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Community Development Director Jobs in Raleigh, NC

KPMG

Director, Grants Management

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... Community Development Block Grant; Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR); preferred certifications such as CEM, CFE, CGM, PMP * Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university; current and thorough ...

Orange County, NC

Housing Choice Voucher Specialist*

NC · On-site

$48K - $56K/yr

... Community Development, Counseling, Social Work or closely related field AND two (2) years' direct work experience in housing or social services programs; OR Graduation from a regionally accredited or ...

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Community Development Director information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$45.7K

$125.8K

$207K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Raleigh, NC is $125,796.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,900.00 and $154,600.00 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.

More about Community Development Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

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For Community Development Director jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Community Development Director jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Community Development Director job openings:

Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Raleigh, NC as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,796 per year, or $60.5 per hour.

Director of Planning and Development Services

Raleigh, NC

Raftelis
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Raftelisexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Wake County (County), one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation, is seeking its next Director of Planning and Development Services. The County welcomes approximately 25,000 new residents every year, and the moment calls for a leader who can shape the County’s growth with clarity, consistency, and vision. The Director of Planning and Development Services steps into a rare opportunity: to serve as the founding director of a newly established department, build its culture, and guide Wake County's approach to land use, permitting, and environmental stewardship at a pivotal point in its history. For the leader who thrives at the intersection of complex regulatory work, community engagement, and organizational development, this is an extremely compelling opportunity.

The Director leads a department of approximately 100 staff organized across four divisions: Administration, Planning, Building Permits and Inspections, and Watershed Management. The department serves as Wake County's primary authority for administering land development regulations, guided by the County's Unified Development Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, Stormwater Regulations, and the North Carolina Building Code. Wake County does not exercise zoning authority over municipal jurisdictions, which shapes how the Director engages with the development community and neighboring governments: less as a traditional regulatory enforcer and more as a convener, a resource, and a partner in responsible growth.

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