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Community Development Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Facets

Director of Community Development

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Director of Community Development supervises two areas of work within FACETS, Opportunity Neighborhood (ON) and Education and Community Development (ECD). Both programs are primarily funded ...

American Heart Association

Development Director

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$61K - $82K/yr

We are currently hiring a Development Director in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area. This position ... Knowledge of corporate and community networks Compensation & Benefits The expected pay range will ...

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Community Development Director information

See Virginia salary details

$46.6K

$128.3K

$211.2K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Virginia is $128,306.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,700.00 and $157,600.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $128,306 per year, or $61.7 per hour.

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Town of West Point

West Point, VA • On-site

$88K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

The Town of West Point, Virginia is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Director of Community Development. The Town of West Point is in east-central Virginia on the Middle Peninsula and is situated at the confluence of the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers that forms the York River. The Town has a population of 3400+, offering a top-ranking public-school system and named one of the safest towns in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $88754.47-$113161.04 DOE (Grade 26) The Director of Community Development is a department head position which directs and administers the Town's community development, planning and zoning, and environmental compliance programs and services. This position provides a full range of management, technical, administrative and field services to maintain, implement, and ensure compliance with the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, and sections of the Town's Code of Ordinances. The position fills the roles of Planning Manager and Zoning Administrator

The candidate would have a bachelor's degree in urban planning or related field plus two years' experience and/or training that includes planning/growth management and/or zoning administration or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Preferred qualifications include a master's degree and related leadership experience in local government planning, zoning, and development.

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