Development Director Jobs in Connecticut
Development Director jobs in Connecticut concentrate in nonprofit fundraising, higher education, and healthcare, with consistent demand at the senior leadership level across the state's dense institutional sector. Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford are the primary hiring hubs, and organizations like Yale University, Hartford HealthCare, and Save the Children have a lasting presence here. The most sought-after specialties are major gifts, planned giving, and corporate and foundation relations. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Director of Development is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all fundraising including, the major gifts program, annual fund, planned giving, special events, grants, and capital campaign for The Connecticut Audubon Society. The Director works closely with The Executive Director, Regional Directors, and the Board of Directors, including Regional Boards, in all development and fundraising endeavors.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Have knowledge and experience in fundraising techniques, particularly major gift fundraising.
- Must embrace the mission of protecting Connecticut’s birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through conservation, education, and advocacy.
- Strong interpersonal and writing skills.
- Possess the skills to work with and motivate staff, board members, and other volunteers.
- Have the desire to get out of the office and build external relationships.
- Be a self-starter and goal driven, initiating donor visits and fundraising calls.
- Be organized and exhibit “follow through” on tasks and goals. Ability to successfully manage and prioritize tasks.
- Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense and good listening ability.
- High proficiency using MS Office software, especially Excel, Word, Outlook
- Very high proficiency using Raiser’s Edge NXT
- A bachelor’s degree.
- 5-years minimum experience in professional fundraising.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Meet prospective donors and supporters on a continual basis to establish effective communications with them.
2. Grow a major gifts program including identification, cultivation and solicitation of major donors.
3. Staff Board Development Committee meetings.
4. Oversee grant seeking including research, proposal writing, and reporting requirements.
5. Build the planned giving program with a focus on deferred gifts such as bequest expectancies.
6. Direct the annual fund program, including mailings and fundraising drives.
7. Direct capital campaigns and other major fundraising drives.
8. Coordinate fundraising special events and appeals across organization.
9. Work closely and collaboratively with Executive Director, Regional Directors, and Board of Directors
10. Work closely and collaboratively with all state office staff including Director of Science & Conservation, Communications Director, and Chief Financial Officer.
11. Supervise and work collaboratively with Data Manager (f/t), Membership Manager (f/t), Membership Coordinator (p/t), Administrative Assistant (shared with Executive Office), and Grants Manager (p/t).
12. Oversee fundraising database and tracking systems.
13. Ensure timely and optimal donor acknowledgement.
14. Oversee creation of publications to support fundraising activities.
15. Maintain gift recognition and legacy programs.
16. Demonstrate professional conduct at all times.
17. Perform other related duties as requested.
Pay: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Director of Development is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all fundraising including, the major gifts program, annual fund, planned giving, special events, grants, and capital campaign for The Connecticut Audubon Society. The Director works closely with The Executive Director, Regional Directors, and the Board of Directors, including Regional Boards, in all development and fundraising endeavors.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Have knowledge and experience in fundraising techniques, particularly major gift fundraising.
- Must embrace the mission of protecting Connecticut’s birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through conservation, education, and advocacy.
- Strong interpersonal and writing skills.
- Possess the skills to work with and motivate staff, board members, and other volunteers.
- Have the desire to get out of the office and build external relationships.
- Be a self-starter and goal driven, initiating donor visits and fundraising calls.
- Be organized and exhibit “follow through” on tasks and goals. Ability to successfully manage and prioritize tasks.
- Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense and good listening ability.
- High proficiency using MS Office software, especially Excel, Word, Outlook
- Very high proficiency using Raiser’s Edge NXT
- A bachelor’s degree.
- 5-years minimum experience in professional fundraising.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Meet prospective donors and supporters on a continual basis to establish effective communications with them.
2. Grow a major gifts program including identification, cultivation and solicitation of major donors.
3. Staff Board Development Committee meetings.
4. Oversee grant seeking including research, proposal writing, and reporting requirements.
5. Build the planned giving program with a focus on deferred gifts such as bequest expectancies.
6. Direct the annual fund program, including mailings and fundraising drives.
7. Direct capital campaigns and other major fundraising drives.
8. Coordinate fundraising special events and appeals across organization.
9. Work closely and collaboratively with Executive Director, Regional Directors, and Board of Directors
10. Work closely and collaboratively with all state office staff including Director of Science & Conservation, Communications Director, and Chief Financial Officer.
11. Supervise and work collaboratively with Data Manager (f/t), Membership Manager (f/t), Membership Coordinator (p/t), Administrative Assistant (shared with Executive Office), and Grants Manager (p/t).
12. Oversee fundraising database and tracking systems.
13. Ensure timely and optimal donor acknowledgement.
14. Oversee creation of publications to support fundraising activities.
15. Maintain gift recognition and legacy programs.
16. Demonstrate professional conduct at all times.
17. Perform other related duties as requested.
Pay: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
See All 42 Development Director Jobs in Connecticut
Find roles in Connecticut that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Development Director JobsDevelopment Director Jobs by City in Connecticut
Where Connecticut roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Development Director Job Market in Connecticut
A snapshot from current Connecticut openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Connecticut Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in development director jobs across Connecticut.
- Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or a related field
- Five or more years of progressive fundraising or development experience
- Demonstrated success managing major gifts or multi-year capital campaigns
- Experience with donor database systems such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce Nonprofit
- Strong written communication skills for grant writing and donor stewardship
- Familiarity with Connecticut's philanthropic community and regional donor networks
Development Director Jobs in Connecticut: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a development director in Connecticut?
Most development directors in Connecticut follow a path from entry-level development associate or grant writer roles into major gifts or annual fund management before reaching a director title. Connecticut does not require a state-issued license for fundraising professionals, but employers consistently prefer candidates with a Certified Fund Raising Executive credential and experience with Connecticut-based foundations and corporate giving programs. A graduate degree in nonprofit management or public administration strengthens your candidacy at larger institutions.
Which companies hire development directors in Connecticut?
Employers hiring development directors in Connecticut right now include Osmose Utilities Services, Pratt & Whitney, and Yale University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Connecticut's concentration of universities, hospital systems, and national nonprofit headquarters makes it one of the more active markets in the Northeast for this role.
Which Connecticut cities have the most development director jobs?
Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford account for the largest share of development director openings in Connecticut. Hartford's density of healthcare systems and nonprofit headquarters drives the most postings, while New Haven's major universities and Stamford's corporate headquarters create strong secondary markets with distinct donor bases and fundraising priorities.
Are there remote development director jobs in Connecticut?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields, since development directors rely heavily on in-person donor cultivation and local relationship-building. About 72% of development director openings tied to Connecticut are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with fully remote roles most often found at national nonprofits headquartered in the state. Grant writing and individual giving strategy tend to be the functions most compatible with remote work.
How can I get hired as a development director in Connecticut with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a development associate or annual fund coordinator role at a Connecticut university or hospital system, where structured mentorship is common. Organizations like Yale New Haven Health, Connecticut Children's, and University of Connecticut Foundation regularly post entry-level development positions. Building a portfolio of successful grant applications or a donor event you managed, and pursuing the Certified Fund Raising Executive credential early, gives candidates a clear edge when competing for director-track openings.
Where can I find and apply to development director jobs in Connecticut?
You can find and apply to development director jobs in Connecticut on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the roles that match your background and seniority, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 42 Development Director Jobs in Connecticut
Find roles in Connecticut that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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