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Community Development Director Jobs in Irvine, CA

This is more than a moment -- we're empowering a movement for the T1D community. Share your support ... The Development Director (DD) at Breakthrough T1D is integral in the day-to-day execution of ...

This is more than a moment -- we're empowering a movement for the T1D community. Share your support ... The Development Director (DD) at Breakthrough T1D is integral in the day-to-day execution of ...

Development Director

Irvine, CA · On-site

$81K - $92K/yr

The Development Director is responsible for leading and executing the chapter's fundraising efforts ... Recruit and maintain strong relationships with board members, donors, volunteers, and community ...

Development Director

Irvine, CA · On-site

$81K - $92K/yr

The Development Director is responsible for leading and executing the chapter's fundraising efforts ... Recruit and maintain strong relationships with board members, donors, volunteers, and community ...

Director of Development

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Braille Institute's Development team raises funds that work to eliminate barriers to a fulfilling ... As a senior representative of the organization, the Director builds community partnerships ...

Director of Development

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$110 - $125/hr

... communities. Through our 2025-2027 strategic planning process, we identified the next generation ... JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Job Summary The Director of Development - Orange County serves as ...

Director of Development

Anaheim, CA · On-site +1

$110K - $125K/yr

Braille Institute's Development team raises funds that work to eliminate barriers to a fulfilling ... As a senior representative of the organization, the Director builds community partnerships ...

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Community Development Director information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$50.4K

$138.9K

$228.6K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Irvine, CA is $138,914.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,400.00 and $170,700.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Irvine, CA?

The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Community Development Director jobs in Irvine, CA?

For Community Development Director jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Community Development Director jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Community Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $138,914 per year, or $66.8 per hour.

DEPUTY COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR (Non-Classified*)

Riverside, CA • On-site


City of Riverside
1 - 5K employees

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 851 rated public administrative organizations

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$191K - $267K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

The Position The City of Riverside, Community & Economic Development Department is accepting applications for the position of Deputy Economic & Development Director to fill two (2) vacancies. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months. Under general direction, the Deputy Community & Economic Development Director will plan and manage the administrative and operational functions of City planning, building, code enforcement, economic development administration, real property services, and successor agency; oversee division and departmental work programs, service delivery systems, internal processes, and coordination of assigned activities with other City Departments and outside agencies; and do related work as required.

*This position is designated as non-classified and is exempt from the classified service. The Incumbent shall be appointed "at-will" and serve at the pleasure of the City Manager. Work Performed Typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Coordinate community development operations, programs and administrative functions through appropriate organizational and management practices including City planning, building, code enforcement, economic development support activities, real property services, grants and neighborhood engagement and successor agency; recommend, administer and continuously improve policies, procedures and service standards.

Plan, recommend and direct implementation of departmental operational policies, internal procedures, and interdepartmental coordination practices that support community development, permitting, development review, budgetary, performance, and administration of community and economic development initiatives. Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, internal reporting relationships and performance measure; identify opportunities for improvement; direct the implementation of changes. Participate in the development and administration of the Department's budget; forecast the need for additional funds for staffing, equipment, materials, supplies, contracts and technology; manage the monitoring of and approval for expenditures; direct the preparation of and implement budgetary adjustments as necessary.

Coordinate the Community & Economic Development Department's work plan; meet with management staff to identify and resolve problems; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; oversee implementation schedules, internal accountability measures, and cross-divisional process improvements. Coordinate Community & Economic Development Department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies, organizations and residents to ensure timely project routing, consistent interpretation of requirements, and effective resolution of operational issues related to planning, building, code enforcement, and development services. Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations and operational studies; recommend modifications to Community Development programs, policies and procedures as appropriate; analyze workflows, staffing deployment, permit processing practices, and customer service systems to improve efficiency and consistency.

Serve as an advisor to elected officials and appointed boards, commissions, administrative committees and citizen's committees on community development matters, including operational impacts, policy implementation, service levels, and administrative considerations. Oversee the administrative and operational aspects of community and economic development programs, agreements, and related initiatives, including coordination of internal review, tracking of assigned projects, preparation of staff reports, and implementation of approved policies and programs. Oversee permitting-related functions in coordination with assigned division managers, including application intake, fee assessment, plan routing, permit issuance, interdepartmental review, inspection coordination, and occupancy-related processes, to support predictable and efficient service delivery.

Develop, monitor, and report on performance and data metrics, workload indicators, and service outcomes for departmental functions, including permitting, development review, code enforcement, real property services, grants administration, and economic development support activities. Negotiate, coordinate, and manage professional service agreements, administrative contracts, consultant scopes of work, and grant- or project-related compliance requirements within assigned areas of responsibility. Ensure maintenance of accurate and complete departmental records, permits, agreements, project files, data systems, and administrative documentation related to community development and economic development programs.

Monitor legislation, regulations, and administrative requirements affecting departmental operations and assigned programs; recommend and implement procedural updates to maintain compliance and improve service delivery. Select, supervise, train and evaluate professional, para-professional, technical and administrative support staff; establish performance expectations; support staff development; and promote continuous improvement and customer service excellence. Qualifications Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, public or business administration or a closely related field.

A Master's Degree is highly desirable. Experience: Five years of progressively responsible administrative and supervisory management experience in community development, economic development, urban planning or a closely related field including substantial responsibility for departmental operations, budget administration, process management, and staff supervision. Selection Process DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION: 1) Completed Employment Application 2) Completed Supplemental Questionnaire 3) Resume and Letter of Interest FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ON COMPLETING YOUR ON-LINE APPLICATION, CLICK HERE: (Application Guide).

The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS: If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment. You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.

Positions that require, or may require, a California Commercial Driver's License are considered Safety Sensitive and are monitored by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Any candidate being considered for a Safety Sensitive position must submit authorization forms to the City immediately upon request to begin the pre-employment process

It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment. Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination. NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards.

Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S

college or university. Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options: An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at Members - NACES or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/

An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university. All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.



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