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Community Development Director Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Ashley Rountree

Director of Development

Louisville, KY · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

With a comprehensive campaign underway, the timing is right for a Director of Development to join ... Serve as an Ambassador for Kids Center at community events, including speaking engagements ...

Ashley Rountree

Director of Development

Louisville, KY · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

With a comprehensive campaign underway, the timing is right for a Director of Development to join ... Serve as an Ambassador for Kids Center at community events, including speaking engagements ...

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

... Program Development Director, Behavioral Traffic Safety Cooperative Research Program (BTSCRP ... community. The Transportation Research Board (TRB), a division of the National Academies of ...

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

... Development Director, Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP), leads the development ... community. The Transportation Research Board (TRB), a division of the National Academies of ...

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

... Program Development Director Transit Cooperative Research Program leads the development ... community. The Transportation Research Board (TRB), a division of the National Academies of ...

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

... community. The Transportation Research Board (TRB), a division of the National Academies of ... Development * Work in close cooperation with the Director and Deputy Director to support the ...

University of Kentucky

Resident Director

Lexington, KY · On-site

$36K - $59K/yr

Posting Details Job Title Resident Director Requisition Number RE55138 Working Title Department ... Student Support and Community Development Foster a positive residential environment that supports ...

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Community Development Director information

See Kentucky salary details

$40.8K

$112.4K

$185K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Kentucky is $112,401.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,100.00 and $138,100.00 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 Kentucky? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Kentucky are:
What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Community Development Director jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Community Development Director job openings:
Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,401 per year, or $54 per hour.

Community Development Specialist

Buffalo Trace Area Development District

Maysville, KY • On-site

$40K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

The Buffalo Trace Area Development District is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Community Development Specialist. 
Job Details:
  • The Community Development Specialist works with local officials for undertaking projects and programs in the Planning and Development Department, providing technical and management assistance to local governments and agencies under the direction of the Community Development Director.  
  • Daily work activities may include, but are not limited to, general project management, community planning, grant writing, reporting, financial oversight, project coordination, and project administration. 
  • The Planning and Development Department works with various types of projects including Water, Sewer, Housing, Community Facilities, Community Development, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation, Emergency Services, Agricultural grants, and many others.  
  • The Community Development Specialist works with federal, state, and local agencies, in administering funds distributed by USDA Rural Development, Appalachian Regional Commission, Economic Development Administration, programs administered by the Kentucky Department for Local Government, and many others. 
  • Successful candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge in project administration, as they will be responsible for project oversight, collaboration and coordination of project stakeholders, budgeting and financial accountability of projects, progress reporting, records and file retention, and other such duties necessary to administer projects. 
  • Candidates should be able to work independently, have good verbal and communication skills, maintain good working relationships with funding agencies and project partners, possess good writing skills, be detail oriented and organized, be personable, and willing to learn new duties as needed. 
  • Candidates must be able to multi-task and carry forward various projects simultaneously. 
  • Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business or public administration, or similar field. 
  • GIS experience is a bonus if applicant is familiar with GIS, mapping, ARC GIS, and other such software; but GIS ability is not mandatory to apply. 
  • Salary will be based on qualifications and experience. 
  • Review of applications will continue until position is filled. 
 
Please Send cover letter and resume via email to kdodge@btadd.com or to Attn: Kristie Dodge, Buffalo Trace Area Development District, P.O. Box 460, Maysville, Kentucky 41056
 
Buffalo Trace Area Development District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Auxiliary Aides and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.