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Community Development Director Jobs in Athens, GA

Hillpointe

Community Manager

Pendergrass, GA · On-site

Hillpointe is a fully integrated real estate development and investment management firm focused on ... enabling direct control of cost and delivery timeframe. For each project, Hillpointe directly ...

New

Hillpointe

Community Manager

Pendergrass, GA · On-site

Hillpointe is a fully integrated real estate development and investment management firm focused on ... enabling direct control of cost and delivery timeframe. For each project, Hillpointe directly ...

Child Development Schools

Center Director

Athens, GA

$40K - $55K/yr

Join Child Development Schools. Since 1988, Child Development Schools has been lighting up the ... Together, we win -- because when our leaders thrive, our kids, families, and communities flourish.

Child Development Schools, Inc.

Center Director

Athens, GA · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

Join Child Development Schools! Since 1988, Child Development Schools has been lighting up the ... Together, we win -- because when our leaders thrive, our kids, families, and communities flourish.

YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta

Playcenter Attendant

Carl, GA

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

... communities. NATURE AND SCOPE: Under the direction of the Youth Development Director, the Playcenter Attendant will provide care, lead activities, and ensure the safety of children between the ages ...

Lifespan Montessori

Preschool Director

Athens, GA · On-site

$50K/yr

Our schools are communities where curiosity is encouraged, creativity is nurtured, and every child ... We invest in our leaders through mentorship, collaboration, and development opportunities, so you ...

Lifespan Montessori

Preschool Director

Athens, GA

$50K/yr

Our schools are communities where curiosity is encouraged, creativity is nurtured, and every child ... We invest in our leaders through mentorship, collaboration, and development opportunities, so you ...

Lifespan Montessori

Preschool Director

Athens, GA · On-site

$50K/yr

Our schools are communities where curiosity is encouraged, creativity is nurtured, and every child ... We invest in our leaders through mentorship, collaboration, and development opportunities, so you ...

Manor Lake Athens

Memory Care Director

Athens, GA

... development in Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. * Assists the Marketing Director in promoting the Memory Care Program to doctors, hospital discharge planners and local community agencies.

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Community Development Director information

See Athens, GA salary details

$45.4K

$125K

$205.7K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Athens, GA is $124,962.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,200.00 and $153,500.00 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 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 Athens, GA?

The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Athens, GA are:

What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Athens, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Athens, GA are:

What cities near Athens, GA are hiring for Community Development Director jobs?

Cities near Athens, GA with the most Community Development Director job openings:

Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Athens, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,962 per year, or $60.1 per hour.

Project Director - Land Development

Winder, GA • On-site

LJA Engineering

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 450 rated engineering

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents

Learn more about LJA Engineeringexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

WHAT LJA HAS TO OFFER
LJA is offering an exciting opportunity that will allow you to reach your full career potential. The structure of our organization is designed to amplify your capabilities while gaining the benefits of being an employee-owner. What truly sets this opportunity apart is the chance to collaborate every day with dedicated, skilled, and supportive leaders. Whether you are in the office, in the field, or behind the scenes, working at LJA gives you the chance to grow through hands-on experience and exposure to a broad range of clients and services.
WHAT MAKES LJA DIFFERENT
At LJA, our employee-owners take pride in their work and their workplace. We're guided by leaders who foster a culture of respect, collaboration and a shared vision of success. Our difference is evident in the experiences and opportunities we provide:
  • Employee-owned. Client-focused
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Consistently ranked as a Top Workplace
  • Internal recruitment team, in-house training, and a marketing department specific to our industry
  • We celebrate flexibility, allowing every team and office to lead with their proven approach
  • Our culture champions continuous learning and personal growth
  • We believe success comes through constant evolution and communication
  • We are passionate about having fun and making money, all while creating impact

POSITION OVERVIEW: As a Project Director at LJA Land Development, you will be responsible for leading the sales and execution activities for land development projects in the Greater Denver region. You'll oversee project managers in their daily operations, focusing on business development, quality assurance, and problem resolution.
A TYPICAL DAY MIGHT INCLUDE:
  • Building relationships and growing business in residential, commercial, and industrial land development sectors.
  • Leading business development efforts by marketing to existing clients and identifying new opportunities.
  • Supporting land development entitlement activities and serving as a trusted advisor to clients.
  • Assisting in technical business development efforts such as qualification statements and presentations.
  • Reviewing and approving scopes, budgets, and project schedules.
  • Managing team performance and providing leadership across assigned projects.
  • Participating in quarterly operations meetings with company leadership.
  • Engaging in professional associations and community organizations.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university.
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Georgia.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 15+ years of experience in land development entitlement and engineering.
  • 3+ years of experience as a practice leader and business developer in the Georgia market.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

IDEALLY, YOU SHOULD ALSO HAVE:
  • Demonstrated success in business development and client relationship management.
  • Experience mentoring and developing project managers.
  • Proven leadership in managing large-scale, complex land development projects

LEVEL UP WITH LJA
At LJA, we're 100% employee-owned. This drives results, rewards ambition and supports long-term success for every team member. With almost 100 locations and 3,000+ employee-owners (and growing), we're building something big! We want you to be part of it. Your future grows here.
  • Flexible Work Options: Schedules to help you balance life and work.
  • Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year's.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple plan options for health, dental, and pets. Along with mental health support.
  • Family Support: Paid maternity and parental leave to help you focus on what matters most.
  • Education Support: Tuition reimbursement and in-house courses provided by our Learning and Development team.
  • Referral Bonuses: Know great talent? Get rewarded for helping us grow.
  • Community Impact: Company-sponsored volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.
  • Professional Development: Memberships to industry organizations to keep you connected and growing.
  • Career Growth: Great internal mobility opportunities to advance your career.
  • Fun Culture: LJA social events, employee sports teams, bring your kid to work day, etc.

To Executive Search Firms & Staffing Agencies: LJA Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes from any agencies that have not signed a service agreement. All unsolicited resumes will be considered LJA's property. This includes resumes submitted directly to hiring managers without contacting LJA's Human Resources Talent Department.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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