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Community Development Director Jobs in Charleston, SC

... communities for homebuilders in both established locations and long-term growth markets. Forestar ... Coordinate and direct a team of consultants during the construction of a project such as engineers ...

We seek to support the development of a community that enjoys a sense of belonging, where we uphold ... Junior Interns will report to the Director of Programs. Qualifications, Skills or Abilities * Must ...

We seek to support the development of a community that enjoys a sense of belonging, where we uphold ... Junior Interns will report to the Director of Programs. Qualifications, Skills and Abilities * Must ...

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Community Development Director information

See Charleston, SC salary details

$44K

$121.1K

$199.3K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Charleston, SC is $121,110.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,400.00 and $148,800.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Charleston, SC?

The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Charleston, SC are:

What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Charleston, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Charleston, SC are:

What cities near Charleston, SC are hiring for Community Development Director jobs?

Cities near Charleston, SC with the most Community Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Charleston, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,433 per year, or $59.3 per hour.

Deputy Director - Community Development & Revitalization

Charleston County, SC

North Charleston, SC • On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Salary: $95,804.00 - $125,465.00 Annually
Location : 4045 Bridge View Dr, North Charleston, SC 29405, SC
Job Type: Full-Time (Exempt)
Job Number: GR211313
Department: Community Development & Revitalization
Opening Date: 08/28/2026
Description
The Deputy Director leads a dedicated compliance and finance team, providing second-level quality control and final approval authority over all financial transactions and regulatory submissions. The Deputy Director also leads key special projects assigned by the Director, including the five-year Consolidated Plan and technology modernization initiatives.
HIRING SALARY RANGE $95,804 - $125,465 (Estimated Annual Salary)
OPEN UNTIL FILLED - APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY
Duties and Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Order of Essential Functions does not indicate the importance of functions.)
Sets the long-term strategic vision for the CDR compliance and finance team and aligns the work of the Compliance Officer, Regulatory Manager, and Finance Officer with departmental priorities and federal requirements.
Designs and oversees the collective and coordinated work of the Compliance Officer, Regulatory Manager, and Finance Officer, ensuring consistent application of compliance standards across all programs and funding sources.
Oversees and manages all CDR risk assessment processes in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200, including review of sub-recipient agreements, review of progress reports in alignment with those agreements and the Single Audit Act, and sampling of reimbursement requests.
Provides second-level quality control review and final sign-off on all financial transactions, regulatory submissions, and key work products produced by the Compliance Officer, Finance Officer, and Regulatory Manager before they are transmitted for payment or external submission.
Provides final approval on all financial transactions before submission to the Finance Officer for payment processing, serving as a critical internal control point within the Department's segregation of duties framework.
Leads the development and implementation of the five-year Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan (AAP), and related HUD planning documents in coordination with the Regulatory Manager and program staff.
Leads and directs the Finance Officer, Regulatory Officer, and Compliance Officer through selection, orientation, training, performance management, and discipline according to standard operating procedures and County policy.
Manages special projects as assigned by the Director, including technology modernization initiatives, policy updates, and inter-departmental coordination efforts.
Acts as Deputy to the Director, providing department leadership in the Director's absence and representing CDR in external stakeholder meetings, County Council presentations, and partner agency engagements as needed.
Participates in community engagement.
Performs other duties or assumes other responsibilities as apparent or assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
*Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
*Master's in Public Administration or Business Administration preferred.
*A minimum of ten (10) years or more of successful experience in a finance position.
*A minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience required.
*A minimum of five (5) years of experience administering federal grants.
*Possess a grant management certification or the ability to obtain the certification within (2) two years of hire.
*Must possess a valid SC Driver's license (or obtain one within three (3) months of hire) and meet the requirements of the County's motor vehicle policy.
Charleston County offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including but not limited to:
  • Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
  • Optional Life and Disability Insurance
  • Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
  • Annual and Sick Leave
  • Fourteen (14) recognized Holidays
  • South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
  • Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable)
  • Optional Deferred Compensation Program
  • Longevity and Merit Pay Increases
  • Leadership, Professional and Skill Development Training
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Well-being Program
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