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Community Development Director Jobs in California

City of Lodi

Community Development Director

Lodi, CA · On-site

$201K/yr

The City of Lodi announces an exciting opportunity to join our team as the Community Development Director CPS HR Consulting is conducting the recruitment on behalf of the City of Lodi. Please review ...

Destiny Arts Center

Development Director

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$135K - $145K/yr

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR REPORTS TO Executive Director STATUS Full-Time, Exempt • Hybrid SUPERVISES ... Through programs at our North Oakland center and across 55 school and community sites throughout ...

New

Reading Partners

Development Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$98K - $122K/yr

We are a leader in working to solve the literacy crisis in our country by leveraging community ... The Development Director's main roles are to create and implement the overarching regional ...

Destiny Arts Center

Development Director

Oakland, CA · On-site

$130K - $140K/yr

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR REPORTS TO Executive Director STATUS Full-Time, Exempt • Hybrid SUPERVISES ... Through programs at our North Oakland center and across 55 school and community sites throughout ...

New

For The People

Development Director

Oakland, CA · On-site

$135K - $155K/yr

... and strengthening communities for generations to come. We work with elected prosecutors to ... The Development Director will collaborate closely with leaders across the organization to align ...

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Community Development Director information

See California salary details

$46.4K

$127.7K

$210.2K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,721 per year, or $61.4 per hour.

Community Development Director

City of Lodi

Lodi, CA • On-site

$201K/yr

Other

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Description The City of Lodi announces an exciting opportunity to join our team as the Community Development Director CPS HR Consulting is conducting the recruitment on behalf of the City of Lodi. Please review the brochure for additional information and for instructions on how to apply for the position. Under administrative direction, manages, plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs the planning, code enforcement, building, and development review functions of the City.

Responsible for two citizen commissions and maintaining effective public relations; performs related work as assigned. This single position class has department head level responsibility for overall policy development, program planning, fiscal management, administration and operation of the Code Enforcement, Building Inspection and Planning divisions. The incumbent is responsible for accomplishing departmental goals and objectives, supervising staff, administering the annual budget, and directing the day-to-day operations and activities of the Community Development department.

Assignments allow for a high degree of administrative independence in their execution.

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