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Community Development Director Jobs in North Carolina

MCDOWELL LFAC

Development Director

Marion, NC · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Development Director McDowell Local Food Advisory Council - Marion, NC Full-Time | $50,000-$60,000 ... community health through an equitable and economically viable local food system. Through core ...

MCDOWELL LFAC

Development Director

Marion, NC · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Development Director McDowell Local Food Advisory Council - Marion, NC Full-Time | $50,000-$60,000 ... community health through an equitable and economically viable local food system. Through core ...

WNCSource

Development Director

Hendersonville, NC · On-site

Serving as a key member of the leadership team, the Development Director oversees all aspects of ... The ideal candidate will blend a passion for community impact with a sophisticated understanding of ...

MCDOWELL LFAC

Development Director

Marion, NC · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

... community health through an equitable and economically viable local food system. Through core ... The Development Director is a senior leadership position responsible for advancing McDowell LFAC ...

WNCSource

Development Director

Hendersonville, NC · On-site

$78K/yr

Serving as a key member of the leadership team, the Development Director oversees all aspects of ... The ideal candidate will blend a passion for community impact with a sophisticated understanding of ...

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Community Development Director information

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$42.7K

$117.6K

$193.6K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in North Carolina is $117,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,900.00 and $144,500.00 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.

More about Community Development Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in North Carolina?

The most popular types of Community Development jobs in North Carolina are:

What are popular job titles related to Community Development Director jobs in North Carolina?

For Community Development Director jobs in North Carolina, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in North Carolina look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in North Carolina are:

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Community Development Director jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Community Development Director job openings:

Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $117,613 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Community & Economic Development Director

Forsyth County (NC)

Winston Salem, NC

$98K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

General Statement of Duties Opportunity to be responsible for the oversight of the County's economic development program, code enforcement activities, and all affordable housing programs in Forsyth County. Work involves extensive contact with the public, governmental officials, and other agencies. Independent judgment, initiative, tact, and courtesy are required.

Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated for effectiveness in conferences and by review of reports. Minimum Education and Experience Graduation from a four-year college with a degree in planning, public administration, political science or related field and four years of increasingly responsible professional experience in public administration. Prefer experience with nonprofit or governmental housing programs or Community Development Block Grant programs.

Must have a valid N. C. driver's license.

A four-year degree outside of the relevant academic field plus additional years of relevant experience may also be considered. A higher education level may be considered as a substitution for all or part of the experience requirement. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Oversees the department's affordable housing efforts including home ownership, rehabilitation, and new construction activities.

Such activities include policy/guideline development, development of complex financing models, program implementation, budgeting, program evaluation, media relations, legislative liaison efforts and both customer and funders relationships. Oversees the preparation and execution of legal documents pertaining to easements, deeds of trusts, and promissory notes. Oversees the County's code enforcement program which requires residents to maintain their homes/properties in a condition that makes the housing premises safe, sanitary, and fit for human habitation.

Conducts administrative hearings and ruling on the actions to be taken by owners in making specified repairs to their property and the time frame in which the repairs must be completed. Prepares federal and state housing grant applications, and lobbies officials for grant approval and housing legislation. Oversees the County's economic development program.

Ensures incentive requests are in compliance with NC General Statutes, County economic development guidelines, and County policy and budgetary priorities. Works with Greater Winston-Salem Inc. to meet with businesses that are interested in locating in Forsyth County or expanding their current usiness that already has a presence in the County.

Serves as staff liaison with governmental officials, public and private housing agenciesbusinesses and the public in gathering and disseminating information. Monitors the work of staff through case reviews, progress reports, conferencse and informal discussions to ensure compliance with operational standards and established policies. Prepares documents and keeps financial records relating to audits and monitoring inspections.

Maintaining a specific license such as a driver's license in good standing, without a lapse or loss of a privilege to drive in compliance with North Carolina law, and in compliance with applicable DOT standards for commercial motor vehicle drivers if required to perform the duties assigned to the position. Performs financial reports and pro forums relating to the construction and rehabilitation of low and moderate income housing. Provides information to the Board of County Commissioners and the County Manager as requested.

Performs related work as needed.

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