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Community Development Director Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Deborah's Place

Development Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

... community partners to secure the resources needed to advance our work. Position Summary The Development Director provides leadership and oversight for all functions of the Development Department ...

New

Deborah's Place

Development Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

... community partners to secure the resources needed to advance our work. Position Summary The Development Director provides leadership and oversight for all functions of the Development Department ...

New

Hyde Park Day School

Development Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $145K/yr

Development Director Hyde Park Day School | Chicago, IL Hyde Park Day School (HPDS) is seeking a ... Plan and execute high-impact fundraising and community events, including the annual gala and donor ...

Hyde Park Day School

Development Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $145K/yr

Development Director Hyde Park Day School | Chicago, IL Hyde Park Day School (HPDS) is seeking a ... Plan and execute high-impact fundraising and community events, including the annual gala and donor ...

Hyde Park Day School

Development Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $145K/yr

Development Director Hyde Park Day School | Chicago, IL Hyde Park Day School (HPDS) is seeking a ... Plan and execute high-impact fundraising and community events, including the annual gala and donor ...

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All JobsCommunity Development JobsCommunity Development Director JobsCommunity Development Director Jobs in Illinois

Community Development Director information

See Illinois salary details

$45.5K

$125.4K

$206.4K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Illinois is $125,407.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,600.00 and $154,100.00 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 Illinois? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Development Director jobs in Illinois? For Community Development Director jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Community Development Director jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Community Development Director job openings:
Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,407 per year, or $60.3 per hour.

Community Development Corporation Executive Director

Augustana College

Rock Island, IL

$40K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Make an Impact at Augustana College

An Augustana education is bold, boundless and life-changing - for students and the people who help shape their journeys. As a nationally recognized college of the liberal arts and sciences, we invest in engaged learning, maximizing student potential, and building strong community partnerships - the driving forces of our Bold amp; Boundless Strategic Plan (2024-29).

With 2,500 students, Augustana is a place where mentorship matters, innovation thrives, and every role contributes to student success. Located on a scenic, wooded campus in Rock Island, Illinois, Augustana is part of the vibrant Quad-Cities metropolitan area (pop. 470,000), about a 3-hour drive from Chicago.

We seek dynamic professionals who are passionate about shaping futures and who thrive in an environment that values curiosity, collaboration and the power of transformative education. If this is you, we invite you to join us at Augustana.
Employees at Augustana enjoy an excellent benefit package including medical, retirement, generous paid time off, tuition benefits for employees and their family members, and much more.
Job Title: Community Development Corporation Executive Director
Department: CDC

Status: Part-time, Exempt, 12 Month work schedule

Wage Grade: 755

Overview: Augustana College is seeking a proactive, forward-thinking director of community development. The right candidate must be detail-oriented and possess a track record of results and successful projects; have familiarity with a wide range of granting and fundraising sources; able to work collaboratively with the policy body and community leaders and be a visible presence to the community; a thorough presenter of creative solutions and an advocate for customer service; have extensive experience in real estate, finance, urban renewal and economic, housing and community development. Direct experience working with a neighborhood CDC is not required, but beneficial.

The community development director will lead the Augustana Hilltop Community Development Corporation (AHCDC) by planning, directing, managing, and overseeing its activities and operations. Job duties will include working closely with community partners, including the City of Rock Island, businesses, community organizations, and the public, and developing strategies for improving economic, architectural, and community initiatives while preserving neighborhood or community cohesion in the defined area. The Executive Director provides general administrative support to the AHCDC Board. The position also provides direction to other employees across departments and reports to the AHCDC board. For the initial 6-12 months the director will have a direct liaison with the Augustana CFO, with direct reporting fully transferring to the board no later than 12 months after hire.

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. The position will be part-time (20 hours/week) and includes appropriate salary and benefits.

Requirements:

Primary Duties:
  • In coordination with the Board and city staff, help identify community needs within the mission of the AHCDC and prepare a strategic plan to meet those needs. Work with the Board to implement the organization's Strategic Plan; prepare periodic reports indicating related activities and progress towards goals and objectives.
  • Provide support to the Augustana Hilltop Community Development Board; respond to and ensure implementation of Board initiatives and direction; provide representation on behalf of the Board at public hearings, community meetings and other forums.
  • Recommend and assist in implementing Augustana and community goals and objectives related to economic activities and programs
  • Administer programs and grants funded by the AHCDC.
  • Participate in developing and implementing policies and procedures; monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures and state law; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing policies and procedures.
  • Develop and implement a marketing plan to ensure information about the plans, projects, and impact of AHCDC are shared.
  • Serve as primary contact for redevelopment opportunities and identify and work with private developers as appropriate. Develop project pro-formas with appropriate market subsidies if needed, and prepare and facilitate project-based RFP's. Work collaboratively with appropriate city departments, including Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Planning and Development.
  • Participate in the preparation and administration of the AHCDC fund budget; develop budgetary plans and controls in order to facilitate community development programs and activities.
  • Conduct and manage special projects; work with outside agencies and professional consultants as necessary. Perform all related duties and responsibilities as required.

Competencies:
  • Bachelor's degree (from an accredited college or university in planning, business administration, public administration, marketing or related field)
  • Five years of relevant work experience in Economic Development, Park Planning, Capital Projects or a closely related field
  • Four years of administrative and supervisory experience

Skills amp; Experience:
  • Excellent computer skills; proficiency in Excel and Google Suite
  • Ability to question data and anticipate needs of colleagues by turning data into relevant information for decision making Ability to work with a diverse campus community
  • Attention to detail
  • Excellent communication skills
Additional Information:

Pay and Benefits: This position is budgeted to pay $40,000 annually. As a part-time position, this position is not eligible for our complete benefits package. This position is still eligible for limited benefits such as retirement and life insurance.

Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, fax machines and filing cabinets.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must be able to lift 15 pounds on a frequent basis. Also required is the ability to listen, hear, speak, read, write, climb stairs, bend, stoop, stand and sit for intermittently long periods of time. Must be able to use a computer to accomplish a variety of job tasks.
EEO Statement: Augustana is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is Augustana College’s policy to provide equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability and any other category protected by federal, state or local law.
Note: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities are subject to change at any time with or without notice.
Application Instructions:
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and names of 3 references. Review of applications will begin immediately. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

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