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Community Development Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

Chicago Run

Director of Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

POSITION DESCRIPTION Director of Development Chicago Run Type: Full-Time Start Date: When ... We focus our work in historically disinvested communities on the South and West sides. By ...

Purdue University

Director of Development

Hammond, IN · On-site

$100K - $105K/yr

The Director of Development is responsible for cultivating and stewarding philanthropic ... including alumni, parents, community members, corporate partners, and faculty and staff.

Hasana, Inc.

Data Entry Intern/Volunteer

Chicago, IL

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

... as a community development approach to build the leadership capacity of low-income women. The ... Research and Development Director Job Scope: The Aparecio Foundation is a growing organization with ...

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All JobsCommunity Development JobsCommunity Development Director JobsCommunity Development Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 Aug 8, 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.

More about Community Development Director jobs
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:
Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,422 per year, or $64.1 per hour.

Director of Development

Community Youth Network

Grayslake, IL • On-site

$103K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Director of Development
Role and Responsibilities
  • Achieve Donor/Fundraising targeted monthly, quarterly, and annual goals.
  • Create, manage, and drive the execution of a thriving donor/fundraising strategy including the fund DEVELOPMENT of individuals, businesses and private foundations.
  • Identify, cultivate, recruit, relationship manage, and organize fund development leaders.
  • Cultivate donor relationships and manage stewardship
  • Direct and coordinate the production and attendance of special events
  • Manage marketing strategy and materials for donor/fundraising relationship acquisition, cultivation, and stewardship
  • Lead the organization's donor/fundraising communication strategy and execution via networking events, presentations, Social, etc.
  • Manage donor/fundraising database and tracking systems in coordination with Director of Finance.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent.
  • 2+ years of fundraising/recruitment/sales experience relevant to the responsibilities
  • Must have outstanding oral and written communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Aptitude with Microsoft Word, Excel, PPT
  • Demonstrable project management and organizational skills
  • Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
  • Available for some evening and weekend work

The Donor Relations Manager reports to the Executive Director and works closely with said director as well as the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and the Fundraising Committee.

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