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Community Development Director Jobs in California

Sonomacity

Community Development Director

Sonoma, CA · On-site

Community Development Director Summary Direct, manage, oversee and integrate the activities and operations of the Community Development Department, including planning, building, housing ...

City of Delano

Community Development Director

Delano, CA · On-site

$13K - $16K/mo

... Community Development Department that provides current and advance planning; plan checking ... Plan, organize and direct the activities of several units engaged in a variety of planning ...

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All JobsCommunity Development JobsCommunity Development Director JobsCommunity Development Director Jobs in California

Community Development Director information

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$46.4K

$127.7K

$210.2K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in California is $127,721.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,300.00 and $156,900.00 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 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.

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 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.

More about Community Development Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in California?

The most popular types of Community Development jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Community Development Director jobs in California?

For Community Development Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Community Development Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Community Development Director job openings:

Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,721 per year, or $61.4 per hour.

Community Development Director

Ventura, CA • On-site

City of Ventura
Public Administration • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about City of Venturaexternal

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

The City of Ventura is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as its next Community Development Director. As a key member of the City's strategic management team, the Director will lead a high-performing department and help shape the future of Ventura through strong leadership, collaboration, and meaningful community engagement. This high-profile role requires a leader who can build trusted relationships, navigate complex community issues, and bring people together around a shared vision for a well-planned, well-designed, accessible, and prosperous community.
👉 For full details about this exciting opportunity, please review the Community Development Director Brochure.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to abola@cityofventura.ca.gov by Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The cover letter should address how the candidate's experience and accomplishments align with the qualifications and attributes described in the Ideal Candidate section, including: the size of budgets and staff they have managed; their experience overseeing diverse divisions, and their background presenting to governing boards or similar bodies.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need an accommodation in a selection process, please notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date of the position you are interested in. The Human Resources address is: 501 Poli Street, Room 210, Ventura, CA 93001, (805) 654-7853, e-mail: recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create an environment that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our workforce. We welcome you to join our team!

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