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Community Development Director Jobs in Wisconsin

DISCOVERY WORLD LTD

Director of Development

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Director of Development * Reports to: Chief Executive Officer * Schedule: M-F, Full-time Exempt ... As the organization prepares its next phase of growth, deepening its community impact, investing in ...

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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 Jul 14, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,626 per year, or $62.8 per hour.
Director of Development

Director of Development

DISCOVERY WORLD LTD

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 hours ago

Discovery World rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 27 rated museums

Job description

Job Title/Position: Director of Development
  • Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
  • Schedule: M-F, Full-time Exempt; some evenings, and weekends required.
  • Pay Rate: $90,000-$95,000 commensurate with experience

JOB SUMMARY
Discovery World is seeking a strategic, mission-driven Director of Development to lead and grow its philanthropic efforts. As the organization prepares its next phase of growth, deepening its community impact, investing in new exhibits, and programming, the Director will design and drive a bold, data-informed fundraising strategy that expands and diversifies revenue.
This is a pivotal leadership role for a proactive fundraiser and strategic thinker who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, understands the unique opportunities in science and education philanthropy, and is motivated by mission and measurable results.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other minor duties may be assigned.
Organizational Leadership & Decision Making
  • Serve as a leadership team, contributing to organizational planning, strategy, and decision making.
  • Partner with the President & CEO and executive leaders to establish clear priorities, timelines, and decision-making processes that enable effective fundraising execution.
  • Ensure alignment between organizational strategy and development goals through consistent communication and shared accountability.

Executive Partnership
  • Maintain a collaborative, transparent partnership with the President & CEO, including regular alignment on fundraising strategy, priorities, and execution
  • Provide strategic counsel to the CEO on donor engagement, positioning, and philanthropic opportunities.
  • Support the CEO's role in fundraising, with clear expectations and shared accountability for outcomes.

Fundraising Strategy & Management
  • Lead a Comprehensive Fundraising Strategy: Drive the vision, development, and execution of a multi-channel fundraising strategy aligned with Discovery World's short- and long-term goals, incorporating diverse revenue streams and growth opportunities.
  • Build and Implement an Integrated Development Plan: Oversee a coordinated development program spanning individual giving, major gifts, annual campaigns, corporate sponsorships, planned giving, foundation and government grants, and special initiatives-aligned with clear annual and multi-year plans.
  • Drive Performance Through Data and Accountability: Establish, monitor, and continuously refine measurable goals, benchmarks, and KPIs focused on donor retention, revenue growth, and return on investment to support disciplined, data-driven execution.
  • Anticipate Opportunities and Risks in a Dynamic Landscape: Stay informed on philanthropic trends while proactively identifying risks and opportunities related to shifting priorities, resource constraints, and emerging donor strategies to ensure sustained fundraising success.

Culture of Philanthropy
  • Align Leadership, Board, and Institutional Priorities: Partner closely with the President & CEO, senior leadership, and Board of Directors to ensure fundraising strategy reflects organizational priorities and fosters a strong, organization-wide culture of philanthropy.
  • Establish clear expectations and accountability for the Development team, leadership, and board engagement in fundraising efforts.
  • Provide coaching and tools to support effective participation in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Annual Gala & Signature Fundraising Events
  • Lead strategy and execution for Discovery World fund development events including but not limited to the annual EXPLORE Gala with accountability for revenue, donor experience, and alignment with the organization's mission.
  • Ensure alignment with organizational and board priorities and participation, revenue goals, and donor experience.
  • Conduct post-analysis and implement stewardship strategies to strengthen relationships and outcomes.

Organizational & Board Partnership
  • Serve as the staff lead to the Board Development Committee, and others as needed.
  • Provide tools, strategies, and guidance for peer-to-peer engagement and fundraising participation.
  • Ensure consistent communication and alignment between board and staff strategic goals and contribute revenue efforts.

Development Operations & Team Management
  • Supervise and mentor development team members and external contractors.
  • Oversee CRM/database strategy, donor segmentation, reporting, and stewardship operations.
  • Lead collaborations with departments and teams for communications, campaigns, events, grant applications, impact reports, proposals, and marketing materials.

Organizational Communication & Alignment
  • Foster transparent communication, clear expectations, and consistent feedback loops.
  • Ensure timely access to information necessary for effective donor strategy and relationship management.
  • Identify and address barriers to alignment that impact fundraising success.

Performance Context
  • Success in this role is dependent on strong alignment across senior and executive leadership, clear strategic direction, and shared organizational support for development initiatives.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Listed below are key points regarding environmental demands and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
  • Required to use motor coordination and finger dexterity (such as keyboarding, machine operation, etc.): Often.
  • Required to speak to customers via telephone, email, and/or in-person: Often.
  • May be required to lift objects up to 30 pounds: Infrequently.
  • May be exposed to physical occupational risks (cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, etc.): Rarely.
  • May be exposed to a physical environment which involves dirt, odors, and noise, weather extremes, and/or similar elements: Rarely.
  • The normal setting for this position is: This position is in-person. Office and Museum Exhibit settings.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS
The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications necessary to perform the job.
Education and Experience
  • A minimum of 7 years in nonprofit development with demonstrated success in building and managing comprehensive fundraising strategies.
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a related field is required.
  • CRM Experience required, experience with Blackbaud/Altru Platform (preferred).
  • Experience cultivating major gifts and leading cross-functional fundraising initiatives.

Other Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities
  • Strong strategic planning, communication, and data analysis skills.
  • A collaborative leadership style, with experience managing teams and working closely with executives and boards.
  • Familiarity with science, education, or cultural institutions preferred, but not required.
  • Passion for learning and community engagement.

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