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.

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

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

What's Included

The Development Director Certification course includes the following:

  • 📊

    Course access and recordings

    Access your course and any included recordings through your customer dashboard
  • 📚

    Course materials

    Includes PDFs of the presentation and any additional resources provided by the expert presenter
  • 🎓

    Certificates and exams

    • Certificate of attendance included with all courses
    • Certification courses include one exam attempt
    • Successful graduates will receive an official certification along with verified digital credentials
  • 🎯

    Class experience

    • Live sessions are small and focused to support questions and discussion
    • Self-paced on-demand courses allow you to move through the material on your own schedule
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
Approval and validity

Certifications

A comprehensive online exam will be administered at the end of the course to assess your knowledge and understanding of principles and practices. The exam must be completed within 60 days of the last live event or the date of on-demand purchase. A paid extension may be requested for a maximum completion window of 120 days, after which the exam window closes.

Certification: Upon successful completion of the final exam (with a score of 80% or higher) and meeting the attendance requirements, you will receive a digital credential, validating your expertise and commitment to advancing your career.

*Certification delivered via email within 5-7 business days of passing.

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.

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
5 Sessions 90 Minutes Each
Self‑Paced | On‑Demand Recording
$450
Qty
Total $0.00
Or call directly: 914-331-8883
Development Director Certification
On-Demand
Certification

5 Live Sessions 90 Minutes Each

$450.00 USD
$450.00 USD
Sale Unavailable
Live Sessions with Recordings
$450
On Demand Recordings Only (Available now)
$450
📞 Let's Talk
Or call directly: 914-331-8883

What You'll Receive:

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

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