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Community Development Director Jobs in Lansing, MI

Spicer Group

Land Development Director

Saint Johns, MI · On-site

LAND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR POSITION SUMMARY Spicer Group is seeking an ambitious and dynamic Land ... communities and set industry benchmarks. You'll direct project excellence, ensuring flawless ...

Spicer Group

Land Development Director

East Lansing, MI · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

LAND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORPOSITION SUMMARYSpicer Group is seeking an ambitious and dynamic Land ... communities and set industry benchmarks. You'll direct project excellence, ensuring flawless ...

L3HHCM20

Principal, Business Development

Lansing, MI · On-site +1

Qualifies and shapes opportunities within the USAF through direct customer engagement at all ... and science and technology communities to include the PAE C3BM, AFLCMC, HAF/MAJCOM A5/8 ...

Senior living

Marketing Director

Haslett, MI · On-site

$50 - $75/hr

Direct sales experience with demonstrated results. * Experience in a retirement, nursing home, or ... the community relating to strategic planning for the developments of marketing action plan and ...

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All JobsCommunity Development JobsCommunity Development Director JobsCommunity Development Director Jobs in Lansing, MI

Community Development Director information

See Lansing, MI salary details

$47.7K

$131.3K

$216K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Lansing, MI is $131,262.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,800.00 and $161,300.00 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.

More about Community Development Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Lansing, MI?

The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Lansing, MI are:

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The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Lansing, MI are:

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Cities near Lansing, MI with the most Community Development Director job openings:

Community Development Director jobs near you

Land Development Director

Spicer Group

East Lansing, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the successful delivery of land development, redevelopment, urban planning, and economic development projects from concept through completion, ensuring scope, schedule, budget, quality, and client expectations are met

  • Provide strategic oversight for project planning, staffing, risk management, technical execution, permitting, entitlement, and regulatory coordination across the Land Development service area

  • Manage service line financial performance, including utilization, realization, revenue growth, profitability, invoicing, accounts receivable, staffing needs, and annual budget recommendations

Job description

LAND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
POSITION SUMMARY
Spicer Group is seeking an ambitious and dynamic Land Development Director to lead our growing Land Development service area with impact and vision. This pivotal role drives the strategic execution of high-profile projects, delivering transformative urban planning, redevelopment, and economic development solutions that shape communities and set industry benchmarks. You'll direct project excellence, ensuring flawless execution, budget precision, and on-time delivery while driving the financial success and growth of the service area. As a key leader, you'll align with executive leadership to shape the company's strategic vision, champion cutting-edge marketing initiatives, and cultivate powerful client and partner relationships.
The Land Development Director will lead and mentor a high-performing team, upholding a culture of innovation, accountability, and professional growth while positioning Spicer Group as a leader in the industry through deliberate leadership and impactful project delivery.
THE COMPANY
Spicer Group is a multi-disciplinary engineering, surveying, and planning company. With offices in Michigan, Ohio, and Georgia, Spicer Group continues to expand its geographic footprint. We are committed to providing our teams with technical support throughout these offices to continually build upon our success year after year. Spicer Group is committed to maintaining its tightly held private ownership, with no interest in selling to larger AEC firms. This commitment provides significant ownership opportunities for high performers and people that uphold our core values and build successful teams. Spicer Group was given the prestigious 2026 Circle of Excellence Platinum Award, recognized by PSMJ.
Spicer Group prides itself on our core values of commitment to growth, great client relationships, excellent services and solutions, maintaining a team environment, and having integrity in all we do. We are seeking a candidate who will strive to uphold these values.
Spicer Group, Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our respect and commitment for our employees, their contributions, professional goals, and personal goals. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Competitive Pay
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options
  • 401(k)-match program
  • Paid Holidays
  • Sick and Vacation Days
  • Profit Sharing
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Professional Development
  • Excellent Working Conditions
  • Work-Life Balance
  • Fitness Reimbursement
  • Flexibility of location in MI, OH, or GA

