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The differences between funds development directors and directors of special events can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a funds development director and a director of special events. Additionally, a funds development director has an average salary of $94,994, which is higher than the $63,671 average annual salary of a director of special events.
The top three skills for a funds development director include portfolio, donor relations and financial support. The most important skills for a director of special events are event planning, alumni, and event management.
| Funds Development Director | Director Of Special Events | |
| Yearly salary | $94,994 | $63,671 |
| Hourly rate | $45.67 | $30.61 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 55,583 | 23,252 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A funds development director spearheads and oversees the funding operations of a company. It is their duty to make decisions that benefit the company and its overall operations, set goals and monthly objectives, establish guidelines and timelines, liaise with external parties, coordinate with managers and executives, review and analyze funding procedures and documentation, and develop strategies to optimize operations. Moreover, a funds development director leads and encourages staff to reach goals while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
A director of special events spearheads and oversees the planning and execution of various events, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. They typically set goals and guidelines, manage schedules and timelines, outline plans and strategies, coordinate managers and different departments, and liaise with vendors and suppliers, building positive business relationships in the process. Moreover, as a director, it is essential to lead and encourage staff to reach goals while implementing and promoting the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.
Funds development directors and directors of special events have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Funds Development Director | Director Of Special Events | |
| Average salary | $94,994 | $63,671 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $160,000 | Between $35,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | California |
| Best paying company | BNY Mellon | NRDC |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Professional |
There are a few differences between a funds development director and a director of special events in terms of educational background:
| Funds Development Director | Director Of Special Events | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between funds development directors' and directors of special events' demographics:
| Funds Development Director | Director Of Special Events | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 38.3% Female, 61.7% | Male, 25.1% Female, 74.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 5.1% White, 75.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 5.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 5.1% White, 75.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 16% |