ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Community Development Director Jobs in Wisconsin

City of Wauwatosa, WI

Development Director

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$143K - $182K/yr

Exempt Position Overview The Development Director serves as the City's chief development strategist ... The work involves significant community engagement and public involvement with elected officials ...

City of Wauwatosa

Development Director

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$143K - $182K/yr

Position Overview The Development Director serves as the City's chief development strategist ... The work involves significant community engagement and public involvement with elected officials ...

Continental

Development Director

Menomonee Falls, WI · On-site

$145K - $170K/yr

This role reports directly to the Senior Development Director and offers the opportunity to make a ... Build and manage strong relationships with local officials, community stakeholders, landowners, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsCommunity Development Director JobsCommunity Development Director Jobs in Wisconsin

Community Development Director information

See Wisconsin salary details

$47.4K

$130.6K

$215K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Wisconsin is $130,626.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,400.00 and $160,500.00 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 Wisconsin? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Development Director jobs in Wisconsin? For Community Development Director jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Community Development Director jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Community Development Director job openings:
Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Wisconsin as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,626 per year, or $62.8 per hour.
Business & Community Development Intern

Business & Community Development Intern

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Madison, WI • On-site, Remote

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Business & Community Development Intern
Location: Remote (Wisconsin-based)
Employment Type: Internship, Non-Exempt (July 2026 - May 2027)
Reports To: Senior Economic Development Director

About WEDC
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) works with businesses, communities, and partners statewide to foster innovation, support job creation, and strengthen Wisconsin's competitive position. Driven by a mission to make Wisconsin the best place to live, work, and build a business, WEDC is a purpose-driven organization that values integrity, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions, and invests in its people so they can help invest in Wisconsin's future.

WEDC is a Wisconsin-based organization with a remote-work-first environment. Remote work is expected to be performed in the state of Wisconsin.

Role Overview & Key Responsibilities
The Business & Community Development Intern gains broad exposure to economic development through hands-on support of program administration, research, and partner engagement activities. This role works collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders while building experience in community development, real estate redevelopment, and program evaluation.In this role, you will:

  • Support administration of the Historic Tax Credit (HTC) program
  • Assist applicants and award recipients with program requirements and compliance
  • Conduct research, analysis, and program evaluation activities
  • Respond to internal and external inquiries related to the program
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to support program delivery
  • Contribute to process improvements, documentation, and special projects

Apply