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Community Development Director Jobs in Kittery, ME

Elm Grove Management

Talent Community

Rochester, NH · On-site

... a direct connection with our hiring team for future opportunities We're growing and we love ... development - Opportunities to move up within the company - A welcoming team that supports your ...

Kids for the Future

Events & Development Manager

Dover, NH · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Reporting to the Executive Director, this role leads the planning and execution of the Foundation ... Builds, manages, and grows a portfolio of individual, corporate, foundation, and community donors ...

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All JobsCommunity Development JobsCommunity Development Director JobsCommunity Development Director Jobs in Kittery, ME

Community Development Director information

See Kittery, ME salary details

$47.9K

$131.8K

$216.9K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Kittery, ME is $131,775.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,200.00 and $161,900.00 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.

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

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

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

Community Development Director jobs near you

Director of Housing & Development

Community Action Partnership of Strafford County

Dover, NH • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Position Announcement: Director of Housing Development

Community Action Partnership of Strafford County 
 Dover, New Hampshire
 Compensation: $80,660–$90,100 (DOE) + comprehensive benefits

Opportunity

Community Action Partnership of Strafford County (CAPSC) seeks an experienced Director of Housing Development to lead and grow the organization’s affordable housing portfolio and development initiatives.

This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role in creating and preserving affordable housing throughout the communities CAPSC serves. The Director will oversee existing housing assets while advancing new development opportunities from initial feasibility through financing, construction, and operation.

CAPSC operates with an annual budget of approximately $19 million and a staff of 147, delivering essential services—including food security, housing, early childhood education, utilities assistance, transportation, and emergency shelter—across 13 communities in Strafford County, New Hampshire.

Position Summary

The Director of Housing Development provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for CAPSC’s affordable housing portfolio and housing development initiatives. The Director manages multiple projects in various stages of planning, financing, construction, and operation and serves as CAPSC’s senior subject matter expert on affordable housing.

Working closely with CAPSC leadership, staff, municipalities, funders, developers, consultants, and community partners, the Director will identify and advance opportunities to expand affordable housing while ensuring the effective management, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability of CAPSC’s existing housing portfolio.

This position is ideal for an experienced housing professional who combines technical knowledge of affordable housing development and financing with strong project management, relationship-building, and leadership skills.

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide strategic leadership and oversight of CAPSC’s affordable housing portfolio, ensuring properties and projects meet agency goals and applicable federal, state, local, and funding requirements.
  • Lead and support the acquisition, financing, construction, renovation, and development of affordable housing projects, including feasibility analysis, due diligence, project budgets, financing applications, permitting, closings, and construction oversight.
  • Identify and advance new affordable housing and community development opportunities in partnership with CAPSC leadership, municipalities, funders, developers, and community partners.
  • Oversee housing operations, including leasing, recertifications, waitlists, regulatory compliance, financial performance, reporting, resident services, and coordination with facilities staff.
  • Supervise and support Housing Department staff and coordinate outside professionals, including property managers, consultants, architects, engineers, attorneys, contractors, and other project partners.
  • Lead and support significant grant and proposal development, including identifying funding opportunities, preparing applications, managing project requirements, and maintaining relationships with public and private funders.
  • Collaborate across CAPSC programs to connect residents with services and resources that support housing stability, self-sufficiency, and overall well-being.
  • Serve as a leading CAPSC voice on affordable and fair housing issues and build strong relationships with municipal leaders, housing organizations, public officials, funders, and community stakeholders.
  • Monitor emerging housing policies, funding opportunities, regulations, and market trends and recommend strategies to expand affordable housing opportunities.
  • Represent CAPSC at public meetings, community events, presentations, and other external functions.
  • Serve as a member of CAPSC’s leadership team and contribute to agency-wide strategic planning and initiatives.
Ideal Candidate Profile
  • Minimum of three years of experience in affordable housing management, housing development, housing policy, community development, or a related field.
  • Experience with affordable housing funding, financing, and compliance programs, including LIHTC, HOME, DHCD, FHLB, and other public and private funding sources.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of fair housing laws, affordable housing regulations, compliance requirements, and current housing policies and trends.
  • Experience managing complex projects involving multiple partners, funding sources, deadlines, and regulatory requirements.
  • Strong financial, organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building, advocacy, written communication, and public speaking skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with residents, staff, municipalities, public officials, developers, funders, consultants, and community partners.
  • Experience with project planning, program development, and cross-sector collaboration preferred.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Urban Planning, Community Development, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant education and experience will be considered.
  • LIHTC certification or ability to obtain certification within six months of hire.
  • Valid driver’s license and insured vehicle for use on the job, or acceptable alternative.
Compensation & Benefits

CAPSC offers a competitive compensation package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; 403(b) retirement plan; generous paid time off; paid holidays; flexible spending accounts; childcare reimbursement; life and disability insurance; and work/life support resources.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to bandrewsparker@straffordcap.org.

Applications will be reviewed as received and will continue until the position is filled. No phone calls or emails, please.

Community Action Partnership of Strafford County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.