Development Director Jobs in Kentucky

Development Director jobs in Kentucky are concentrated in nonprofit management, higher education, healthcare, and the arts, with strong demand at both the senior director and executive-level fundraising tiers. Louisville, Lexington, and Frankfort are the most active hiring metros, anchored by employers such as the University of Kentucky, Norton Healthcare, and the Louisville Orchestra. Grant writing, major gift cultivation, and capital campaign leadership are the most sought-after specialties across the state. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.

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Overview

Open roles19
Top employerRyder System
Top cityLouisville, KY
Cities hiring7
Work type67% On-site
Top industryHealthcare

Showing 5 of 19+ Development Director jobs

Arvato
Director of Business Development - TECH
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Arvato
New 1m ago
Director of Business Development - TECH
Arvato
Louisville, Kentucky
Business Development
Corporate Development & M&A
Executive Leadership & C-Suite
Remote (US)
Bachelor's degree
10,000+

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W
Director of Business Development
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W
New 1m ago
Director of Business Development
Walk FM
Ashland, Kentucky
Account Management
Business Development
Sales
Hybrid

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T
Director of Development
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T
New 1m ago
Director of Development
The Muhammad Ali Center
Louisville, Kentucky
Project & Program Management
Software Engineering
Technical Product & Program Management
On-Site
Bachelor's degree

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CVS Health
Lead Director - Software Development Engineering
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CVS Health
New 1m ago
Lead Director - Software Development Engineering
CVS Health
Frankfort, Kentucky
Business Development
Partnerships & Business Development
Sales
$144k - $288k/yr
High school diploma or GED
10,000+

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Volunteers of America Mid-States
Director of Development
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Volunteers of America Mid-States
New 1m ago
Director of Development
Volunteers of America Mid-States
Louisville, Kentucky
Account Management
Customer Success
Sales
Bachelor's degree
501-1,000

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See All 19 Development Director Jobs in Kentucky

Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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Development Director Jobs by City in Kentucky

Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Louisville
7 jobs
Frankfort
4 jobs
Lexington
3 jobs
Walton
2 jobs
Ashland
1 job
Elizabethtown
1 job
Nicholasville
1 job

Development Director Job Market in Kentucky

A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • Ryder System
    Ryder System2
  • Arvato
    Arvato1
  • Safran
    Safran1
  • W
    Walk FM1
  • CVS Health
    CVS Health1

Top Industries Hiring

  • Healthcare & Medical Services4
  • Aerospace & Defense1
  • Banking & Financial Services1

What Kentucky Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in development director jobs across Kentucky.

  • Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related field required
  • Five or more years of progressively responsible fundraising or development experience
  • Demonstrated success managing major gift portfolios and donor relationships
  • Experience with capital campaigns, grant writing, and planned giving programs
  • Proficiency with donor management software such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce Nonprofit
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for board and community engagement

Development Director Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a development director in Kentucky?

Most development directors in Kentucky move into the role after building experience in fundraising, grant writing, or program management within the nonprofit, healthcare, or higher education sectors. While Kentucky does not require a state-issued license for this role, earning the Certified Fund Raising Executive credential strengthens candidacy significantly. Kentucky employers typically look for candidates who have managed donor portfolios, led annual fund campaigns, and worked with volunteer boards.

Which companies hire development directors in Kentucky?

Employers hiring development directors in Kentucky right now include Ryder System, Arvato, and Safran, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Kentucky's robust nonprofit sector, major university systems, and regional healthcare networks are among the most consistent sources of development director openings across the state.

Which Kentucky cities have the most development director jobs?

Louisville, Frankfort, and Lexington have the most development director openings in Kentucky. Louisville leads because of its dense concentration of large nonprofits, hospital systems, and arts and cultural institutions, while Lexington's activity is driven by the University of Kentucky and a growing philanthropic community, and Frankfort benefits from state government-adjacent agencies and advocacy organizations.

Are there remote development director jobs in Kentucky?

Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields, since development directors are expected to meet donors, attend events, and work closely with boards in person. About 33% of development director openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting that some organizations accommodate flexible arrangements. Grant writing and donor communications functions are the parts of the role most often performed remotely.

How can I get hired as a development director in Kentucky with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is to start as a development associate, annual fund coordinator, or grants administrator at a Kentucky nonprofit or university. Organizations like the Community Foundation of Louisville, United Way of Greater Louisville, and regional hospital foundations regularly hire entry-level development staff and promote from within. Building a portfolio of successful grant applications and volunteering with local charity boards also signals readiness to move into a director role.

Where can I find and apply to development director jobs in Kentucky?

You can find and apply to development director jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.

See All 19 Development Director Jobs in Kentucky

Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Development Director Jobs