Development Director Jobs in Delaware
Development Director jobs in Delaware are in steady demand, concentrated in nonprofit management, higher education, and healthcare fundraising, with openings at the senior leadership level across Wilmington, Newark, and Dover. Established employers with lasting development director roles in the state include ChristianaCare, the University of Delaware, and the Delaware Community Foundation. The most sought-after specialties in Delaware are major gifts, corporate and foundation relations, and planned giving. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Development Director JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 12+ Development Director jobs











Overview
Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.
We are currently hiring a Development Director in Delaware . Location is flexible, Wilmington, Newark, etc. The Director will generate revenue for our Heart Ball fundraising campaign. This campaign includes our signature Heart Ball Gala event. You will join a four-person team in Delaware.
This is a hybrid position, with frequent local travel, for external meetings. We hold team meetings periodically at our Newark, DE office.
We have a fast-paced sales environment with the primary responsibility of driving revenue in support of our mission. We offer a base salary with the potential to earn an incentive up to 25% of your base pay. The potential incentive is based on achieving certain revenue targets and triggers.
The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support locally.
#TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.
Responsibilities
The Development Director is responsible for achieving revenue generation goals by applying established Association best practices. This will include soliciting large gifts and multi-year gifts from individuals and corporations, as well as executive-level volunteer recruitment and management. The Director will be held accountable for an ambitious market fundraising goal and expected to execute high-quality campaigns in accordance with Association standards and in collaboration with the team.
Generate revenue by prospecting and securing local corporate sponsorship and individual donations. Achieve revenue goals by building and maintaining relationships with corporate partners and donors.
Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective corporate sponsors and donors by conducting research that matches to the campaign goals and the Association's mission.
Develop and present proposals and accompanying materials to secure revenue and volunteer engagement.
Recruit and be responsible for executive volunteer leadership, volunteer committees, and day-of-the-event volunteers.
Coordinate the event auction, including leading a committee of volunteers to solicit auction items and prepare packages that will raise funds.
Lead and engage new individual membership for our Cor Vitae giving society, in partnership with other appropriate fundraising staff. Includes planning and implementing regular member engagement events.
Plan and implement events in collaboration with internal and external partners.
Work with a Communications Director to support and promote campaign communication plans.
Qualifications
Want to help elevate your resume? Take a look at the experience we require:
3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or other related experience
University/College degree or equivalent experience
Ability to do daily local travel up to 75% and some overnight trips as needed; requires access to reliable transportation at all times on an immediate basis
Ability to lift and/or move large objects (such as boxes) with the expectation that heavier items would be broken down into smaller components or requesting additional assistance may be required before lifting and/or moving
Must have at least basic knowledge and skill/proficiency with Microsoft Office
Here are some of the preferred experience and skills we are seeking:
Experience managing and cultivating high-level leaders at the C-Suite level
Knowledge of corporate and community networks
Compensation & Benefits
Expected pay: Base pay range will be $65,700 to $85,000. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. We offer a base salary with the potential to earn an incentive up to 25% of your base pay. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range.
The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.
Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; this position is incentive eligible based on achieving certain targets.
Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
Tuition Assistance - We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.
The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.
At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.
This position not a match with your skills? Click here to see other opportunities.
In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.
EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities
#AHAIND1, #LI-Hybrid
Join our Talent Community!
Join our Talent Community to receive updates on new opportunities and future events.
Software Powered by ICIMS
Default: Location : Location US-DE-Wilmington
Posted Date 22 hours ago (9/10/2026 7:20 PM)
Requisition ID 2026-17891
Job Category Field Campaigns
Position Type Full Time
American Heart Association Offers
- Health Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
- Disability & Insurance
- Well onTarget – Wellness Program
- Holidays & Paid Time Off
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
See All 12 Development Director Jobs in Delaware
Find roles in Delaware that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Development Director JobsDevelopment Director Jobs by City in Delaware
Where Delaware roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Development Director Job Market in Delaware
A snapshot from current Delaware openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Science & Research
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What Delaware Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in development director jobs across Delaware.
- Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, or a related field required
- Proven experience managing fundraising campaigns and donor stewardship programs
- Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with major individual and institutional donors
- Familiarity with Delaware's philanthropic community and regional foundation landscape
- Proficiency with constituent relationship management software such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for grant writing and donor presentations
Development Director Jobs in Delaware: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a development director in Delaware?
The path to a development director role in Delaware starts with a bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, public administration, communications, or a related field, often followed by a master's for senior positions. Delaware does not require a state-issued license for fundraising professionals, but many employers favor candidates holding the Certified Fund Raising Executive credential. Building experience in grant writing, major gifts, or annual fund management at Delaware nonprofits, universities, or hospital foundations is the most direct route to the director level.
Which companies hire development directors in Delaware?
Employers hiring development directors in Delaware right now include YMCA, University of Delaware, and AccentCare, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Delaware's concentration of nonprofit health systems, independent schools, and community foundations means hiring activity is consistent throughout the year rather than seasonal.
Which Delaware cities have the most development director jobs?
The cities with the most development director openings in Delaware are Newark, Wilmington, and Rehoboth Beach. Wilmington leads as the state's largest metro and home to its biggest nonprofit organizations, corporate headquarters, and hospital systems, while Newark's concentration around the University of Delaware and Dover's state government and community organizations account for much of the activity outside the Wilmington area.
Are there remote development director jobs in Delaware?
Yes, and a meaningful share of roles allow it, since much of a development director's work involves writing, donor communication, and strategy that can be done remotely. About 50% of development director openings tied to Delaware are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how desk-based and relationship-management-focused the role is. Grant writing, prospect research, and reporting functions are the parts most commonly performed off-site.
How can I get hired as a development director in Delaware with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is a development associate or development coordinator role at a Delaware nonprofit, hospital foundation, or university advancement office, where you build direct fundraising skills alongside experienced staff. ChristianaCare, the University of Delaware's development office, and mid-size nonprofits in Wilmington regularly hire entry-level development staff. Earning the Certified Fund Raising Executive credential or completing a nonprofit management certificate adds a competitive edge for candidates without a long fundraising history.
Where can I find and apply to development director jobs in Delaware?
You can find and apply to development director jobs in Delaware on Migrate Mate, which lists current Delaware openings updated regularly. Search the available roles, identify the ones that fit your background and preferences, and apply directly to each position through the listing.
See All 12 Development Director Jobs in Delaware
Find roles in Delaware that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Development Director Jobs