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The differences between foundation directors and development directors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a foundation director and a development director. Additionally, a development director has an average salary of $107,044, which is higher than the $97,206 average annual salary of a foundation director.
The top three skills for a foundation director include foundation board, fund development and donor relations. The most important skills for a development director are digital marketing, oversight, and patients.
| Foundation Director | Development Director | |
| Yearly salary | $97,206 | $107,044 |
| Hourly rate | $46.73 | $51.46 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 10,791 | 63,008 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Foundation Directors are responsible for directing the operations of a foundation for an organization. Their duties include developing foundation policies, creating fundraising campaigns strategy, assisting in grant review and approval process, and ensuring all operations comply with legal regulations. They conduct budgeting, manage the organization's funds, and perform a liaison role between the foundation and family members. Foundation Directors set performance objectives and help drive employee recruitment and retention. They work with the board to ensure the foundation's mission is represented across all strategies set.
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.
Foundation directors and development directors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Foundation Director | Development Director | |
| Average salary | $97,206 | $107,044 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $159,000 | Between $64,000 And $177,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Cruz, CA | Jersey City, NJ |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Airbnb | Cornerstone Research |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a foundation director and a development director in terms of educational background:
| Foundation Director | Development Director | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between foundation directors' and development directors' demographics:
| Foundation Director | Development Director | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.7% Female, 60.3% | Male, 50.2% Female, 49.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 74.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 16% |