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Community Development Director Jobs in Lafayette, IN

... professional development opportunities. Support and assist Resident Directors and other staff ... community and institution. ESSENTIAL SKILLS and QUALIFICATIONS: * Strong communication and ...

... professional development opportunities. Support and assist Resident Directors and other staff ... community and institution. ESSENTIAL SKILLS and QUALIFICATIONS: * Strong communication and ...

... professional development opportunities. Support and assist Resident Directors and other staff ... community and institution. ESSENTIAL SKILLS and QUALIFICATIONS: * Strong communication and ...

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Community Development Director information

See Lafayette, IN salary details

$45.3K

$124.7K

$205.3K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Lafayette, IN is $124,732.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,100.00 and $153,200.00 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 Lafayette, IN?

The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Lafayette, IN are:

What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Lafayette, IN look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Lafayette, IN are:

What cities near Lafayette, IN are hiring for Community Development Director jobs?

Cities near Lafayette, IN with the most Community Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Lafayette, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,515 per year, or $59.9 per hour.

Director of Development

Lafayette, IN • On-site

YWCA Greater Lafayette
Civic and Social Organizations • 11 - 50 employees

$75K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Director of Development

YWCA Greater Lafayette

Department: Administration
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Salary Range: $75,000–$80,000

YWCA Greater Lafayette is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

YWCA Greater Lafayette is seeking a dynamic, creative, and relationship-driven Director of Development to lead the organization’s fundraising, donor engagement, outreach, communications, and development efforts.

This is a key leadership position for someone who enjoys building relationships, telling an organization’s story, creating opportunities for community engagement, and developing the resources needed to advance an important mission. The Director of Development works closely with the CEO, Board, Leadership Team, staff, donors, community partners, and volunteers to strengthen YWCA Greater Lafayette’s impact throughout the community.

What You’ll DoDevelopment & Donor Relations
  • Develop and implement an annual development plan aligned with organizational goals and the YWCA’s strategic plan.

  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual and institutional donors.

  • Strengthen donor retention and increase individual giving through annual, special, major gift, and planned giving strategies.

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective supporters.

  • Track and analyze donor activity and development trends to measure effectiveness and identify opportunities for growth.

  • Promote a culture of philanthropy and strong donor stewardship throughout the organization.

  • Assist with grant research, writing, administration, and reporting.

  • Support and coordinate other revenue-generating opportunities and special projects.

Outreach, Communications & Events
  • Provide leadership and oversight for YWCA Greater Lafayette’s communications, outreach, and community engagement efforts.

  • Oversee the development of annual marketing and communication strategies.

  • Establish goals and Key Performance Indicators for communications and event activities.

  • Oversee agency outreach efforts, including the website, social media, print materials, media releases, and other communications.

  • Lead and support signature fundraising, outreach, and awareness events.

  • Work with the Leadership Team to identify opportunities to promote YWCA programs, services, and events.

  • Help ensure donor and supporter information is accurately maintained and utilized for relationship building and recognition.

Leadership & Administration
  • Serve as an active member of the YWCA Greater Lafayette Leadership Team.

  • Work closely with the CEO, Board, staff, and organizational committees to advance development and outreach priorities.

  • Manage department staff and contracted vendors to ensure work is completed accurately, consistently, and on time.

  • Partner with YWCA committees related to development, outreach, events, and community engagement.

  • Help connect organizational priorities with the resources and relationships needed to support them.

What We’re Looking ForPreferred Experience
  • 7–10 years of related experience in development, fundraising, marketing, sales, community engagement, or a related field.

  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships with a wide variety of individuals and organizations.

  • Experience developing and executing fundraising, development, marketing, or outreach strategies.

  • Strong public speaking, written communication, planning, and organizational skills.

  • Experience with grant writing or grant administration is strongly valued.

  • Experience using donor, contact management, or similar database software.

Skills & Qualifications
  • Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to exercise independent judgment and appropriately handle confidential or sensitive matters.

  • Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines.

  • Detail-oriented, accurate, and comfortable adapting to changing priorities.

  • Ability to take initiative, solve problems, and work with limited supervision.

  • Collaborative leadership style and ability to work effectively across teams.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.

  • Valid driver’s license and personal automobile insurance coverage consistent with organizational requirements.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, Philanthropic Studies, Communications, Marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Why This Role Matters

The Director of Development plays an important role in ensuring YWCA Greater Lafayette has the relationships, resources, visibility, and community support necessary to carry out its mission. This position is an opportunity to help shape how the YWCA engages its supporters, tells its story, and builds sustainable resources for the future.

A criminal conviction check is required for employment in this position.

YWCA Greater Lafayette is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer committed to achieving a diverse workforce.