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Community Development Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

Development Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $145K/yr

Development Director Hyde Park Day School | Chicago, IL Hyde Park Day School (HPDS) is seeking a ... Plan and execute high-impact fundraising and community events, including the annual gala and donor ...

Development Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $145K/yr

Development Director Hyde Park Day School | Chicago, IL Hyde Park Day School (HPDS) is seeking a ... Plan and execute high-impact fundraising and community events, including the annual gala and donor ...

Development Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $145K/yr

Development Director Hyde Park Day School | Chicago, IL Hyde Park Day School (HPDS) is seeking a ... Plan and execute high-impact fundraising and community events, including the annual gala and donor ...

Be Seen First

Development Director Location: Hybrid - Northwest Suburbs of Chicago (Townships of Elk Grove ... When you join FamilyForward, you become part of a mission-driven community dedicated to breaking ...

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Chicago, IL · On-site

$109K - $111K/yr

DIRECTOR of DEVELOPMENT Chicago Who We Are and What We Believe: Founded in 1997, Bottom Line is a ... Our vision is to dramatically transform urban communities by producing thousands of new career ...

Sends business development plan, goals and progress report to direct supervisor * Upon completion ... community outreach, networking, sponsorships referral development, and other lead generation ...

Sends business development plan, goals and progress report to direct supervisor * Upon completion ... community outreach, networking, sponsorships referral development, and other lead generation ...

Business Development Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Business Development Director In a nutshell: IDEO Chicago is looking for a Director of Growth to ... We encourage our community to bring their whole selves to work, respect the need for work-life ...

Business Development Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Business Development DirectorIn a nutshell: IDEO Chicago is looking for a Director of Growth to ... We encourage our community to bring their whole selves to work, respect the need for work-life ...

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Community Development Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$48.5K

$133.4K

$219.6K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Chicago, IL is $133,422.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,400.00 and $163,900.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Development Director jobs in Chicago, IL? For Community Development Director jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Community Development Director jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Community Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,317 per year, or $64.1 per hour.

Community Development Lending Director

Fifth Third

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Make banking a Fifth Third better
We connect great people to great opportunities. Are you ready to take the next step? Discover a career in banking at Fifth Third Bank.

GENERAL FUNCTION:

The Community Development Lending Director I (CDL Director) is responsible for originating Community Development Loans (CDLs) primarily LIHTC affordable housing developments, that qualify for CRA benefit across the Bank's footprint. The primary client focus of the CDL Director I will be Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Developers/ Sponsors of Affordable Housing. Responsible for profitable business development and monitor the quality of an existing portfolio of affordable housing loans within an assigned geographic area.

Thisindividual contributor position is focused on the execution and delivery on the Bank's CDL Strategy. Individuals in this position must be skilled, experienced Community Development relationship managers with experience originating Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) affordable housing loans, capable of independent activity including origination, structure, and execution of large complex Community Development transactions.

Responsible for achieving assigned CD Lending goals plus developing revenue growth through generation of loans, deposits, and cross-selling bank services to existing customer base. Services include financing and depository products related to real estate investments, income property, development, construction, etc. In addition to the high level of subject matter expertise with LIHTC, the CDL Director I must also be proficient with other Community Development structures including New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC); Historic Tax Credits; Tax Increment Financing (TIF); and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop and maintain important client relationships

  • Produces and maintains profitable Community Development loan volume, with primary responsibility for cross-sell, return generation, and First Line of Defense.

  • Qualifies prospects and takes lead in the development of new business opportunities from those prospects and existing customer base.

  • Ensure that relationships are managed to profit potential for the Bank, develop profitable new business, cross-sell applicable 5/3 products and services an existing portfolio, and manage the sales process in a specific geographic area for commercial real estate loans.

  • Assists in the development of new Community Development Directors, Associates, and Analysts.

  • Develop intimate knowledge of all customers and businesses within the Community Development space.

  • Develops good working relationships with peers and senior leaders in Credit Solutions; Credit Risk; Commercial Real Estate; Community Development & Social Responsibility and the rest of the organization.

  • Underwrite credit requests and approve real estate loans within established lending limits or make recommendations on loans that require higher approval authority.

  • Monitor, on an ongoing basis, information concerning customer performance, abilities, and industry to determine that loan is an acceptable risk.

  • Ensure proper reporting, documentation, and review to determine that a loan is an acceptable risk.

  • Identifies acceptable credit opportunities that have the potential of leading to significant non-credit sales.

  • Responsible for the delivery of value-added financial solutions (ranging from traditional to customized products) to existing and prospective clients that will help them to enhance their business.

  • Keep abreast of trends, developments and current regulations in the industry and in local markets.

  • Coordinate all client-facing activities related to their clients, including credit support and other product areas (i.e. Treasury Management) partners

  • Attend community and/or industry-specific forums, conferences and/or meetings in order to broaden relationship network and continually deepen knowledge of trends, practices, products and competitors.

  • Participate in various community affairs and projects to promote the image of the Bank.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

No direct reports, however incumbent may provide oversight and direction for Associates, Analysts and Commercial Leadership Program participants.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Undergraduate degree required, graduate degree preferred.

  • 5+ years of experience in Banking, Finance or related field.

  • 2+ years of Community Development Real Estate Lending experience and sales management preferred. This position requires a strong understanding of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and the New Market Tax Credit programs.

  • Formalized commercial credit training or equivalent credit experience required. Ability to structure complex financial situations that utilize tax credits and other incentives in the capital stack.

  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communications, negotiation and analytical skills.

  • Demonstrated sales and negotiation experience.

  • Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks.

  • Strong credit training required and underwriting skills preferred.

  • Proven track record of success in working as a part of a team to originate, and close complex financial transactions.

  • Ability to interact effectively with senior executives inside and outside our organization.

  • Strong relationship building skills.

Community Development Lending DirectorTotal Base Pay Range 96,500.00 - 207,500.00 USD Annual

At Fifth Third, we understand the importance of recognizing our employees for the role they play in improving the lives of our customers, communities and each other. Our Total Rewards include comprehensive benefits and differentiated compensation offerings to give each employee the opportunity to be their best every day.

The base salary for this position is reflective of the range of salary levels for all roles within this pay grade across the U.S. Individual salaries within this range will vary based on factors such as role, relevant skillset, relevant experience, education and geographic location. In addition to the base salary, this role is eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan, with any such payment based upon company, line of business and/or individual performance.

Our extensive benefits programs are designed to support the individual needs of our employees and their families, encompassing physical, financial, emotional and social well-being.You can learn more about those programs on our 53.com Careers page at: https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/careers/benefits.html or by consulting with your talent acquisition partner.

LOCATION -- Chicago, Illinois 60606

Attention search firms and staffing agencies: do not submit unsolicited resumes for this posting. Fifth Third does not accept resumes from any agency that does not have an active agreement with Fifth Third. Any unsolicited resumes - no matter how they are submitted - will be considered the property of Fifth Third and Fifth Third will not be responsible for any associated fee.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is proud to have an engaged and inclusive culture and to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity in all employment decisions regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status or any other legally protected status.