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Community Development Director Jobs in Rhode Island

... and community stakeholders while partnering closely with the Executive Director and Board to ... The Director of Development is responsible for leading and executing City Year Rhode Island ...

... and community stakeholders while partnering closely with the Executive Director and Board to ... The Director of Development is responsible for leading and executing City Year Rhode Island ...

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 Aug 3, 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 job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Rhode Island 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.

Development Director

City Year

Providence, RI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


City Year rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 77 rated education support services


Job description

Application Instructions
Click Apply to submit your online application. Please attach a resume and thoughtful cover letter on the "My Experience" page in the "Resume/CV" field.
Active City Year Staff members must login to Workday to apply internally.
Number of Positions: 1
Work Location: Hybrid On-Site/Remote
Position Overview
The Director of Development provides strategic leadership for City Year Rhode Island's comprehensive fundraising program, driving philanthropic revenue growth and long-term financial sustainability in support of the organization's mission. Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director develops and executes an integrated fundraising strategy that includes individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation and government grants, special events, donor stewardship, and Board engagement. The Director serves as a key external ambassador for the organization, cultivating high-impact relationships with donors, funders, corporate leaders, and community stakeholders while partnering closely with the Executive Director and Board to achieve ambitious fundraising goals.
Job Description
The Director of Development is responsible for leading and executing City Year Rhode Island's comprehensive fundraising strategy to advance the organization's mission and long-term financial sustainability. Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director leads a diversified fundraising program that includes individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation and government grants, donor stewardship, fundraising events, and Advisory Board engagement.
Working in close partnership with the Executive Director, Advisory Board, and City Year's national development team, the Director cultivates strategic relationships that generate philanthropic investment and deepen community engagement. The Director develops and implements data-informed fundraising strategies, manages a robust donor pipeline, and strengthens the systems, partnerships, and fundraising capacity needed to achieve annual revenue goals and advance City Year Rhode Island's strategic priorities.
As a key external representative of the organization, the Director builds and maintains strong relationships with donors, funders, corporate and community partners, and civic leaders. This role is responsible for fostering a culture of philanthropy across the organization and ensuring fundraising efforts align with City Year's values, strategic plan, and commitment to service and educational equity.
Benefits
Full-time employees will be eligible for all benefits including vacation, sick days and organization holidays. You may participate in all benefit programs that City Year establishes and makes available to eligible employees, under (and subject to all provisions of) the plan documents that govern those programs. Currently, City Year offers medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and dismemberment and disability coverage, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and other benefits including 401(k) plan(s) pursuant to the terms and conditions of company policy and the 401(k) plan document. For more information, click here.
Employment at City Year is at-will.
City Year does not sponsor work authorization visas.

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About City Year

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City Year, an AmeriCorps program, helps students across schools succeed. Diverse teams of City Year AmeriCorps members provide support to students, classrooms and the whole school, helping to ensure that students in systematically under-resourced schools receive a high-quality education that prepares them with the skills and mindset to thrive and contribute to their community.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1988