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Community Development Director Jobs in Ellsworth, ME

Recruitment, development and support of Maine Small Business Coalition members * Weekly small ... Direct, lived experience with injustice (of any kind) that anchors a desire for progressive social ...

This position requires direct sales and senior living experience * Earn up to 1% wage increase ... the community relating to strategic planning for the developments of marketing action plan and ...

Social Services Director

Orono, ME · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

... growth, development, and advancement in a range of roles. Join us in our mission to enhance the ... in the communities we serve. Responsibilities: Join our team as Director of Social Services and ...

Social Services Director

Orono, ME · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

... growth, development, and advancement in a range of roles. Join us in our mission to enhance the ... in the communities we serve. Responsibilities: Join our team as Director of Social Services and ...

Social Services Director

Orono, ME · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

... growth, development, and advancement in a range of roles. Join us in our mission to enhance the ... in the communities we serve. Responsibilities: Join our team as Director of Social Services and ...

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Community Development Director information

See Ellsworth, ME salary details

$46.8K

$128.9K

$212.2K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Ellsworth, ME is $128,910.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,100.00 and $158,400.00 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.

What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Ellsworth, ME look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Ellsworth, ME are:

What cities near Ellsworth, ME are hiring for Community Development Director jobs?

Cities near Ellsworth, ME with the most Community Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Ellsworth, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,910 per year, or $62 per hour.

$22.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Maine People's Alliance (MPA) is a community of Maine people, from all different backgrounds, who believe that we can live in a world where everyone has what they need, everyone contributes what they can, and nobody is left behind.

We are currently accepting applications for 4 part-time Community Organizing positions. MPA community organizers are responsible for helping the organization build a multi-racial, multi-class movement by recruiting new members, developing their leadership, and building a volunteer team that works to advance the priorities of the organization.

Specific responsibilities include:

  • Doing weekly recruitment of new MPA members;
  • Developing local activities, trainings, and committees (that are aligned with similar activities and committees in other regions, and with organizational campaigns) to provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for MPA members;
  • Identifying leadership potential in MPA volunteers, and developing work plans that provide opportunities for new skills and leadership growth;
  • Moving MPA members into powerful action at the state and national levels
  • Recruitment, development and support of Maine Small Business Coalition members
  • Weekly small dollar fundraising


A qualified applicant should possess:

  • A commitment to social justice and building the power of regular people to make change;
  • An understanding of the challenges that Mainers face;
  • Demonstrated ability to build relationships of trust and mutual respect that move people into action;
  • Problem-solving perspective and ability to work well in teams;
  • Ability to navigate obstacles, set priorities, and move forward multiple projects; and
  • A willingness to work flexible hours, including some evenings and occasional weekends, and to travel statewide.


Experience that is helpful but not necessary:

  • Direct, lived experience with injustice (of any kind) that anchors a desire for progressive social change;
  • Experience in door-to-door organizing, or with building rapport with members of the public (on the street, over the phone, at their doors, in customer service, etc.)
  • Conversational Spanish, French, Arabic, Portuguese or Somali;
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; and
  • At least one year of community organizing experience or community-building work.


These positions could be hybrid or based out of MPA's Portland, Bangor or Lewiston offices and will report to MPA's Organizing Director, Genevieve Lysen.

The positions will focus on recruitment and organizing MPA members in one of the following regions:

  • York County
  • Western Maine
  • Cumberland County
  • Kennebec County

The role is part of the MPA staff union (Union Contract) and offers a competitive benefits package. The positions are temporary, ending December 31, 2026.


MPA is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to equity and inclusion. Core to our work is an understanding of the multiple ways in which society is constructed to disadvantage and marginalize people of color, LGBTQ people, immigrants, native peoples, women, low-income people, people with disabilities, and others. We believe that underrepresented and marginalized communities must be centered in the work we do and we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or from these communities.

Location

York, Cumberland, Kennebec, Oxford

Department

Organizing

Employment Type

Part time, Temporary

Compensation

Hourly, starting at 22.50