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Community Development Director Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Director of Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

POSITION DESCRIPTION Director of Development Chicago Run Type: Full-Time Start Date: When ... We focus our work in historically disinvested communities on the South and West sides. By ...

Director of Development

Decatur, IL · On-site

$74K - $92K/yr

The Director of Development also will research, identify, and evaluate potential business ... This includes job potential in MRI and in the community. ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES * Develops ...

New

... power communities, support economic opportunity, and strengthen resilience. We believe our ... Overview The Sr. Director will have a leadership role within the project development team. Leading ...

New

Data Entry Intern/Volunteer

Chicago, IL

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

... as a community development approach to build the leadership capacity of low-income women. The ... Research and Development Director Job Scope: The Aparecio Foundation is a growing organization with ...

Showing results 41-60

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 17, 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 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.

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 cities in Illinois are hiring for Community Development Director jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,407 per year, or $60.3 per hour.

LIHEAP Clerk - Seasonal, Community Development

Madison County Government

Edwardsville, IL • On-site

$20.31/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

LIHEAP Clerk - Seasonal, Community Development

Madison County Administration Building - Edwardsville, IL 62025

Overview

Salary Range $20.31 - $20.31 Hourly Position Type Seasonal Job Shift Day Category Non-Union

Description and Application

This is a part-time, temporary position requiring approximately 25 hours per week and lasting for a period of up to six months.

Summary of Position

Performs intake, verification and follow-up procedures for program applicants and clients of various Community Development financial assistance programs. Provides assistance to the energy assistance intake sites.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

1.Performs client interviews and completes intake applications for assistance programs 2.Verifies and approves applications for assistance programs where another Clerk has completed the intake process 3.Verifies applicant documentation for various Community Development financial assistance programs and completeness of client files prior to assistance payments by the department 4.Assists households budget payment agreements with energy providers 5.Does outreach in certain areas of the county to afford greater availability and accessibility to all low-income households 6.Generates correspondence to and provides case management services for recipients of the Madison County energy assistance program 7.Prepares or assists in preparing reports required for supported programs within established timelines 8.Performs general clerical duties such as filing, answering phones and receptionist activities 9.Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

A high school diploma or equivalent and zero to six (6) months related experience are required.

Physical Requirements

The employee may be required to walk or move up to 200 feet from the primary desk. The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel or crouch. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing the duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Closing Date: September 10, 2026 or Until Filled

Qualifications

Madison County's Organizational Values help direct every employee toward a common goal. They remind us that we share a larger purpose.

Madison County's Organizational Values are:

  • Communicate openly & honestly
    • I circle back when there is a need for clarity or amends
    • I have direct honest conversations with people rather than talking about them to others
    • I reach out for help when I need it and respond to others appropriately when they ask for help
    • I facilitate clarity not confusion
    • I listen to others while setting my own biases aside and focusing on the whole person
  • Maintain high standards of excellence
    • I conduct myself in a way that demonstrates our standards of excellence
    • I define what success means within my team and engage them through a continuous improvement mindset
    • I and my team set appropriate goals and establish checks and balances to ensure our goals are reasonably achieved
    • I lead by example through establishing clear guidelines and defining our standards
    • I accept change that benefits my colleagues and our organization
  • Integrity
    • I do what I say I'm going to do
    • I act in alignment with my values
    • I do the right thing when nobody is looking
    • I value input from others and recognize that I am not always right
    • I seek to build trust and avoid carelessly blaming others
  • Accountability
    • I own my mistakes, apologize and make amends
    • I make myself available for, and am receptive to feedback
    • I take responsibility
    • I establish achievable deadlines for myself and my team
    • I take ownership by not making excuses
  • Compassion
    • I treat my colleagues with respect and compassion by responding when appropriate in a timely and professional manner
    • I commit to showing compassion by seeing my colleagues as real people
    • I create an inclusive work environment where I value my colleagues as people
    • I respect my colleagues in how I speak about them when they aren't present
    • I actively listen to my colleagues