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Community Development Director Jobs in Cottage Grove, MN

Community Director

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$48K - $49K/yr

Residence Life intentionally engages students in learning and development. The University of St ... The Community Director creates a welcoming, inclusive, and just community for residents of all ...

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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 Aug 18, 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.

What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Cottage Grove, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Cottage Grove, MN are:

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:

Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Cottage Grove, MN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,878 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Director of Development

Nexus Treatment Centers

Plymouth, MN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Nexus, a growing, nationally recognized company providing services dedicated to helping youth with emotional, developmental and behavioral issues, is seeking a Director of Development for its Illinois locations. Responsibilities include creating, maintaining and monitoring fundraising efforts for Nexus' Illinois locations; sourcing, developing and managing a portfolio of donors and donor prospects; researching grant opportunities and meeting grant deadlines; developing a presence at community events to promote organizational goals and/or solicit donations; creating and managing a database of donors and tracking fundraising efforts; and creating and managing the budget and program implementation.