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Community Development Director Jobs in Wichita, KS

Civic Engagement Program Director - Gateway Region YMCA, Community Development Gateway Region YMCA Director of Teen Center and Youth Development YMCA of Yonkers Inc.

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Community Development Director information

See Wichita, KS salary details

$42K

$115.8K

$190.6K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Wichita, KS is $115,776.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $142,200.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Wichita, KS? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Wichita, KS are:
What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Wichita, KS look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Wichita, KS are:
What cities near Wichita, KS are hiring for Community Development Director jobs? Cities near Wichita, KS with the most Community Development Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Wichita, KS as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,748 per year, or $61.4 per hour.

Job Prep Director - Community Development

YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF WICHITA KANSAS

Wichita, KS • On-site

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description
GENERAL FUNCTION: Under the supervision of the Senior Program Director, the Job Prep Program Director will plan, instruct, supervise, and manage the Job Prep program participants, work sites, classes/activities, and instructors to provide a safe, supervised, and engaging program for students and work sites with the highest level of outcomes.
MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Education/Experience Requirements:
  1. Minimum age 25
  2. Bachelor's degree required
  3. Relevant experience working with youth required
  4. Relevant supervisory experience

Physical/Mental Requirements:
  1. Must be able to routinely perform the following physical activities; climb stairs, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, reach with hands, sit, stand and/or sit for extended periods of time, walk, lift and/or move up to 30 pounds, have finger dexterity, grasp, perform repetitive motions, talk, hear and have visual acuity to perform detailed tasks
  2. Must have ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
  3. Must possess problem solving, organizational and task management skills; ability to make independent and sound decisions in a rapidly changing environment
  4. Must be detail oriented and exhibit a high degree of accuracy and alertness
  5. Must exhibit initiative in the absence of supervision
  6. Must be able to relate to and work with diverse groups of people in a friendly and consistent manner
  7. Must work collaboratively as a team member as well as independently with staff and volunteers; lead by completing assigned goals, duties and deadlines

Must possess ability to exercise high levels of discretion and confidentiality
  1. Must present a professional appearance at all times

Job Requirements:
  1. Commitment to the YMCA mission, vision and values
  2. Must attend New Employee Orientation within 30 days of hire
  3. Complete CPR/AED and First Aid in accordance with Conditions of Employment
  4. Understand and abide-by all policies and procedures as set forth by the association
  5. Work a schedule that reflects the needs of the branch and program

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. Recruit, hire and supervise all instructors
  2. Recruit and onboard all students for the program
  3. Provide presentations in the community about the program and impact
  4. Secure enough work sites to serve the number of students in the program each session
  5. Instruct classes throughout the week both at the Y and in high schools
  6. Provide substitutes for all classes for consistent programming for students
  7. Recruit local professionals to volunteer in the program - speaking to and interviewing students
  8. Reach all recruitment and program completion goals for each session and summer
  9. Conduct weekly site visits during the summer to ensure good student and employer relationships
  10. Communicate daily with Senior Program Director regarding programming needs and accomplishments
  11. Model healthy behavior through active supervision at all times

Other:
  1. Must possess a comprehensive knowledge of audience (high school youth) and their needs
  2. Responsible for instructing all sizes of audiences from one-on-one to large group settings
  3. Must attend all trainings and staff meetings as required
  4. Support Strong Community Campaign
  5. All other duties as assigned

EFFECT ON END RESULT: The Job Prep program continues to grow in the number of students completing the course and the work assignments as well as a growth in the number of work sites. All goals of the program are attained, and student, parent and work site evaluations of the program reflect the highest level of satisfaction.