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Community Development Director Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

This is advanced professional and managerial work planning, organizing, implementing, and directing Community Development Department programs in the areas of Building, Code Enforcement, Planning ...

This is advanced professional and managerial work planning, organizing, implementing, and directing Community Development Department programs in the areas of Building, Code Enforcement, Planning ...

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Community Development Director information

See Missouri salary details

$44.1K

$121.4K

$199.8K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Missouri is $121,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,600.00 and $149,100.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Missouri? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Missouri are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Development Director jobs in Missouri? For Community Development Director jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Missouri are hiring for Community Development Director jobs? Cities in Missouri with the most Community Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Missouri as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,393 per year, or $58.4 per hour.

Community Development Director

City of Troy, Missouri

Troy, MO • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

General Purpose of Position

This position is responsible for the administrative, supervisory and investigative work of the Community Department. This is advanced professional and managerial work planning, organizing, implementing, and directing Community Development Department programs in the areas of Building, Code Enforcement, Planning & Zoning, Board of Adjustment, Floodplain Administrator, Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4 Program) and Infrastructure Inspection/Dedication Program according to state and federal regulations and City ordinances

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Develops and manages the departmental budget

  • Proposes line-item budget based on prior year (Community Development & Stormwater)
  • Tracks expenditures on a monthly basis
  • Receives and tracks monthly expenses to stay within budget
  • Prepares and distributes the appropriate information needed to prepare annual budget
  • Oversees and maintains annual departmental budget (Community Development & Stormwater)

Supervises departmental personnel

  • Supervises all employees, establishing all scheduling practices and assigning appropriate tasks
  • Completes employee performance evaluations on a regular basis
  • Tracks and posts all scheduling, vacation time, comp time, and sick leave according to procedure
  • Oversees needed discipline and tracks all applicable documentation
  • Assures professional development (training) for each employee

Performs administrative duties related to departmental functions

  • Advises City Administrator regarding progress of projects and assigned jobs
  • Develops bid specifications for equipment and / or projects for Community Development Department
  • Participates in the City' s comprehensive planning process
  • Prepares and monitors the department budget (Community Development & Stormwater)
  • Complete all reports and paperwork as required

Participates in public relations and education

  • Communicates regularly with various stakeholders, including City staff, other government entities, contractors and developers
  • Directs the development and implementation of the City comprehensive planning program including land use, transportation, housing, and area plans. 
  • Directs the implementation of transportation planning projects. 
  • Attends Council meetings and other meetings as required
  • Serves as technical advisor to the Planning and Zoning Commission
  • Prepares information and makes recommendations to Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Aldermen, and City Administrator
  • Provides technical assistance to City Officials and the general public regarding issues as requested

Acts as and performs duties of Planning and Zoning Administrator

  • Maintains permanent and current records including, but not limited to, all amendments, variances, and zoning map changes
  • Forwards to Planning and Zoning Commission information and data necessary for performing their function
  • Forwards to Board of Adjustment applications for variances, interpretive relief, or other matters on which Board is required to act
  • Enforces all provisions and provides specific notification of violations of planning and zoning regulations
  • Documents and reports unabated violations to Municipal Court Clerk for further legal action
  • Reviews and verifies for zoning compliance the use(s) associated with each application for an occupancy permit prior to issuance of a business license

Acts as and performs duties of Floodplain Administrator

  • Reviews all applications for floodplain development permits to assure that safety of sites and satisfaction of floodplain development permit requirements
  • Reviews applications for floodplain development permits to assure that all necessary Federal, State, or local permits have been obtained
  • Reviews proposals for subdivisions or other new development to determine whether such proposals will be reasonable safe from flooding
  • Issues floodplain development permits for all approved applications
  • Provides notification to adjacent communities and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) prior to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse; submits evidence of such notification to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • Assures provision of maintenance within altered or relocated portion of any watercourse so flood-carrying capacity is not diminished
  • Verifies and maintains record of actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new or substantially improved structures as well as substantially improved non-resident structures that have been flood-proofed
  • Arranges for certification from a registered professional engineer or architect when flood-proofing techniques are utilized for a particular non-residential structure

MS4 Stormwater Management Program

  • Oversees the Stormwater Coordinator
  • Ensures the Stormwater Management Plan is being carried out per plan.
  • Reports to the Board of Aldermen the status of the MS4 program.

Infrastructure Inspection Program

  • Oversees Infrastructure Program
  • Ensures the Infrastructure is per approved construction plans
  • Reports to the Board of Aldermen the status of the Infrastructure Inspection Program.

Performs the statutory duties of a Building Official

Performs other duties as directed

Education and Experience

The person in this position must have a high school diploma or its equivalent; minimum college degree and/or an advanced certification in Planning, Public Administration, or related field, AND five years experience managing planning or community development operations; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses and Certifications

The person in this position must have a valid Missouri driver's license; certifications in City Planning, Community & Economic Development, Public Management, or other related fields are preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge

  • Supervisory principles, practices and procedures
  • Project management practices and procedures
  • City' s purchasing policies and procedures
  • Inventory management principles and methods
  • Knowledge of engineering and planning principles
  • Oral and written communication skills
  • Basic environmental standards for water, sewer and wastewater treatment systems
  • Ability to adhere to specific safety regulations
  • Ability to read blueprints
  • Layout of city streets
  • Federal and state statutes concerning the work of the department
  • Mathematical skills, including addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication functions
  • General functions and operations of municipal government

Skills and Abilities

  • Apply supervisory techniques to practical situations
  • Manage a departmental budget
  • Develop bid specifications
  • Effectively negotiate contracts and other agreements
  • Effectively manage personnel, equipment and supplies to maximize departmental efficiency
  • Use common sense
  • Pay attention to detail
  • Complete detailed work accurately
  • Work effectively with a wide range of people
  • Meet specified deadlines
  • Prioritize daily work flow
  • Work as a team member with other employees
  • Communicate effectively with others, both oral and written
  • Work autonomously when necessary
  • Handle multiple tasks simultaneously with frequent interruptions
  • Deal with others in a professional manner
  • Maintain professional composure in heated situations
  • Develop, implement and follow departmental and City policies and procedures