Development Director Certification

Stop Fundraising By Putting Out Fires. Start Leading with a Strategic Plan.

Mary Gladstone-Highland, CFRE, CNP Mary Gladstone-Highland, CFRE, CNP
Does your fundraising feel like a constant scramble to put out the next fire? This certification replaces that stress with a proven, strategic framework. Move beyond the chaos of day-to-day tasks and learn to build a comprehensive fundraising plan, cultivate a true culture of philanthropy, and lead your entire organization—from the board to volunteers—to not only meet but exceed your revenue goals.

Here's What You Can Expect From the Course

Stop feeling like you're fundraising alone. This program equips you to be a strategic leader who builds a team-wide commitment to development. You will move from simply managing tasks to orchestrating a cohesive, year-round strategy that builds relationships, inspires giving, and ensures sustainable revenue.

WHAT YOU'LL BUILD A Proactive, Data-Driven Fundraising Plan To replace reactive fundraising with a clear, year-long roadmap for achieving your revenue goals.
  • A comprehensive annual fundraising plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and calendar
  • A compelling Case for Support that articulates your mission and impact
  • A donor stewardship matrix to systematize your relationship-building process
  • A gift range chart to strategically target asks and ensure you meet your financial goals
WHAT YOU'LL ELIMINATE A Disengaged and Unsupportive Team By creating a true culture of philanthropy where everyone understands their role in fundraising.
  • Board members who are hesitant to participate in fundraising activities
  • Staff who see fundraising as "someone else's job" and fail to provide necessary data and stories
  • Volunteers who are not utilized effectively to expand your network and reach
  • The stress and inefficiency of being the sole person responsible for your organization's revenue
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN The Confidence to Secure Major Gifts Mastering the art and science of donor relations, from initial prospecting to making the high-dollar ask.
  • The ability to identify and qualify major donor prospects using the L.A.I. principle
  • A process for building authentic, long-term relationships with high-capacity donors
  • The skill to make a confident, well-researched ask at the right time
  • Expertise in managing complex gifts, including planned giving and donor-advised funds

Your Instructor

Mary Gladstone-Highland, CFRE, CNP
ABOUT —

Mary Gladstone-Highland, CFRE, CNP
  • Certified Nonprofit Professional
  • Fourteen years of experience leading organizations

Mary Gladstone-Highland, MPA is a Certified Nonprofit Professional with sixteen years of experience leading organizations. Mary is a graduate of the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University. She holds a Master of Public Administration and a Certificate in Advanced Study in Conflict and Collaboration. She is also a Certified Fund Raising Executive and has raised over $3.4 million for numerous organizations over the past five years. Mary is skilled at analyzing large amounts of information to find creative solutions to complex problems.

All Inclusive

The Development Director Certification, both on demand or live, comes with the following.

  • 📚

    Two Year Course Access

    The on-demand video training available 24/7 for 2 full years
  • 📋

    Templates & Tools

    Downloadable documents, checklists, templates, and forms
  • 🎓

    Certification Exam

    One exam attempt included. Credentials valid for 2 years
  • 🎯

    Small, Customized Classes

    Live sessions tailored to participant needs—never generic

Course Outcomes

    • Develop a Strategic, Year-Round Fundraising Plan
    • Cultivate a Culture of Philanthropy
    • Master Major Donor Stewardship and Asks
    • Align Fundraising Efforts with Marketing
    • Execute Successful Fundraising Campaigns

Course Dates

  • Learn at your own pace – On Demand
  • There are no live dates currently planned, send us email if you are interested.

Format

  • 5 Sessions
  • 90 Minutes Each

Outline

This five-day certification walks you through every aspect of the Development Director role. We begin with the core responsibilities before building your strategic foundation with a fundraising plan. You'll then master donor relations and marketing, culminating in a deep dive into planning and executing major fundraising campaigns.

Day 1: The Development Director Role and Responsibilities

  • Understand the core responsibilities of a Development Director
  • Define your relationship with the board, staff, and volunteers
  • Master the essential skills for effective fundraising leadership
  • Develop a compelling Case for Support to articulate your organization's impact

Day 2: Building Your Development Office Foundations

  • Establish annual fundraising priorities to focus your efforts
  • Build a comprehensive, proactive fundraising plan (not just a budget)
  • Cultivate a "culture of philanthropy" where everyone is part of the fundraising team
  • Learn how to solicit support and delegate tasks to staff, board, and volunteers

Day 3: Mastering Donor Relations and Stewardship

  • Build and retain a strong, diversified individual donor base
  • Learn the process for identifying, cultivating, and securing high-dollar donations
  • Create a seamless stewardship plan using a Donor Stewardship Matrix
  • Gain confidence in "making the ask" for major gifts

Day 4: Aligning Fundraising and Marketing for Maximum Impact

  • Develop a comprehensive marketing plan and communications calendar
  • Craft impactful stories that honor clients and inspire donors
  • Choose the best marketing platforms and create a consistent rhythm for your content
  • Organize volunteer "influencers" to expand your reach and awareness

Day 5: Planning and Executing Successful Fundraising Campaigns

  • Differentiate between annual, capital, year-end, and peer-to-peer campaigns
  • Conduct a feasibility study to ensure your campaign goals are realistic
  • Coordinate the prep, quiet, and active phases of a major campaign
  • Craft a cohesive campaign narrative and brand to tie all activities together
RECOMMENDED AUDIENCE

Who Should Attend?

  • Development directors and managers
  • Fundraising professionals
  • Donor relations managers
  • Marketing managers
  • Major gift directors
  • Planned giving directors
  • Grant writers
  • Executive directors/CEOs
  • Board members
  • Senior management
  • Volunteer coordinators
  • Program directors
  • Professionals aspiring to become development directors

Why CareerLearning?

  • ✔

    Learn from Industry Experts

    Courses are led by professionals with real-world experience, ensuring you gain practical insights and skills.
  • ✔

    Focus on Practical Skills

    The learning approach emphasizes skills-based education, enabling you to immediately apply what you learn to your career.
  • ✔

    Tailored to Industry Needs

    Programs specifically designed for various sectors like Education, HR, and Nonprofit, addressing industry-specific challenges and regulations.
  • ✔

    Enhance Career Growth

    Courses designed to help professionals advance their careers, improve their knowledge, and make a greater impact in their organizations.
  • ✔

    Flexible Learning Options

    Both live and on-demand options available, learn at a pace and time that suits your schedule.
  • ✔

    Potential for Certifications

    Leading certifications and third-party accreditations to help you showcase your achievements.
  • ✔

    Access to Valuable Resources

    Course materials and resources provided to support your learning and implementation of new skills.
Development Director Certification
On-Demand
Certification

5 Sessions 90 Minutes Each

$999.00
$999.00
Sale Unavailable
On Demand Recordings Only (Available now)
$999
Let's Talk

What You'll Receive:

  • ✔️ On-demand access for one year
  • ✔️ PDF slides + course resources & links
  • ✔️ Certificate of completion
  • ✔️ One certification exam