How do I Become a Development Director?

A director of development is charged with furthering the mission and vision of the organization for which he works. A large part of this job involves raising money for the organization, so good communication skills are key, not just in communicating the organization's mission but in persuading donors to contribute to its success. To become a development director, a combination of education and experience in related fields is usually required. Development directors, above all else, need to be expert relationship builders.

Development directors may be asked to create a strategic plan for their units or adhere to a plan created by organization leaders or a trustee board. For this reason, a prospective development director needs to be able to show that he can look at the big picture, set goals, and measure outcomes. Directors of development need to be good communicators, as they need to be able to communicate this strategic plan to others within the organization. They also need to be able to communicate effectively with trustees, current and potential donors, and fundraisers under their supervision.

Companies often seek an individual who has a degree in nonprofit management to become a development director. People from other professional backgrounds are also considered if they can show how their skill set is applicable to the role. Many come to the field from sales, marketing, and business backgrounds, and start out working as a fundraiser. Individuals with a legal background are also often looked upon favorably, since there are many legal requirements that a development office must adhere to.

A bachelor's degree is usually a key educational requirement to become a development director. Some development director jobs, however, require a master's degree. Institutions of higher education tend to be stricter in requiring an advanced degree for this position. Individuals who have degrees in areas other than nonprofit management and would like to become a development director may consider getting a second degree in the field.

While not usually necessary, certification is something else to consider if you want to become a development director. Many upper management development professionals have Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE™) credentials. CFRE™ certification may give job seekers an advantage because it demonstrates that a person's knowledge of the field meets the gold standard in the field. Various associations for fundraising professionals offer this certification.

In addition, belonging to an organization such as the Association of Fundraising Professionals can help show a potential employer that you are focused on professional improvement. It's also another way to learn more about the field. Groups like this also often have job boards, which can be invaluable in helping individuals get a foot in the door.

A central role of the development director is to attract charitable contributions, so individuals aspiring to become a development director will need to show that they have experience in fundraising. Those who have never been in fundraising jobs may highlight past volunteer fundraising experience. Volunteering to raise fund for a nonprofit is also a good way to see if development would indeed be a good career fit.