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Community Development Director Jobs in Pennsylvania

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Community Development Director information

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$47.1K

$129.7K

$213.5K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Pennsylvania is $129,727.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,700.00 and $159,400.00 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 Pennsylvania?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,727 per year, or $62.4 per hour.

Community Development Director

City Of Reading

Reading, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Community Development (CD) Director is responsible for developing and supporting programs and policies that implement the Administration’s vision for “building a better Reading together.” The Director manages two Deputy Directors and the operations of six (6) divisions, including Planning & Zoning, Property maintenance, Building & Trades, Business Development, CED Programs, and Housing & Blight Remediation. 

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

  • Manages personnel within the Community Development Department, including hiring, training, work supervision, and problem solving.
  • Leads coordination efforts among CD Divisions, other City agencies, and City business and community partners. Identifies and implements programs and policies to increase operational efficiency and improve City services.
  • Develops, implements, and evaluates goals and objectives, policies and procedures, program guidelines, and short and long range goals for the Divisions.
  • Monitors CD programs and activities to ensure they are meeting the community’s needs as well as local, state, and federal mandates.
  • Develops comprehensive performance measures and reports to evaluate the Division’s outcomes. 
  • Provides direction to the drafting of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, and other plans that support City revitalization efforts.
  • Directs HUD-related funding initiatives, including overseeing HUD grant applications, reporting, and implementation of HUD programs.
  • Identifies and oversees the application of local, state and federal grants that support community development initiatives.
  • Fosters economic development, redevelopment, growth, expansion, retention, and attraction of new and existing businesses in an effort to improve employment opportunities and foster economic growth.
  • Promotes neighborhood stabilization through homeownership as well as owner-occupied and rental housing rehabilitation assistance.
  • Oversees the development and implementation of a city-wide blight remediation strategy.
  • May serve as Executive Director of the Reading Redevelopment Authority.
  • May serve as City Liaison to the CRIZ Authority.
  • Represents the Department in various city, regional, and community meetings and public hearings, as required. 
  • Makes recommendations to the Managing Director and City Council regarding community development initiatives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Educational Requirements/Experience

  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Public Administration, Economics, Urban Planning, Political Science, or other related field.
  • Master’s degree in one of the above subjects, or other related field, is preferred.
  • Minimum of eight (8) years’ experience in essential responsibilities and duties of this position.
  • Demonstrated experience in construction methods and materials, renovating, demolition and management of significant public projects. 
  • Demonstrated experience working with residents, developers, and businesses.
  • Experience working with contractors, tradespersons, and non-profit housing organizations, a plus.
  • Demonstrated experience in negotiation complex transactions with ability to close large deals.