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Community Development Director Jobs in Boston, MA

Babson College

Director of Development

Wellesley Hills, MA · Hybrid

$127K - $142K/yr

... community. To view all open staff positions, click here. OverviewThe Director, Development will serve as a key member of the Babson Development team, responsible for driving an ambitious development ...

Advocates

Senior Director of Development

Framingham, MA · On-site

$115K - $120K/yr

The Senior Director of Development will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a ... Represent the organization at donor meetings, community events, and public-facing opportunities.

Advocates

Senior Director of Development

Framingham, MA · On-site

$115K - $120K/yr

The Senior Director of Development will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a ... Represent the organization at donor meetings, community events, and public-facing opportunities.

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All JobsCommunity Development JobsCommunity Development Director JobsCommunity Development Director Jobs in Boston, MA

Community Development Director information

See Boston, MA salary details

$51.1K

$140.6K

$231.4K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Boston, MA is $140,590.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,700.00 and $172,700.00 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 Boston, MA? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Boston, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Development Director jobs in Boston, MA? For Community Development Director jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Community Development Director jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Community Development Director job openings:
Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Boston, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,590 per year, or $67.6 per hour.
Director of Development

Director of Development

Senior Living Residences

Brookline, MA • On-site

$100K/yr

Full-time

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

Senior Living Residences rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Director of Development
Goddard House | Brookline, Massachusetts

Position Summary
Goddard House, a nonprofit leader in innovative approaches to healthy aging, seeks a dynamic and relationship-driven Director of Development to lead and grow its philanthropic program. This is a newly created position designed to expand Goddard House’s philanthropic impact and strengthen a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
Reporting directly to the President amp; CEO, this role offers a unique opportunity to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports both the Goddard House assisted living community and the continued expansion of Creative Aging Connections, a Goddard House initiative that advances creative arts engagement and healthy aging for under-resourced older adults living in Boston and surrounding neighborhoods.

The Director of Development will have responsibility for the organization’s fundraising strategy and results, while overseeing key advancement functions that support donor engagement and philanthropic growth. This role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring the ability to develop long-term fundraising strategy while actively managing donor relationships and driving near-term results.
Working closely with the President amp; CEO and Board of Trustees, the Director will strengthen relationships with donors and community partners and expand philanthropic investment in Goddard House’s mission to support purpose, autonomy, and choice as we age.

Leadership amp; Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
  • Partner with the President amp; CEO to develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy and foster a culture of philanthropy.
  • Develop and lead annual fundraising goals and strategies supporting programmatic priorities and capital and facility-related initiatives.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to articulate compelling opportunities for philanthropic support.
Fundraising and Donor Engagement
  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners, building and managing a robust pipeline of prospects.
  • Manage a personal portfolio of major donors and prospects, building long-term relationships and securing significant philanthropic gifts.
  • Lead major gift strategy and partner with the CEO and Board of Trustees to cultivate and solicit significant gifts.
  • Expand the donor base by developing new opportunities for philanthropic engagement and making targeted asks across all giving levels.
  • Represent Goddard House at donor events and community outreach activities.
Brand, Storytelling amp; Visibility
  • Advance Creative Aging Connections (CAC) brand and storytelling to support fundraising and donor engagement; collaborate with the marketing team to align messaging.
  • Strengthen Goddard House and CAC’s visibility through events, campaigns, partnerships, and public engagement opportunities.
  • Collaborate with program and leadership teams to ensure consistent messaging about mission and impact.
Board Engagement
  • Support the Board of Trustees and Development Committee in advancing fundraising goals.
  • Partner with board members to identify, engage and cultivate new donor prospects.
  • Provide regular reports on fundraising progress and donor engagement.
Development Operations amp; Infrastructure
  • Oversee donor database management, gift tracking, and development reporting.
  • Ensure effective stewardship and acknowledgment practices.
  • Track key metrics including donor retention, acquisition, and revenue performance.
  • Use fundraising data and donor analytics to inform strategy, forecasting, and performance tracking.
  • Provide leadership and oversight for staff and external partners, including grant writers and consultants.
First-Year Priorities
During the first year, the Director of Development will focus on strengthening the organization’s fundraising foundation while beginning to expand philanthropic support.
Key priorities include:
  • Developing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy in partnership with the President amp; CEO.
  • Expanding the donor pipeline and increasing philanthropic support for Creative Aging Connections.
  • Cultivating relationships with residents, current and former families, and community supporters.
  • Strengthening fundraising infrastructure, systems, and reporting organization-wide.
  • Supporting the Board of Trustees and Development Committee in advancing fundraising engagement.
Key Qualifications
  • 5–7+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience with demonstrated success meeting revenue goals.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
  • Proven track record cultivating and securing major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
  • Experience managing a personal donor portfolio and building a strong fundraising pipeline aligned to annual revenue targets.
  • Experience implementing or contributing to a comprehensive fundraising strategy.
  • Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
  • Experience managing donor databases and interpreting fundraising data.
  • Highly organized with strong planning and project management abilities.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to grow fundraising initiatives.
  • Passion for improving quality of life and wellbeing for older adults.
Preferred
  • Experience in healthcare, aging services, arts, or community-based organizations
  • Experience with planned or legacy giving programs.

Compensation
Starting Salary of $100,000+, commensurate with experience, plus a competitive benefits package.

About Goddard House
Goddard House is a nonprofit organization with more than 175 years of service to older adults in the Greater Boston community. Located in Brookline, Massachusetts, Goddard House operates an innovative assisted living and memory care community with 115 residences, including 17 affordable units. Goddard House is known for providing high-quality care and creative, enriching experiences that support purpose, autonomy, and engagement for residents.

In addition to its residential community, Goddard House leads Creative Aging Connections, an initiative that sponsors and develops creative engagement programs and partnerships designed to expand access to creative aging opportunities across the region. Through these efforts, Creative Aging Connections engages more than 1,500 under-resourced older adults annually throughout the Greater Boston community, helping to reduce isolation and promote connection, wellbeing, and lifelong creativity.
Together, these initiatives reflect Goddard House’s commitment to compassionate care, innovation in aging services, and expanding opportunities for meaningful engagement as people grow older.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion amp; Belonging
Goddard House is committed to nurturing a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where older adults, employees, families, and leadership are respected, valued, empowered, and feel a strong sense of belonging. Through compassion, innovation, collaboration, and curiosity, we deliver high-quality care, meaningful programs, and a supportive culture that upholds dignity and engagement for all.

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