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Project and Financial Management
  • Lead the successful delivery of land development, redevelopment, urban planning, and economic development projects from concept through completion, ensuring scope, schedule, budget, quality, and client expectations are consistently met
  • Provide strategic oversight for project planning, staffing, risk management, technical execution, permitting, entitlement, and regulatory coordination across the Land Development service area
  • Manage service line financial performance, including utilization, realization, revenue growth, profitability, invoicing, accounts receivable, staffing needs, and annual budget recommendations
  • Serve as Project Manager or Principal-in-Charge on select high-profile or strategically important projects, providing leadership, technical guidance, and accountability for successful outcomes
  • Evaluate project and pursuit opportunities, including Go/No-Go decisions, proposal strategy, scope development, fee preparation, contract negotiation, and interview participation
  • Implement quality management practices and proactively identify, communicate, and mitigate project, client, financial, and operational risks

Strategic Planning and Communication
  • Develop and execute a strategic growth plan for the Land Development service area that aligns with company goals, regional priorities, market opportunities, and long-term financial objectives
  • Collaborate with executive leadership to shape service area vision, priorities, operational goals, and performance expectations
  • Establish clear communication across offices, regions, project teams, and support departments to ensure alignment, accountability, and consistent execution
  • Participate in company and regional strategic planning efforts, providing land development market insight, technical perspective, and growth recommendations
  • Monitor market trends, client needs, redevelopment opportunities, and regulatory changes to position the service area for continued relevance and competitiveness

Employee and Client Engagement
  • Lead, mentor, develop, and retain a high-performing multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, technical excellence, collaboration, and professional growth
  • Oversee staffing, workload planning, performance management, succession planning, training, and professional development for assigned technical and practice leaders
  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with public and private clients, developers, municipal leaders, agencies, community partners, and strategic industry partners
  • Drive business development and marketing efforts for the Land Development service area, including client maintenance plans, pursuit strategy, presentations, articles, speaking opportunities, awards, and industry involvement
  • Represent the company in community, civic, professional, and public settings to strengthen market presence and support regional strategic plans
  • Serve as a trusted subject matter expert in land development, redevelopment, urban planning, entitlement, and economic development solutions

Collaboration and Leadership
  • Partner with Regional Vice Presidents, Regional Managers, Practice Leads, Corporate Services, Marketing, and Client Development teams to pursue, win, and deliver strategic work across the company's geographic footprint
  • Build alignment between technical teams and regional leadership to support consistent project delivery, resource planning, client service, and operational performance
  • Support leadership development and succession planning within the Land Development service area to ensure long-term service continuity and growth
  • Champion company core values while promoting teamwork, integrity, client service, and continuous improvement across the service area

The list of specific duties and responsibilities is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a specific duty or responsibility does not preclude assigning duties not listed herein if such duties and responsibilities are a logical assignment to the position.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects involving public and private clients, developers, municipalities, agencies, consultants, and contractors
  • Proven ability to grow a service area, expand client relationships, identify market opportunities, lead business development efforts, and contribute to revenue and profitability goals
  • Strong knowledge of land use, zoning, site planning, infrastructure coordination, permitting, entitlement, construction practices, development regulations, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements
  • Established client, developer, municipal, agency, or industry relationships within Michigan, Ohio, Georgia, or other strategic growth markets
  • Professional licensure or certification such as PE, AICP, PLA, LEED AP, or other relevant credentials is preferred
  • Advanced degree in planning, engineering, public administration, business administration, real estate development, or a related field is preferred

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field such as civil engineering, urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, public administration, business, real estate development, or a closely related discipline
  • 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in land development, civil/site development, urban planning, redevelopment, economic development, municipal consulting, entitlement, permitting, or related professional services
  • Ability to provide executive-level leadership, communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, make sound business decisions, and represent the company professionally in public, client, and industry settings
  • Ability to travel as needed for client meetings, project-related work, business development, company leadership meetings, and regional office coordination

FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information regarding our firm and/or this position, please visit the Spicer Group website at www.spicergroup.com. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled

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