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Community Development Director Jobs in Meridian, MS

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Community Development Director information

See Meridian, MS salary details

$46.1K

$126.9K

$208.9K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Meridian, MS is $126,944.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,700.00 and $156,000.00 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 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 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 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.

More about Community Development Director jobs
What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Meridian, MS look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Meridian, MS are:
What cities near Meridian, MS are hiring for Community Development Director jobs? Cities near Meridian, MS with the most Community Development Director job openings:
Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Meridian, MS as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,944 per year, or $61 per hour.

Direct Support Professional Shift A 7p58

Brandi's Hope Community Services

Meridian, MS • On-site

$13/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Are you patient, kind, caring, down-to-earth? Do you love arts & crafts, swimming, basketball, music, movies and dancing? Are you the type of person who is willing to put the needs of the person you support as the primary focus of your attention while at work? If so, this may be the job for you! Brandi's Hope is looking for a Direct Support professionals. If you believe everyone, regardless of abilities/disabilities, should have a choice for a meaningful life you might be just the right person. The right Direct Support Professional should possess strong interactive skills and a positive, creative, and energetic attitude to support people with intellectual/developmental disabilities who has challenging communication and behaviors. Good communication and a team oriented outlook are necessary attributes for success. Full benefit package for qualified applicants. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalency, minimum two years experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, valid driver's license and pass background checks. We have several shifts available so please contact Brandi's Hope.

The starting pay for this position is $13.00 per hour with a set, guaranteed schedule of 45 hour per week. For DSPs the rate for overtime is $15.00. DSPs are given 3 hours of unworked overtime pay for perfect attendance each week after they have worked 42 hours. This makes the DSP rate of pay for worked hours $11.31 per hour. After the successful completion of orientation, the base rate of pay will increase to $11.00, overtime rate pf $16.50 and the rate of pay for hours worked is now $12.40.

This position is for a Direct Support Professional (Nights)
Hours: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday 7pm - 7am and Wednesday 7pm-1am.
Duties include, but not limited to: Provide daily support to individuals with varying degrees of development/intellectual disabilities. Will assist these persons within the following areas: job supports, self-care, recreational activities and community inclusion. Depending on need of client a DSP may be expected to transport to appointments, report to work assignment with client as a job advocate or could be assisting with feeding and hygiene. Duties will be discussed with employer.
Qualifications: High School diploma or GED, Minimum of One (1) year of verifiable work experience in the last three (3) years, must possess a current, valid drivers license in order to transport clients as needed, must possess current CPR training, must submit to an extensive background check and drug screening before employment offer can be made.

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