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Development director vs grant manager

The differences between development directors and grant managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a development director, becoming a grant manager takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a development director has an average salary of $107,044, which is higher than the $60,692 average annual salary of a grant manager.

The top three skills for a development director include digital marketing, oversight and patients. The most important skills for a grant manager are grants management, financial reports, and oversight.

Development director vs grant manager overview

Development DirectorGrant Manager
Yearly salary$107,044$60,692
Hourly rate$51.46$29.18
Growth rate8%12%
Number of jobs63,0087,726
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4245
Years of experience46

What does a development director do?

A development director is an individual who is responsible for securing funds and sponsors for non-profit organizations. Development directors must actively seek new business partners and develop relationships with volunteers and donors. They meet with members of the development team to help advertise and promote brand awareness and funding. Development directors must possess skills and experience in managing human resources, marketing, and budgeting functions. They must also obtain a bachelor's degree in business management, public relations, or related field.

What does a grant manager do?

A grant manager is responsible for granting financial assistance and support to various sector programs, evaluating grant applications, and implementing policies from its conceptualization to utilization. Grant managers review the grant documents, ensuring its adherence to internal guidelines and state regulations. They coordinate with clients and project management team to inform them of requirements and processes for approval, including the implementation of strategies to identify grant opportunities and policies. A grant manager handles the grant team for efficient coordination to make sure the efficient execution and analysis of grant programs.

Development director vs grant manager salary

Development directors and grant managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Development DirectorGrant Manager
Average salary$107,044$60,692
Salary rangeBetween $64,000 And $177,000Between $46,000 And $79,000
Highest paying CityJersey City, NJArlington, VA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyNew Jersey
Best paying companyCornerstone ResearchLow Income Investment Fund
Best paying industry-Finance

Differences between development director and grant manager education

There are a few differences between a development director and a grant manager in terms of educational background:

Development DirectorGrant Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Development director vs grant manager demographics

Here are the differences between development directors' and grant managers' demographics:

Development DirectorGrant Manager
Average age4245
Gender ratioMale, 50.2% Female, 49.8%Male, 29.4% Female, 70.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 5.1% White, 74.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 12.7% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 5.2% White, 61.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage16%14%

Differences between development director and grant manager duties and responsibilities

Development director example responsibilities.

  • Manage CRM program for coordination and partnerships with marketing resources.
  • Manage website re-launch, create communications plan, co-le rebranding taskforce.
  • Manage clients and internal production team to meet budget and scope of contract eLearning solutions.
  • Help manage the CRM system with input and output for the resource development department and the entire organization.
  • Manage analytical method validation and method transfer to QC and CMOs for APIs, excipients, and finish products.
  • Hire, manage and train a team of six sourcing professionals as well as a team of 3 QA managers.
  • Show more

Grant manager example responsibilities.

  • Provide administrative support to NIH program functions; as well as providing logistical support, and managing data.
  • Organize and manage PowerPoint presentations used for business development and site visits.
  • Serve as principal financial resource and contact for subcontractors to ensure fiscal compliance of GAAP and OMB circulars.
  • Prepare monthly, quarterly, and yearly closeout financial reports per GAAP, state, and county guidelines.
  • Prepare and maintain the annual budgets for NIH grants and contracts utilizing computer spreadsheets.
  • Advise and assist NSF staff on the fiscal and managerial responsibility of institutions seeking NSF funding.
  • Show more

Development director vs grant manager skills

Common development director skills
  • Digital Marketing, 8%
  • Oversight, 6%
  • Patients, 6%
  • Lead Generation, 5%
  • ROI, 4%
  • Project Management, 4%
Common grant manager skills
  • Grants Management, 13%
  • Financial Reports, 7%
  • Oversight, 6%
  • Principal Investigators, 5%
  • Payroll, 5%
  • Project Management, 4%

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