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Community Development Director Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Near West Theatre

Development Director

Cleveland, OH · On-site

The Development Director works with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees to build the ... Near West Theatre has a unique identity as an intergenerational community-based theatre where ...

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Community Development Director information

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$44.7K

$123K

$202.5K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Ohio is $123,035.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,800.00 and $151,200.00 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 Ohio?

The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Ohio are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Community Development Director jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Community Development Director job openings:

Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Ohio as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,035 per year, or $59.2 per hour.

Development Director

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

The Salvation Army Eastern Territory
Non-Profits • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about The Salvation Army Eastern Territoryexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Organize and coordinate philanthropic activities for The Salvation Army Greater Cincinnati Area Services, including overseeing annual giving, special events, and funding initiatives.

  • Supervise and manage the GCAS Development Department staff, including assigning activities, reviewing performance, and approving time sheets.

  • Develop and implement local fundraising plans, manage community engagement opportunities, and oversee donor relations and gift acknowledgment processes.

Salvation Army rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Overview
DEPARTMENT: Community Relations Department for GCAS
REPORTS TO: Greater Cincinnati Director of Operations
SUPERVISES: Cincinnati CRD Staff
STATUS: Exempt
SCHEDULE: 35 hours/week (Mon - Fri 8:30 - 4:00) Must be willing and able to work evenings, weekends and holidays to fulfill duties as outlined below.
FUNCTION: The Development Director organizes and coordinates philanthropic activity for The Salvation Army Greater Cincinnati Area Services (GCAS). This position requires collaboration and cooperation with DHQ and THQ on various territory-wide initiatives and then localizing these to the Greater Cincinnati area to raise funds. This includes oversight of annual giving and giving societies, securing and writing grants/funding needed for the annual operating budget, oversight of special event fundraising and Advisory Board relations. The Development Director leads, supervises and manages the GCAS Development Department. The Development Director will raise awareness of The Salvation Army's Mission, goals and financial needs in the community and oversee all aspects of public relations.
Responsibilities
  • Assign, supervise and review activities of department staff for Greater Cincinnati Community Relations Department
  • Seek, qualify, draft and develop materials to submit for granting or other funding to find opportunities for Greater Cincinnati and manage grant applications.
  • Identify opportunities in the community to become engaged with The Salvation Army for marketing, media and/or fundraising.
  • Manage local giving societies (William Booth Society and others) and work with Donor Relations Directors in this regard for the best donor engagement.
  • Develop annual local fundraising plans that maximize participation and contributions, particularly at Christmas.
  • Oversee annual signature and other fundraising events, write script for annual Civic Luncheon, and prepare necessary documents for awards and/or communications regarding these events (securing speakers, prepping their involvement, post-event follow-up) and working closely with the Development Committee of the GCAS Advisory Board on these events.
  • Communicate with Advisory Board and attend Committee meetings (Nominating, Program, Development, Executive, Greater Cincinnati Advisory Board). Follow up on agenda items from these meetings and work with the Director of Operations on communications to the Advisory Board.
  • Work with area Corps (Northern Kentucky, Batavia and Greater Cincinnati Operations) to support and aid with CRD related items-coordination, media matters, attend Coordinating Council Meetings, etc.
  • Write and send letters from the Director of Operations and manage the acknowledgement of gifts to Greater Cincinnati donors.
  • Solicit cash or in-kind donations or sponsorships from individuals, businesses or public funding opportunities.
  • Attend meetings with Direct Marketing vendors and manage budget and content approvals for Greater Cincinnati.
  • Work with DHQ Digital Marketing Specialist to create localized email sends.
  • Work with the Finance Department to reconcile fundraising when needed.
  • Approve time sheets for staff members and complete annual performance evaluations.
  • Engage in Campaign activity should this become a strategic plan for the region and work with DHQ and THQ in this regard.
  • Process requests through TSAMM on behalf of the Director of Operations for CRD related activity and approvals.
  • Create an acknowledgement process and oversee gift entry coordinator for all white mail and subsequent gifts designated for Greater Cincinnati
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with media representatives, donors, key community leaders and leverage these relationships and connections to develop and enhance fundraising opportunities.
  • Manage key representatives of The Salvation Army (Kettle Ambassadors) to ensure visits are meaningful and coordinated for maximum exposure (social media, television or radio)
  • Write radio scripts and review materials created for The Salvation Army to ensure compliance with values and "voice" of The Army. Become familiar with brand standards and protect the brand in all interactions.
  • Ensure the mission of The Salvation Army is aligned with funding proposals.
  • Coordinate meetings and routine check-ins with external media partners, and process budget for media buys annually, seeking savings and in-kind donations when possible.
  • Manage the external media team's work and review everything prior to sending it to leadership.
  • Promote the Gift planning, Major Gift, Corporate Relations and Event strategies as appropriate in the community and/or with donors to reach maximum influence.
  • Oversee staff and volunteers for Annual Civic Luncheon and other key fundraising events as determined by Development Committee and Area Command.
  • The Development Director will refrain from any activity which may be construed as or lead to a conflict of interest and under no circumstances will use Salvation Army contacts or resources of The Salvation army for personal gain.
  • Work in collaboration with government grants and contracts and be kept informed of these for Greater Cincinnati Area Services
  • Maintain a functioning team atmosphere which encourages cooperation, communication, professional growth, and which instills accountability for advances in the development program.
  • To establish a pattern of regular meetings with Greater Cincinnati Operations staff (CRD, Social Ministries, AHT)
  • To be available to corps officers, program advisory boards, other entities regarding fund-raising and marketing in Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Batavia
  • To accept other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Operations

Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree and demonstrated progressive fundraising and media marketing experiences. CFRE preferred.
  • A minimum of five years' experience with a record of fund-raising success and increasing responsibilities in the various areas of development.
  • Experience in Salesforce or other CRM for donor tracking.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills including social media, press releases, and public speaking.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
The Salvation Army's Mission Statement
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church.
Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.
Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ
and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

What Salvation Army employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Salvation Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Industry

Non-profits, retail, amusement, gambling, and recreation and religious organizations

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US

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