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Community Development Director Jobs in Washington

Wendt Center for Loss & Healing

Be Seen First

Director of Development

Washington, DC · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

... its commitment to community. Important to know: The Wendt Center operates on an October 1 - ... In collaboration with the Executive Director and Development team, create and implement a ...

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Kelly Services

Director of Development

Lanham, MD

$500K/yr

Job Title: Director of Development Location: Lanham, MD (Hybrid) Salary: $110,000-$125,000 ... It's the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and ...

Kelly Services

Director of Development

Lanham, MD

$500K/yr

Job Title: Director of Development Location: Lanham, MD (Hybrid) Salary: $110,000-$125,000 ... It's the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and ...

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Community Development Director information

See Washington salary details

$53.2K

$146.6K

$241.2K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Washington is $146,576.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,000.00 and $180,100.00 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 Washington? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Development Director jobs in Washington? For Community Development Director jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Community Development Director jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Community Development Director job openings:
Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,576 per year, or $70.5 per hour.

Director of Development

COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL OF HOWARD COUNTY MD INC

Columbia, MD • On-site

$90K - $171K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Who We Are
At the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC), we have a mission to diminish poverty and enable self-sufficiency for all Howard County individuals, families, and children in need. We take action towards this mission by focusing on five critical services: housing assistance, food assistance, energy assistance, weatherization assistance, and early childhood education. CAC impacts our local community by changing lives and helping create a pathway through and out of poverty or just providing a hand up when one is needed.
Who You Are
As the Director of Donor Development, you are a dynamic, results-driven fundraising professional with a strategic, resilient mindset. Your role is critical in securing essential financial support to enable CAC to meet community needs. You are an outgoing relationship builder, skilled at storytelling and building a compelling case for support.
Reporting to the President, you will lead CAC's fundraising efforts and build strategic relationships with new and existing donors, from individuals to corporations, to further our mission to diminish poverty and enable self-sufficiency for all Howard County individuals, families, and children in need.
Responsibilities
  • Donor Stewardship: Maintain a portfolio of major donors, cultivating new prospects and deepening existing relationships to secure significant contributions. Develop a pipeline of at least 75 new donors capable of making five-to-seven-figure gifts.
  • Strategic Planning: Create an annual comprehensive Development Plan that aligns with CAC's organizational Strategic Plan and surpasses prior year's goals.
  • Compliance Expertise Data Management: Ensure compliance with all fundraising regulations, safeguarding the organization's reputation and integrity.
  • Data Management: Collect and maintain required documentation and key data points for all contacts, including detailed contact notes, to maintain a well-organized donor database. Run reports on demand to demonstrate proper donor stewardship.
  • Corporate Engagement: Serve as the primary liaison for corporate partnerships both within and outside of Howard County. Lead tours for corporate groups in collaboration with the Development and Community Engagement Team. Manage corporate and foundation grant opportunities in collaboration with CAC's Grants Manager.
  • Board and Leadership Relations: Act as a key Development liaison with the Board of Directors and Leadership Team, providing fundraising support, training, and guidance.
  • Planned Giving Program: Develop, launch, and maintain a Planned Giving Program, working with donors and their advisors to secure legacy gifts.
  • Capital Campaign: Manage and successfully execute CAC's Cornerstone of Opportunity Campaign.
  • Events Management: Plan, produce, and execute high-quality fundraising events designed to raise awareness and engage donors through sponsorships.
  • Executive Representation: Attend executive-level networking events, representing the organization alongside or in lieu of the President.
  • Community Partnership: Collaborate with cross-departmental teams to ensure CAC builds and maintains relationships in the region that benefit the community's needs and CAC's mission, including supervision of CAC's Volunteer Program.
  • Other duties as assigned

AAP/EEO Statement:
Community Action Council of Howard County is an equal opportunity employer.
***Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. ***
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or related field; equivalent experience considered
  • Extensive years of experience in strategic fundraising, including soliciting legacy gifts and managing planned giving programs.
  • Experience securing and closing highly significant fundraising commitments (e.g., major gifts, large grants, or capital campaigns)
  • Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with a proactive and detail-oriented approach.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly.
  • Experience managing teams.
  • Advanced proficiency with the Office 365 suite of products and CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce.com)
  • Willingness and ability to travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) certification.

What We Offer: CAC Benefits - A recruitment incentive may be offered for this position
E-Verify Notice: The Company participates in E-Verify. All new hires must complete Form I-9 and their employment eligibility will be confirmed through the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit: www.e-verify.gov
Important Notice to Applicants: To be considered for this position, applicants must fully complete the application process. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or considered. Please ensure that all required fields, documents, and information are submitted before the application deadline.

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