ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Community Development Director Jobs in Cottage Grove, MN

NEON

Director of Development

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Because NEON is a member with Metropolitan Alliance of Connected Communities (MACC) who partners ... The Director of Development is expected to be devoted to the best-in-class fundraising, development ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCommunity Development JobsCommunity Development Director JobsCommunity Development Director Jobs in Cottage Grove, MN

Community Development Director information

See Cottage Grove, MN salary details

$49K

$134.9K

$222K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Cottage Grove, MN is $134,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $165,700.00 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 cities near Cottage Grove, MN are hiring for Community Development Director jobs?

Cities near Cottage Grove, MN with the most Community Development Director job openings:

Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Cottage Grove, MN as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $134,878 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

City Planner - Arden Hills

Arden Hills, MN • On-site

Minnesota City Jobs
Public Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Minnesota City Jobsexternal

$91K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

State Of Minnesota rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 176 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Posting The City of Arden Hills is accepting applications for a City Planner. As our next City Planner, you will perform difficult advanced technical work assisting the Community Development Director in a wide variety of planning, zoning, housing and redevelopment duties. This position is responsible for project management and administration of a variety of activities within the Community Development Department, including overseeing the Economic Development Commission.

Based on our current organizational structure, this position does not have supervisory responsibilities. Work is performed under the general direction of the Community Development Director. Visit our Job Opportunities page for the full job description and to apply: https://www.cityofardenhills.org/425/Job-Opportunities

What State Of Minnesota employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

State of Minnesota logo

About State of Minnesota

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Minnesota State Demographic Center (SDC), part of the Minnesota Department of Administration, is the main provider of demographic data and analysis for the state of Minnesota. The SDC assists policymakers, state and local governments, businesses, nonprofits, the media, and all Minnesotans locate and understand the demographic data they need to make smart decisions.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1967

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All State of Minnesota Jobs

Apply