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Community Development Director Jobs in Portland, OR

Partnerships Manager

Portland, OR · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

... directed. You can manage a broad set of relationships without dropping the ball * You're ... Opportunities for professional development and growth * A collaborative, high-performing, and ...

... Community Vision's Supported Living Program makes it possible for people with developmental ... Direct Service-- * Advocates for the expressed goals of people supported as identified by them.

Showing results 41-60

Community Development Director information

See Portland, OR salary details

$49.8K

$137.2K

$225.9K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Portland, OR is $137,246.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,200.00 and $168,600.00 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 Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Community Development Director jobs in Portland, OR?

For Community Development Director jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Community Development Director jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Community Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,689 per year, or $66.2 per hour.

Director of Community Relations

Vancouver, WA • On-site

Pacific Lifestyle Homes Inc
Real Estate • 51 - 200 employees

$125K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
LIFE AT PACIFIC LIFESTYLE HOMES
Experience the difference of being part of the Pacific Lifestyle Homes family. As a two-time recipient of the prestigious Building Industry Association "Builder of the Year" award and the esteemed National Housing Quality Gold Award, we are more than just a homebuilder - we are dedicated to BUILDING BETTER LIVES. From our humble beginnings in 1996, we have grown to construct over 6,500 homes and 130 communities across SW Washington, the Portland Metro area, greater Puget Sound area, and the Boise Metro landscape. Join us and build your career with a company committed to excellence and community impact.
JOB MISSION
Pacific Lifestyle Homes is seeking a Director of Community Relations to serve as the primary liaison between the company and local jurisdictions, community leaders, and key stakeholders. This role is responsible for cultivating strategic partnerships that support successful land acquisition, entitlement approvals, and community integration. As Director of Community Relations, you will play a key role in ensuring the company is recognized as a trusted, solutions-oriented partner by aligning development initiatives with local priorities, policies, and community values.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with city and county staff, elected officials, planning commissions, and community organizations.
  • Act as the company's ambassador in all jurisdictional interactions, reinforcing credibility, trust, and long-term partnership.
  • Identify and proactively engage key influencers and decision-makers within target markets.
  • Partner with Land Acquisition and Development teams to support entitlement strategies and project approvals.
  • Navigate political and regulatory landscapes to anticipate risks, remove obstacles, and accelerate timelines where appropriate.
  • Represent the company in workshops and community meetings, including jurisdictional engagement.
  • Develop and execute community outreach strategies that align with project goals and local expectations.
  • Address community concerns with transparency and professionalism, balancing business objectives with community needs.
  • Monitor local policy, zoning changes, and regulatory trends impacting residential development.
  • Provide strategic insights to leadership on jurisdictional dynamics, growth opportunities, and potential constraints.
  • Help shape company positioning on key housing and development issues.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 10-30+ years of experience in community relations, government affairs, land development, or a related field.
  • Strong understanding of entitlement processes, zoning, state laws, and municipal governance in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
  • Established network within local jurisdictions (preferred).
  • Proven ability to influence, negotiate, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication skills, both public-facing and executive-level.
  • High emotional intelligence and sound judgment in politically sensitive environments.
  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (Urban Planning, Public Administration, Real Estate, or related) preferred.

KEY COMPETENCIES:
  • Relationship Builder: Gains trust quickly and maintains long-term partnerships.
  • Strategic Thinker: Connects jurisdictional priorities with company growth objectives.
  • Politically Savvy: Understands nuance, timing, and stakeholder motivations.
  • Problem Solver: Navigates complexity and resolves conflicts effectively.
  • Executive Presence: Represents the company with credibility and professionalism.

WHY WORK HERE
BENEFITS
  • Company supported medical, dental and vision benefits for employees and families
  • Participation in our 401(k)-retirement savings plan with Company contributions
  • New home discount
  • 120 hours of paid time off for the first year
  • Seven paid holidays
  • Paid volunteer hours
  • Employee Recognition Program
  • Employee Referral Bonus - Up to $1,000
  • Engaging company culture - Including our annual "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"
  • And much more!

OUR CULTURE / VALUES
At Pacific Lifestyle Homes, our vibrant culture defines who we are. We believe in the power of open communication, where every voice is valued and heard. With a strong emphasis on personal growth, we offer one-on-one coaching, regular reviews, and prioritize internal promotion whenever feasible. Our actions are guided by our core values of respect, accountability, candor, humility, integrity, and teamwork, shaping every decision we make and every interaction we have.
Build your career at Pacific Lifestyle Homes, where we are committed to the idea that a skilled team can build homes and communities that withstand the test of time. Picture yourself driving by our neighborhoods a decade from now, brimming with pride knowing you played a vital role in their creation. Do not miss the opportunity to make a lasting impact with us!
For additional information about Pacific Lifestyle Home's Company Culture and how it can enrich your career, we invite you to view the video at the following link: https://youtu.be/Hud-5EsJ2fw
WORK ENVIRONMENT
We are an in-person culture with a core work schedule of 8:00am - 5:00pm, including a required daily morning huddle that begins at 8:00am in-office.
Our dress code and appearance policy reflect our commitment to professionalism and our dedication to maintaining a premier standard as a homebuilder.
Prior managerial reference checks, background check and a pre-employment drug screen are required steps in our hiring process.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Salary Description
$125,000 - $225,000 [Total Comp. Package]