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Community Development Director Jobs in Columbus, OH

FACCES

Community Outreach Director

Columbus, OH

Education: Bachelor's degree in Community Development, Communications, Education, Nonprofit ... Have a direct impact on the lives of children, families, and the greater community every day.

FACCES

Community Outreach Director

Columbus, OH · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Education: Bachelor's degree in Community Development, Communications, Education, Nonprofit ... Have a direct impact on the lives of children, families, and the greater community every day.

JewishColumbus

Director of Development

Bexley, OH · On-site

Chief Development Officer DIRECT REPORTS: Director of Women's Philanthropy, Managing Director ... Volunteer Leadership & Community Engagement • Partner with volunteer leadership, campaign chairs ...

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Community Development Director information

See Columbus, OH salary details

$44.7K

$123.2K

$202.8K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Columbus, OH is $123,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $151,400.00 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 Columbus, OH?

The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Columbus, OH are:

What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Columbus, OH look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Columbus, OH are:

What cities near Columbus, OH are hiring for Community Development Director jobs?

Cities near Columbus, OH with the most Community Development Director job openings:

Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Columbus, OH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,196 per year, or $59.2 per hour.

Affordable Housing Development Director

Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio

Columbus, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Director of Affordable Housing Development
Full Time | Day Shift
Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio is currently seeking a Director of Affordable Housing Development. Affordable Housing offers reliable and affordable apartments to more than 1,000 seniors throughout Ohio at 21 sites.
The ideal candidate will share Our Mission: Creating a better world by serving people in need.
Responsibilities for a Director of Affordable Housing Development with Lutheran Social Services:
  • Development Project Leadership
  • Internal Project Leadership and Coordination
  • External Partner Management
  • Portfolio Strategy and Development Planning
  • Asset Management and Portfolio Performance Strategy
  • Development Capacity Building

Requirements for a Director of Affordable Housing Development with Lutheran Social Services:
  • Bachelor's degree in real estate, finance, business administration, urban planning, public administration, or related field required. Master's degree preferred (e.g., in Real Estate Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Public Policy, etc.).
  • 5 or more years of experience in affordable housing development, real estate development, or related fields, with progressive leadership responsibility. Candidates with 7 or more years of experience, including direct responsibility for leading LIHTC or HUD transactions, preferred.
  • Direct experience leading LIHTC transactions and/or HUD programs (including Section 8, 202, or RAD).
  • Experience managing affordable housing development projects from predevelopment through construction completion.
  • Experience preparing and submitting financing applications for LIHTC, HUD, FHA, and/or other public and private funding sources.
  • Experience developing and analyzing pro formas, sources and uses, capital stacks, and project financial models.
  • Experience with coordinating co-developers, contractors, architects, lenders, and investors.
  • Experience analyzing property financials, operating performance, and capital needs.
  • Experience with RAD for PRAC conversions preferred.
  • Valid Ohio driver's license, access to reliable insured transportation and ability to meet LSS insurance standards required

About Lutheran Social Services:
We put our mission of service into action. Every day LSS serves thousands of people in 21 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety, and healing. LSS offers food pantries, housing and supportive services through homeless shelters, domestic violence services, health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities.
Benefits for Full-time positions* with Lutheran Social Services include:
  • Health insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • 403(b) retirement plan with employer matched savings
  • Dental and Vision insurance
  • Medical and Childcare Flexible Spending (FSA)
  • Health Savings Account
  • PTO and 12 Paid Holidays
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Opportunity to make a positive impact on individuals & the community
  • *some part-time positions may be eligible for some benefits as well

As one of the largest non-for-profits in Central Ohio, we value our employees. Our excellence is based upon team members dedicated to a fulfilling career and committed to the service of others.
Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio is committed to being an equal opportunity employer.

Apply