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Community Development Director Jobs in Sandwich, IL

TEAM

Legacy and Major Gift Planner

Aurora, IL · Remote

$69K - $79K/yr

The Legacy and Major Gift Planner is a highly collaborative role with the Director of Development ... giving community; * Plan and implement effective marketing strategies in collaboration with ...

Firstnational

Director, Community Banking

Geneva, IL · On-site

$107K - $182K/yr

The Community Banking Relationship Manager (RM) will deliver advice and value for business ... Volume-based expectations will be measured per the RM dashboard/scorecard* 2. Business Development ...

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All JobsCommunity Development JobsCommunity Development Director JobsCommunity Development Director Jobs in Sandwich, IL

Community Development Director information

See Sandwich, IL salary details

$46.6K

$128.3K

$211.2K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Sandwich, IL is $128,307.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,700.00 and $157,600.00 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 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 Sandwich, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Sandwich, IL are:
What cities near Sandwich, IL are hiring for Community Development Director jobs? Cities near Sandwich, IL with the most Community Development Director job openings:
Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Sandwich, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,307 per year, or $61.7 per hour.

Director of Development and Advancement

SamaraCare

Naperville, IL • On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

www.samaritancenter.orgSamaraCare is seeking a strategic, mission-driven Director of Development and Advancement to join our dedicated and collaborative team. We are looking for an experienced development professional who brings new ideas, a result-oriented mindset, initiative, and exceptional relationship -building skills to cultivate meaningful partnerships and expand philanthropic support. As part of our leadership team, you will be directly involved with strategic planning and implementation of initiatives, cultivate donor relations, grant writing, and drive special events and advancement efforts that increase funding and deepen community impact. Why join our team? As Director of Development and Advancement, your work will directly expand access to affordable life-changing mental health care! Our Organization:For 55 years, SamaraCare has been committed to offering affordable access to quality mental health counseling, psychiatric and autism services for individuals, couples, and families. Our holistic approach considers the emotional, physical, spiritual, and relational aspects of our client's lives.Additionally, SamaraCare is uniquely qualified to offer spiritually integrated services across many faith traditions and life perspectives for clients interested in this option. Today, SamaraCare works with diverse populations across the lifespan from varied financial means. Through our Mental Health Access Program, we offer reduced cost care to the uninsured, underinsured and those facing financial hardship. Our customized educational and wellness programs foster greater community understanding while reducing the stigma associated with mental health. To learn more about our organization and the various programs we offer, visit us at www.samaracarecounseling.org.Position Summary:Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Development and Advancement will play a critical role in growing SamaraCare's annual philanthropic revenue, directly expanding access to affordable, high-quality mental health services. This position provides leadership across all areas of fundraising, including major gifts, institutional and congregational giving, donor stewardship, special events, and planned giving.Job Location: Central Naperville, IL Hours: Occasional evening and weekend hours requiredCompensation: $90,000-$95,000 annually commensurate with experience and qualifications.Benefits: Paid time off including:Vacation Sick daysPersonal daysPaid holidaysMedical, dental, and vision insurance403 (b) retirement planResponsibilities:Strategic Fundraising & Major Gifts Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy to grow annual contributed revenue through diversified funding streams.Cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts from individual donors, foundations, congregations, and community partners.Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to identify and engage high-capacity donors and expand philanthropic relationships.Build meaningful donor engagement strategies that deepen connection to SamaraCare's mission and inspire long-term investment and loyalty.Monitor fundraising performance metrics and identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and expanded community support.Grants & Institutional Giving Manage the full lifecycle of institutional giving, including prospect research, grant proposal submission, reporting, and stewardship.Write compelling, mission-driven grant proposals and reports for foundations, corporations, and government agencies.Ensure timely completion of all grant deliverables and reporting requirements in collaboration with finance and program staff.Maintain accurate fundraising and grants management data, including application tracking, donor records, program outcomes, and demographic reporting.Community Engagement & PartnershipsStrengthen and expand relationships with congregations, faith leaders, referral partners, and community organizations across the service area.Serve as a visible and passionate ambassador for SamaraCare at community events, speaking engagements, and partnership initiatives.Advance inclusive, relationship-centered engagement that reflects the organization's values and commitment to serving diverse communities.Campaigns, Events & Donor CommunicationsPartner with the Director of Communications to design and execute annual giving campaigns, donor appeals, and digital fundraising strategies.Lead the planning and execution of impactful fundraising events and donor engagement experiences.Ensure consistent and compelling messaging across all fundraising communications and materials in collaboration with the Director of Communications.Oversee timely donor acknowledgment, stewardship communications, and recognition efforts to enhance donor retention and engagement.Leadership & Cross-Functional CollaborationEquip and support Board members in fundraising activities, donor cultivation, and ambassador engagement.Collaborate closely with leadership, communications, finance, and program teams to align fundraising priorities with organizational goals.Contribute strategic insight as an active member of the organization's leadership teaTop of FormBottom of Formm.QualificationsBachelor's degree required, Master's degree a plus3+ years of progressive experience within nonprofit development with demonstrated ability to increase revenue3+ years of experience in major gift cultivation, and donor stewardshipProficiency with donor management systems; Donor Perfect a plusKnowledge and SkillsCommitment to SamaraCare's missionExcellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skillsOrganized, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlinesApplication processIf you are a mission driven fundraising professional with a passion for ensuring affordable access to mental health services, we want to hear from you! Please submit a resume and cover letter sharing your interest in the role and how your background and experience make you uniquely qualified for this position. Please submit a resume by clicking the apply button.SamaraCare is an Equal Opportunity Employer.AI may have been used during the recruiting process. See (link) to learn howKey Words: Director of Philanthropy, Director of Major Gifts, Director of Donar Relations, Manager of Donar Relations, Development Officer, Development Manager, Advancement Officer, Director of Community Engagement, Community Engagement Manager, Director of Annual Giving, Fundraising Consultant, Manager of Fundraising, Grant Manager, Nonprofit Manager, Development, Non-profit Development, Major Gifts, Major Gifts Officer, Fundraising