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Community Development Director Jobs in Tennessee

Kanbrick

Director, Kanbrick Community

Nashville, TN · On-site

Use direct outreach, events, referrals, and community-based activities for introductions ... Successful track record and a minimum of 6 years in business development, corporate development ...

Oracle

Software Development Director

Nashville, TN

As Director of Software Engineering in the Datacenter Software & Automation organization within ... We also encourage employees to give back to their communities through our volunteer programs. We're ...

Oracle

Software Development Director

Nashville, TN

As Director of Software Engineering in the Datacenter Software & Automation organization within ... We also encourage employees to give back to their communities through our volunteer programs. We're ...

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Community Development Director information

See Tennessee salary details

$42.7K

$117.5K

$193.3K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Tennessee is $117,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,800.00 and $144,300.00 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.

More about Community Development Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Development Director jobs in Tennessee? For Community Development Director jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Community Development Director jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Community Development Director job openings:
Community Development Director jobs near you

Development Director

MOUNT JULIET CHRISTIAN ACADEMY LLC

Mount Juliet, TN • On-site

Other

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

The Development Director serves as the chief advancement and fundraising leader for Mount Juliet Christian Academy, working to secure financial resources, strengthen donor relationships, and advance MJCA's mission and vision as a ministry of First Baptist Church Mount Juliet. This individual will lead all development initiatives, including annual giving, donor cultivation, capital campaigns, sponsorships, grants, alumni relations, fundraising events, and stewardship efforts.

The Development Director must be a relational leader who is passionate about Christian education, highly organized, visionary, and able to build strong partnerships with families, churches, alumni, community leaders, and supporters. The ideal candidate will help create a culture of generosity that supports MJCA’s mission to develop students who Think, Lead, and Live from a biblical worldview.

Spiritual Qualifications

  • Demonstrates a mature and growing Christian faith.
  • Fully supports the mission, vision, and doctrinal beliefs of MJCA and First Baptist Church, Mount Juliet.
  • Models Christ-like leadership, integrity, professionalism, and servant-heartedness.
  • Actively involved in First Baptist Mount Juliet

Professional Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
  • Experience in fundraising, development, advancement, nonprofit leadership, marketing, admissions, or related fields preferred.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships.
  • Experience with donor databases, fundraising software, Google Workspace, and preferred communication platforms.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills.
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events and donor engagement.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive development and fundraising strategy aligned with MJCA’s mission and strategic plan.
  • Work closely with the Superintendent, School Board, church leadership, and administrative team to identify funding priorities and advancement goals.
  • Help cultivate a school-wide culture of stewardship, generosity, and mission ownership.
  • Assist in long-range planning for enrollment growth, facilities expansion, and strategic initiatives.

Fundraising & Donor Development

  • Lead all annual fundraising efforts, including the annual fund, giving campaigns, donor appeals, and sponsorship opportunities.
  • Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, alumni, grandparents, foundations, businesses, and church partners.
  • Coordinate donor meetings, tours, presentations, and relationship-building opportunities.
  • Maintain a strategic donor pipeline and prospect management system.
  • Prepare fundraising reports and updates for leadership and the School Board.
  • Develop and oversee donor recognition and appreciation initiatives.

Capital Campaign Leadership

  • Assist in planning and executing capital campaigns and major facility initiatives.
  • Coordinate campaign communication strategies, donor follow-up, and campaign events.
  • Work collaboratively with campaign volunteers and leadership teams.
  • Support vision-casting efforts related to future school growth and expansion.

Events & Community Engagement

  • Oversee fundraising events, donor receptions, community engagement activities, and special initiatives.
  • Develop partnerships with local businesses, churches, and community organizations.
  • Assist with alumni engagement and parent involvement initiatives.
  • Represent MJCA professionally within the community and at school events.

Marketing & Communications Support

  • Collaborate with admissions, communications, and leadership teams to promote MJCA’s mission and advancement priorities.
  • Assist with development-related publications, newsletters, donor communications, annual reports, social media messaging, and campaign materials.
  • Ensure consistent branding and mission-centered storytelling throughout advancement efforts.

Grant Writing & Stewardship

  • Research grant opportunities and assist in grant proposal development.
  • Maintain accurate donor records, track contributions, and produce stewardship reports.
  • Ensure proper acknowledgment and receipting of gifts in coordination with the finance office.

Biblical Foundation

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” — 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

This position exists to help strengthen and sustain the ministry of Mount Juliet Christian Academy by building relationships, advancing vision, and creating opportunities for future generations of students to grow academically, spiritually, and relationally in a Christ-centered environment.

Apply