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Community Development Director Jobs in Sumter, SC

Testing Assistant

Columbia, SC · On-site

$29K - $35K/mo

... and community development in our nine-county service area. Columbia State is a member of the ... Executive Director of Human Resources humanresources@columbiastate.edu 1665 Hampshire Pike ...

Promote staff development including the provision of cross-training among staff. * Conduct staff ... Develop plans for discharge which include community linkages that will support the participants and ...

Youth Development Professional/Driver

Sumter, SC · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Youth Development Professional/Driver Employee Name: James Johnson Department: Red Shield Youth ... Program Manager, RSYC Site Director, Director of Programs & Community Engagement, Director of ...

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Community Development Director information

See Sumter, SC salary details

$41.9K

$115.3K

$189.7K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Sumter, SC is $115,254.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,200.00 and $141,600.00 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 job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Sumter, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Sumter, SC are:

What cities near Sumter, SC are hiring for Community Development Director jobs?

Cities near Sumter, SC with the most Community Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Sumter, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,254 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

ASSISTANT CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER DIRECTOR

US Department of the Air Force

Shaw Air Force Base, SC • On-site

$74K/yr

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the basic requirement and specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions, to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS-1701, General Education and Training series.
Basic Requirement for GS-1701 Child Development Director and Assistant Director Positions: A Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) which education must have been in child development, early childhood education, home economics (early childhood emphasis), elementary education, special education, or other fields appropriate to the position to be filled.NOTE: You must submit copies of your transcripts.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: courses equivalent to a major in education, or in a subject-matter field appropriate to the position, plus appropriate experience or additional course work that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study described above. NOTE: You must submit copies of your transcripts.
AND
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicant must have (1) one year of specialized experience for GS-1701-11, which includes professional knowledge of child development theory, methodology, and practices relating to physical, intellectual, social and special education needs and center management. Knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations governing childcare to include regulatory requirements, policies and practices. Knowledge of financial, budget, resource management practices and principles, and analytical and evaluative methods and techniques. Knowledge of the USDA food program requirements. Skill in educating, counseling and advising childcare providers and parents; assessing training and children's developmental needs. Skill in conducting regular and periodic audits, studies, and inspections, evaluating the results, determining the feasibility of necessary improvements and coordinating corrective action. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the GS-09 grade/level or equivalent in the federal service.
OR
EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position NOTE: You must submit copies of your transcripts.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit copies of your transcripts.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-10 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1 \. Professional knowledge of child development theory, methodology, and practices relating to physical, intellectual, social and special education needs and center management.
2\. Knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations governing child care to include regulatory requirements, policies and practices.
3\. Knowledge of financial, budget, resource management practices and principles, and analytical and evaluative methods and techniques.
4\. Knowledge of the USDA food program requirements.
5\. Skill in educating, counseling and advising child care providers and parents; assessing training and children's developmental needs.
6\. Skill in conducting regular and periodic audits, studies, and inspections, evaluating the results, determining the feasibility of necessary improvements and coordinating corrective action.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.Employment Type: OTHER