills in donor relationship management, prospect research, and grant writing, emphasize your leadership and team management abilities, and tailor your resume to each job application.
What are some common interview questions for Development Directors?
Common interview questions for Development Directors include questions about their experience in strategic fundraising, donor cultivation, grant writing, and team leadership. Interviewers may also ask about their understanding of fundraising best practices and emerging trends, as well as their motivations for pursuing a career in development.