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Community Development Director Jobs in Rhode Island

Community Leader

Warwick, RI · On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

I'm the Director of Leadership at Imperiall. We are looking for a leader to join our Operations ... Self-development and growth opportunities: we invest in our people! Warm and welcoming ...

Community Leader

Warwick, RI · On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

I'm the Director of Leadership at Imperiall. We are looking for a leader to join our Operations ... Self-development and growth opportunities: we invest in our people! Warm and welcoming ...

Community Leader

Warwick, RI · On-site

$52K/yr

I'm the Director of Leadership at Imperiall. We are looking for a leader to join our Operations ... Self-development and growth opportunities: we invest in our people! Warm and welcoming ...

Community Leader

Warwick, RI · On-site

$52K/yr

I'm the Director of Leadership at Imperiall. We are looking for a leader to join our Operations ... Self-development and growth opportunities: we invest in our people! Warm and welcoming ...

Community Leader

Warwick, RI · On-site

$52K/yr

I'm the Director of Leadership at Imperiall. We are looking for a leader to join our Operations ... Self-development and growth opportunities: we invest in our people! Warm and welcoming ...

Community Leader

Warwick, RI · On-site

$52K/yr

I'm the Director of Leadership at Imperiall. We are looking for a leader to join our Operations ... Self-development and growth opportunities: we invest in our people! Warm and welcoming ...

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Showing results 1-20

Community Development Director information

See Rhode Island salary details

$46K

$126.7K

$208.6K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Rhode Island is $126,738.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,500.00 and $155,700.00 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 Rhode Island? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Rhode Island are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Development Director jobs in Rhode Island? For Community Development Director jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Community Development Director jobs? Cities in Rhode Island with the most Community Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Rhode Island as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,738 per year, or $60.9 per hour.

Director of Community Programs

Martin Luther King Community Center Inc

Newport, RI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Salary: $66,000 to $70,000 per year

JOB TITLE: Director of Community Programs

EMPLOYER: Martin Luther King Community Center

DEPARTMENT: Administration

REPORTS TO: Executive Director


This is an Exempt, salaried position. Pay:$66,000 to $70,000


Benefits:Health, Vision, Dental, Short-Term and Long-Term disability, Life & AD&D, Paid

Holidays, Matching 403B, PTO


This is an on-site position in Newport, RI.

SUMMARY:

The Director of Community Programs guides the MLK mission to promote health, support families and engage seniors. They are responsible for guaranteeing that the planning, implementation and management of programs aligns with the MLK Community Centers mission. This position ensures that these programs are designed thoughtfully, and serve all ages, needs and interests. Focus should be on meeting the social, emotional and wellness needs of our neighbors. The Director of Community Programs works directly with Community Programs employees, and with other MLK departments and staff, as well as our robust volunteer community, to ensure that expectations are understood and resources are available to promise success.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Oversee, develop, outline and schedule all existing and new community
  • Actively participates by supporting programs and
  • Supports volunteers and staff members on logistics, details, and expectations of programs prior to launch.
  • Delegates responsibilities to community programs staff, program volunteers and other participating MLK staff.
  • Is a resource for all volunteers to ensure programs are run
  • Responsible for maintaining a sign-up system for clients
  • Supports Community Programs staff and help organize materials to execute programs
  • Manage program budgets with attention paid to purchasing and
  • Track, record, and maintain data related to all community
  • Engage and check in with clients who attend community programs
  • Maintain relationships with counterparts at other area nonprofits and organizations to successfully execute programming
  • Collaborate with development team to execute successful marketing of community
  • Receive deliveries and donations when necessary
  • Perform any other duties as they pertain to the overall needs of the organization as


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Supervises all employees within all MLK Community
  • Manages seasonal employees for the Citizens Bank client employment parking lot
  • Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
  • Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associate's Degree (AA) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school, or six months to one-year related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Computer skills required:

  • Spreadsheet Software (Excel);
  • Word Processing Software (Word); and
  • Electronic Mail Software (Outlook).
  • PantrySoft or similar inventory program

Other skills required:

  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a
  • Ability to comprehend overall program
  • Capacity to juggle competing tasks and
  • Belief in the Centers mission, values, and guiding principles
  • Very
  • Make timely
  • Employment contingent upon successful background

COMPETENCIES:

  • Community Relationship Success Treats all clients, donors and members of the community with dignity and respect. Resilient in handling stressful and challenging situations, while maintaining a positive attitude. Problem solves and can pivot to meet the challenges of the situation.
  • Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
  • Servant Leadership: Serves the needs of their team members, nurturing individual development, community, and overall Organization success. Creates a sense of belonging, fostering a collaborative Listens actively to understand the perspective of their team and shows understanding and empathy. Acts with a strong ethical compass, building trust through integrity and concern for others well-being. Mobilizes others to fulfill goals and objectives.
  • Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
  • Analytical Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures. Monitors transition and evaluate results.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • Continually required to
  • Continually required to
  • Continually required to
  • Continually required to utilize hand and finger
  • Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or
  • Continually required to talk or
  • Occasionally exposed to outside weather
  • While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25