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Community Development Director Jobs in DeLand, FL

Community Development Director

Apopka, FL · On-site

$131K - $206K/yr

Direct the development of short and long term community development and support economic development throughout the City. Develop and implement long-term plans aligned with local government ...

Community Development Director

Apopka, FL · On-site

$131K - $206K/yr

Direct the development of short and long term community development and support economic development throughout the City. * Develop and implement long-term plans aligned with local government ...

ConcordRENTS recognizes that the spirit of teamwork and community is the true key to our growth as ... Development of team members to achieve career advancement. Continued demonstrated proficiency ...

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Community Development Director information

See DeLand, FL salary details

$41.8K

$115.2K

$189.6K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in DeLand, FL is $115,225.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,100.00 and $141,600.00 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 cities near DeLand, FL are hiring for Community Development Director jobs?

Cities near DeLand, FL with the most Community Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in DeLand, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $115,225 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Community Development Director

City of Apopka

Apopka, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This is a highly responsible executive position involving the management of City planning and zoning, City engineering, building safety, and economic development plans, programs, and services. Work is performed under the general direction of the City Administrator, with considerable independent judgment to ensure compliance with City codes and state and federal laws.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following essential functions represent the primary duties of this position but should not be considered an all-inclusive list of responsibilities. Other duties may be required and assigned.

  • Direct the development of short and long term community development and support economic development throughout the City.
  • Develop and implement long-term plans aligned with local government priorities and community needs.
  • Develop and implement department budgets to allocate resources effectively and ensure fiscal accountability.
  • Administer the City's Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code to ensure compliance for development and redevelopment within the City.
  • Oversee building safety and code enforcement to ensure public safety and code compliance.
  • Build and maintain professional relationships with community stakeholders, organizations, and businesses to ensure professional and efficient community development services are provided.
  • Direct, lead, develop, and manage an effective and efficient team of professionals to provide high quality community development services to residents, businesses, and visitors.
  • Represent the department at public hearings, city council meetings, community forums, and regional planning bodies.
  • Performs any other duties or tasks that may be assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of local zoning and planning, ordinances, policies, regulations, and pertinent information relating to city codes.
  • Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws/regulations
  • Knowledge of best practices for municipal community development efforts.
  • Knowledge of land development codes, comprehensive plans, building codes, and Florida statutes related to land development and planning.
  • Ability to guide complex projects and align initiatives with community goals.
  • Ability to lead multiple divisions of specialized professional staff.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing; to read and interpret development plans; to draft ordinances, resolution, and legal advertisements.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective and amiable working relationships with elected and appointed officials, news media, leadership, supervisors, residents, customers, employees, other departments, and agencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered, provided that the education and experience are in a relevant and related field.

  • Graduate with Master's degree in land planning or a related field; or equivalent experience.
  • AICP certification (American Institute of Certified Planners)
  • Considerable, progressive experience in economic development, planning, zoning and public administration.
  • Valid Florida Driver's license. A valid out of state License is acceptable, but selected candidates must obtain and provide a valid Florida driver's license within thirty (30) days of start date.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience in public speaking and presentation.

JOB LOCATION
  • City Hall Annex. Occasional travel is required.

ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION

  • Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, occasional standing, walking, bending/twisting, pushing/pulling up to 10 lbs., lifting up-to 10 lbs.
  • Environmental Conditions: Exposure to dim or bright lights. Minimal exposure to inclement weather. 
  • Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

DISCLAIMER:

The City of Apopka reserves the right to fill positions prior to the closing date and also reserves the right to close the posting prior to the date indicated. Positions will be filled by competitive selection from among categories of qualified and available candidates. It is the policy of the City of Apopka to give first consideration to all employees and other internal applicants prior to considering external (outside) applicants. Applicants should expect a starting salary at the minimum of the pay grade range; applicants with exceptional qualifications and/or experience may be eligible for a rate of pay which is higher than the range minimum upon approval by Administration. Your social security number is requested for the purpose of payroll eligibility verification, processing employment benefits, applicant and employee background checks, and income reporting and will be used solely for those purposes. The City of Apopka participates in E-Verify. Employers are required by federal law to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. We utilize the E-Verify system to process our new hires. We provide information to the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with Information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.


EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The City of Apopka is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recognizes a moral, ethical, and legal responsibility to provide fair and equitable consideration of applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, sexual orientation, of other non-job-related factors. As such, the City of Apopka affirms its commitment to a policy not only of nondiscrimination, but also to a process of equal employment opportunity in all departments of City government to ensure that employment is extended to all qualified persons. When requested, the City of Apopka will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We comply with all applicable laws and actively promote fairness and equity in our employment practices.


ADA Statement: The City of Apopka is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to achieving excellence and strength through diversity. The City seeks a wide range of applicants for its positions so that one of our core values, a qualified and diverse workforce, will be affirmed. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance requires the City to provide reasonable invited to discuss accommodations.