ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Community Development Director Jobs in Buffalo, NY

FeedMore Western New York

Development Director

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Development Director is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and execution of ... Serve as a representative of the organization in the community; participate in community events ...

Acara Solutions

Director of Development

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$110K/yr

Director of Development Location: Buffalo, NY (Remote/Hybrid) Employment Type: Direct Hire Industry ... diverse communities. What Sets You Apart: * Master's Degree * Legal industry experience.

OPERATION EXODUS USA

Office Support

Cheektowaga, NY · On-site

$20/hr

We are reaching out to the Christian community as well as the Jewish community in the USA. Profile ... The Office Support will report to the Office Manager and Outreach Development Director.

OPERATION EXODUS USA

Office Support

Cheektowaga, NY · On-site

$20/hr

We are reaching out to the Christian community as well as the Jewish community in the USA. Profile ... The Office Support will report to the Office Manager and Outreach Development Director.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCommunity Development JobsCommunity Development Director JobsCommunity Development Director Jobs in Buffalo, NY

Community Development Director information

See Buffalo, NY salary details

$45.5K

$125.4K

$206.3K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Buffalo, NY is $125,361.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $154,000.00 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 Buffalo, NY?

The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Buffalo, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Community Development Director jobs in Buffalo, NY?

For Community Development Director jobs in Buffalo, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Buffalo, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Buffalo, NY are:

What cities near Buffalo, NY are hiring for Community Development Director jobs?

Cities near Buffalo, NY with the most Community Development Director job openings:

Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Buffalo, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,361 per year, or $60.3 per hour.

Development Director

FeedMore Western New York

Buffalo, NY • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
SUMMARY OF DUTIES:
The Development Director is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and execution of fundraising and development initiatives within an organization. This role works closely with the leadership team to build and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, and other key stakeholders to ensure sustainable funding and long-term organizational success.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Leadership & Planning :
  • Develop and execute the organization's overall fundraising strategy in alignment with its mission, vision, and goals.
  • Set fundraising goals, monitor progress, and adjust strategies to meet or exceed targets
  • Plan and implement a comprehensive development program including the following: annual and planned giving programs, grants and special events.Plan and implement a comprehensive development program including the following: annual and planned giving programs, grants and special events.
  • Serve as a representative of the organization in the community; participate in community events, make presentations, seek involvement in professional and civic organizations, and identify opportunities to strengthen the presence of the organization in the community.

Fundraising & Revenue Generation :
  • Oversee all fundraising efforts, including annual campaigns, events, and grants.
  • Conduct prospect research and maintain prospect files for individuals, corporations, foundations, and groups who have the ability or inclination to support the organization.
  • Oversee plans and coordination of grant development activities including local, state, and national foundations.
  • Establish and enforce policies and accounting procedures for the proper receipt, acknowledgment, and maintain accurate donor files and complete audit trail for each gift.

Donor Relationship Management :
  • Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with donors, partners, and other key stakeholders.
  • Develop personalized strategies for donor cultivation, ensuring donors are informed and engaged with the organization's work and impact.
  • Lead donor recognition programs, ensuring donors feel valued and appreciated for their contributions.
  • Establish and administer donor recognition policies and develop a list of proper naming and gift recognition opportunities for various interest areas and levels of giving, maintains accurate gift profiles for each donor.
  • Oversee plans and facilitation of lunches, receptions, meetings, and other cultivation activities for potential donors to the organization.

Team Leadership & Development :
  • Manage and lead the development team, providing mentorship, training, and guidance to ensure team success.
  • Foster a culture of philanthropy within the organization by educating and involving staff, board members, Community Ambassador Council and volunteers in fundraising efforts.
  • Develop and manage the department's budget and resources effectively.

Data and Analytics :
  • Oversee the collection and analysis of donor data to monitor trends, forecast future fundraising potential, and track the effectiveness of fundraising programs.
  • Use data to create reports, ensuring transparency and accountability in all fundraising activities.

Marketing & Communications :
  • Collaborate with the communications teams to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all fundraising channels.
  • Oversee the development of fundraising materials, including appeals, newsletters, and campaign materials.

Other Duties:
  • Assist with all mission work as needed and requested with some or no prior notice including, but not limited to, serving as a truck spotter, helping with Farm Market/Community Garden/Freight Farms/on and off-site food distributions, preparation of meals and serving home-delivered meals.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or equivalent education and experience.
  • Five to ten years work experience in development or related field.
  • In depth knowledge of specialized aspects of fundraising for non-profits including annual giving, planned giving, grants, special events, major gifts and prospect research.
  • Candidate must be a creative, self-motivated individual with strong written and verbal abilities and excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Experience in program planning, development, and management with demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Must possess general knowledge and comprehension of basic accounting practices.
  • An ability to demonstrate successful goal attainment.
  • Must demonstrate a high level of professional and ethical behavior
  • Ability to work well with multiple constituencies.
  • Valid and current NYS driver's license and access to an automobile.
  • Capable of lifting a minimum of 35 lbs.

Salary Description
$70,000-$80,000/yr. *Bi-weekly Pay Periods

Apply