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Community Development Director Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Director of Development

Parchment, MI · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

The Director of Development plays a vital role in securing the financial resources necessary to ... Occasional off-site locations; promotional events, networking events, community engagement events ...

New

The Director of Development is responsible for managing the development and execution of ... Liaise with public and private community stakeholders; government officials and company leadership.

Director of Development

Detroit, MI · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

The Director of Development is a senior leader and crucial partner to Pewabic's new Executive ... Events & Community Engagement Oversee development-related events, including Pewabic's Garden Party ...

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Community Development Director information

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$41K

$112.8K

$185.7K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,798 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

Economic Development Project Manager

Bay City, MI

Bay City, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

City of Bay City

Full Time - Economic Development Project Manager

Community Development Department - Teamsters 214NS

JOB SUMMARY

This is administrative and technical work in economic development and project management. The work involves developing and coordinating the City's economic development strategies; maintaining liaison with local, state and federal agencies responsible for economic growth; acting as a contact person for business concerns requiring information on local economic development programs and policies and providing staff assistance for organizations as assigned.

Individual will be called upon to manage public improvements for special projects relating to economic development.

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

  1. Responsibilities include the packaging, coordination and document management of local, state and federal economic development incentives.
  2. Collaborates with the Community Development Director and the Economic Development Program Manager as well as other City Divisions and Departments to plan and implement the City's economic development programs and objectives.
  3. Builds and maintains effective, professional relationships with business leaders, advisory groups, citizens, state and local government leaders, private developers, realtors, banking and financial leaders, professional economic development and trade associations, economic development professionals and other community leaders.
  4. Provides technical support and coordinates clerical and other staff support organizations such as the special assessment boards and/or other organizations as assigned.
  5. Proposes and writes resolutions, staff reports, and other official documents as required related to economic development. Makes presentations to the City Commission, business community groups, and the general public regarding economic development programs, issues, policies, initiatives and incentives. Follows up on Commission actions and requests related to Economic Development and City-owned property.
  6. Gathers information on other local, state and federal economic development programs to ensure the City's programs are contemporary and competitive. Develops and implements short and long-range economic development strategies and work plans. Recommends adjustments in programs, activities, policies, and procedures to further economic development goals.
  7. Liaison for federal and state grants obtained, including grant management and reporting.
  8. Supports the Economic Development Program Manager in certain aspects of their roles and responsibilities.
  9. Frequent interaction with developers and serves as a primary contact with environmental consultants, attorneys, architectural and/or engineering design professionals as well as building and infrastructure contractors and crews to implement the City's development activities.
  10. Provides professional services related to real estate including: property negotiations, acquisitions, title review, document preparation, closing, property research, and property inventory.
  11. Maintains confidentiality while participating in negotiations for the acquisition or disposition of real property.
  12. Meets with prospects, developers, and business representatives to discuss opportunities and incentive programs; provides information regarding development sites, City regulations, and conducts client and prospect tours. Provide technical assistance to clients interested in local, state and federal incentive programs.
  13. Participates in civic organizations and related activities in the interest of maintaining contacts.
  14. Sensitive handling of confidential and proprietary information is required.
  15. Assists with preparation of the Economic Development Division Budget as well as preparation and administration of several other budgets
  16. Coordinates City's efforts with infrastructure improvements in connection with economic development related projects including, but not limited to, preparing requests for bids, solicitation of consultants, project plans and specifications.
  17. The writing, coordination, recordkeeping and administration of multiple grants is also required.
  18. Performs related work as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The Director of Community Development may accept any combination of experience, education, skills and certifications, or substitutions at their discretion.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Ability to:

  • Work effectively under stress and changes in work priorities.
  • Establish effective working relationships with employees, the public, developers, financiers, and other government agencies and officials
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written are required
  • Effectively prioritize tasks, work well under pressure and impending deadlines
  • Work in a fast-paced work environment.
  • Work individually and as part of a work team.
  • Attend after hour's meetings and public speaking.
  • Meet project deadlines which may require working more than 40 hours per week.

Education/Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in economics, marketing, planning, public or business administration or related field. A Master's Degree in Administration or Business Administration is preferred.
  • Five years of increasingly responsible work experience in any combination of public or private business, real estate development or construction management, or economic development and/or experience in a legal environment.
  • Experience in municipal administration highly desirable. Other combinations of experience and education which indicate the Job Requirements and Essential Duties can be satisfactorily performed will be considered.
  • Strong organizational skills required to manage multiple responsibilities concurrently.
  • It is expected that a person in this position will participate in various activities to maintain knowledge of current programs and practices in the economic development arena.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Michigan driver's license.

Please see the Full Job Description for more Information