Director of Development or Development Director? Nonprofit Development Titles Explained

In August’s newsletter, I look at a couple of different job title definitions.  Director of Development and Development Director always pop up.

Traditionally, I was taught that a Director of Development “directs” the “development department.”  That includes fundraising, but often includes supervising multiple staff, building strategy, partnering with Communications/Marketing teams.  These additional responsibilities meant that a Director of Development wasn’t a full-time fundraiser:  they were everything!!

In a slight difference, the Development Director focuses on fundraising and may have additional department responsibilities.  They may oversee annual fund, individual giving, corporate/foundation and events.  Lots of work there, too!

In reality, we find that these two are interchangeable titles and it often reflects the titles used in the organization:  are you a VP/Director organization or Director/Manager organization?

This is also why you continue to see a proliferation of other titles:  Philanthropy, Advancement, Fundraising, Engagement, Donor Relations, etc.  As the field changes, organizations search for titles that reflect their donors engagement with the organization, their own organizational structure and to provide opportunities for internal staff to take on new responsibilities.

The catch, as always, is:  when you have a new title or a new employee:  have you thoughtfully evaluated the work, the workload and the goals for the position?