1

Community Development Director Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Development Associate

Wyoming, MI · On-site

$18.48 - $19.22/hr

Represents the agency through participation and presentations at community events such as chamber events and company expositions. Supports the Development Director in planning, coordinating, and ...

Represents the agency through participation and presentations at community events such as chamber events and company expositions. Supports the Development Director in planning, coordinating, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Community Development Director information

See Michigan salary details

$41K

$112.8K

$185.7K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Michigan is $112,798.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $138,600.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Development Director jobs in Michigan? For Community Development Director jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Community Development Director jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Community Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,798 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

$80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description


PRIMARY FUNCTION:

The Director of Development plays a vital role in securing the financial resources necessary to achieve our organization's mission and vision. This position is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy, cultivating relationships with donors, foundations, and corporations, and leading a team of development professionals to achieve ambitious fundraising goals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations or similar field required; master’s degree preferred.
  1. Must pass criminal, child abuse and neglect, and sex offender background checks.
  1. At least three years experience and proven success in communications, fundraising, marketing, and/or public relations.
  2. Able to develop and maintain appropriate fund development systems including donors. management, research and cultivation, gift processing, acknowledgment and recognition.
  3. Maintain accountability and compliance standards for donors and funding sources.
  4. Proficient in Microsoft Office and other electronic platforms.
  5. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
  6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills including editing.
  7. Must have excellent command of the English language.
  8. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  9. Able to effectively work independently, prioritize, multi-task and shift tasks.
  10. Able to work in shared workspace with distractions.
  11. Demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
  12. Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge is preferred.
  13. Be able to demonstrate the mission of YWCA Kalamazoo and adhere to it.
  14. Demonstrated ability to manage others.
  15. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects.
  16. Demonstrated ability to provide constructive feedback to team members.



The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Executes and supports the development of a comprehensive fundraising plan that aligns with the organization's strategic goals and financial needs.
  2. Sets ambitious but achievable fundraising goals and track progress towards achieving them.
  3. Provides leadership supervision and direction to the Development Team, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment.
  4. Cultivates and manages relationships with key individual donors, foundations, and corporate. partners. Including oversight of Major Gifts in partnership with donor portfolio of all donors giving $2,500 - $24,999 and a Foundation and Corporate donor portfolio shared with the Vice President of DevelopmentAdvancement.
  5. Develop personalized solicitation strategies tailored to each donor's interests and giving capacity.
  6. Secures major gifts and cultivates long-term relationships with major donors.
  7. Build strong relationships with grant makers and guides the strategy of grant procurement with support from the Development Team secure funding from foundations.
  8. Manages and expands the organization's network of supporters.
  9. Designs and facilitates a team development plan, including preparing donor cultivation activities for the VP, the CEO, and other relevant team members.
  10. Leads the development and execution of email, social media, and mailed fundraising appeals.
  11. Oversees the Development budget and manage resources efficiently.
  12. Secures corporate and private sponsorships, maintain relationships, and manage the entire cycle of the donor journey.
  13. Serves as a liaison for contracted professionals.
  14. Leads and execute major fundraising events including, but not limited to, Men’s Breakfast, Women of Achievement, and Full Circle.
  15. Supervises and coaches a team of development professionals, supporting their professional growth and success.
  16. Directly supports the work of the supervised team as needed, including but not limited to grant writing, grant reports, events, and coordination.
  17. Supports Vice President of Advancement in budget meetings representing the revenue side of the organization.
  1. Attend all team and staff meetings, participate in collective team and agency efforts, and complies with all YWCA Kalamazoo policies and practices.
  2. Remains flexible and manages changing priorities on a continuing basis.
  3. Knows and adheres to Association policies, procedures, and practices.
  4. Safeguards confidential information gained because of the position.
  5. Complies with Association policy regarding required reporting of child abuse.
  6. As a YWCA employee, projects a positive image of the Association and its programs to the community.
  7. Works cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff, and volunteers.
  8. Other duties as assigned.


WORKING CONDITIONS AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. YWCA assigned building
  2. Occasional off-site locations; promotional events, networking events, community engagement events, etc.
  3. Potential outdoor events
  4. Actions: Sitting, standing, kneeling, bending, some lifting
  5. Frequently required to remain stationary
  6. Frequently required to move
  7. Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
  8. Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
  9. Continually required to communicate and exchange accurate information
  10. Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions
  11. While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
  12. Occasionally work in high, precarious places
  13. Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
  14. The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 20 pounds.
  15. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision; Distance vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision;
  16. Specialized equipment, machines, or vehicles used: computer, tablet, vehicle use, cameras, audiovisual equipment
  17. Frequent travel to and from offsite locations and events
  18. Occasional exposure to bloodborne pathogens, airborne pathogens, or infectious materials


TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Orientation to YWCA Personnel Policies, Mission, Purpose and One Imperative
  2. Orientation to Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Confidentiality, Mandatory Reporting.
  3. Other appropriate training and in-service will occur during employment.
  1. Health and Safety/OSHA and Emergency Procedures Orientation.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer