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$47K

$129.4K

$213K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in the United States is $129,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $159,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a community development director do?

A Community Development Director is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing programs and initiatives that promote the growth and improvement of a community. This role often involves working with local government, businesses, and residents to develop policies related to housing, land use, economic development, and public services. The director manages staff, secures funding, and ensures that projects align with the community’s goals and regulations. Their work helps create vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive communities.

What is the difference between Community Development Director vs Urban Planner?

AspectCommunity Development DirectorUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, or related field; often requires experience in community developmentBachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, geography, or related field; certification like AICP is common
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, non-profits, community organizationsMunicipal planning departments, consulting firms, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLocal governments, non-profits, development agenciesCity planning departments, private consulting firms, government agencies

The Community Development Director focuses on overseeing community growth, housing, and economic development initiatives, often managing teams and programs. Urban Planners primarily analyze land use, develop zoning policies, and create urban designs. While both roles require planning expertise and work within government or related sectors, the Community Development Director has a broader leadership role in community projects, whereas Urban Planners focus more on land use and spatial planning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community development director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Development Director, you need strong expertise in urban planning, project management, and a relevant degree such as public administration or urban studies. Familiarity with land use regulations, GIS systems, and grant management software is typically required. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills set top candidates apart in this role. These abilities are crucial for effectively guiding community initiatives, securing funding, and balancing the needs of diverse populations.

What are some common challenges a community development director faces when balancing the needs of various stakeholders?

A Community Development Director often navigates competing interests from local government, residents, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Balancing these diverse perspectives requires strong communication, negotiation, and consensus-building skills. Directors must ensure that development projects align with community goals while adhering to regulatory requirements and budget constraints. Proactively engaging stakeholders through public meetings and transparent processes helps address concerns and fosters collaboration, though it can be time-consuming and complex.

What does a community development director do?

A community development director manages and directs planning and management initiatives for a city organization or community, such as an elderly residential community. As a community development director, your job duties include working closely with community partners, such as businesses, community organizations, and the public, to develop strategies for improving economic, architectural, and community initiatives while preserving neighborhood or community cohesion. You also monitor programs and budgets for department initiatives. Qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, education, or public administration as well as several years of experience in public policy and planning and communication and leadership skills.

More about Community Development Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Community Development Director jobs? Cities with the most Community Development Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs? The most popular types of Community Development jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Community Development Director jobs? The top employers for Community Development Director jobs are:
What states have the most Community Development Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Community Development Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs are:
Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,416 per year, or $62.2 per hour.

Community Development Director

Executive Director - GMP Consultants

Moses Lake, WA

$147K - $179K/yr

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

My Account
Job Openings >> Community Development Director
Community Development Director
Summary
Title: Community Development Director ID: 1222 Organization: City of Moses Lake Location: Moses Lake, WA First Review : 03/01/2026
More about this job >
Description

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
City of Moses Lake, WA
First Review: March 1, 2026
Salary Range: $147,846 - $179,753 annually DOQ
View the Position Profile
Job Description
#    #    #
 

The City of Moses Lake is seeking a Community Development Director for this vibrant community of 27,000 located in the heart of central Washington's Columbia Basin along the shores of its namesake lake. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Moses Lake is a popular vacation destination for those looking to enjoy the warm sun and one of the largest freshwater lakes in the state. The city also serves as the industrial and economic center of Grant County-a growing hub for aviation, aerospace, renewable energy technology, manufacturing, and agriculture.
THE CITY OF MOSES LAKE

Moses Lake is a full-service city operating under the Council-Manager form of government. The City serves a population of 27,530 across 21 square miles with a 2026 total budget of $125 million and a team of 286 FTEs. Departments include City Manager, City Attorney, Community Development, Finance, Fire, Human Resources, Public Works, Police, Technology Services, Utilities, and Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services. City Hall operates from a Civic Center in the nine-acre Civic Center Park that includes City Administration, Finance, Utilities, Police, and the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center.     
THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Reporting to the City Manager, the Community Development Director is a "working director" position, meaning that in addition to leading the department, the director conducts research, writes reports, drafts codes and policies, prepares agenda bills, meets with customers, and performs other staff-level duties to ensure work is completed. The Department is staffed with 14 FTEs and direct reports include the Building Official, Planning Manager, and Civil Review Program Manager. The Director also serves as the City's SEPA Responsible Official and Shoreline Administrator.   
WHY APPLY 

This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate public service professional to make a meaningful and lasting impact in a dynamic, future-focused community. As a key member of a high-performing organization committed to exceptional customer service, the Community Development Director will play a key role in guiding a unique and growing city with a broad spectrum of opportunities. This well-established position offers significant potential to shape Moses Lake's development and positively influence future generations. Moses Lake offers a robust benefits package, a friendly work environment, state-of-the-art technology, and a chance to work with great people.     


For questions on this position, please contact:
David Timmons
GMP Consultants
dtimmons@gmphr.com
360) 531-0066
Apply Now
 
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