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Community Development Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Community Development Director information

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$47K

$129.4K

$213K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in the United States is $129,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $159,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 cities are hiring for Community Development Director jobs? Cities with the most Community Development Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs? The most popular types of Community Development jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Community Development Director jobs? The top employers for Community Development Director jobs are:
What states have the most Community Development Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Community Development Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,416 per year, or $62.2 per hour.

Community Development Director

City of Lemoore, CA

Lemoore, CA • On-site

$118.91K - $151.76K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Salary : $118,907.00 - $151,758.00 Annually
Location : 711 W. Cinnamon Drive, Lemoore, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-13
Department: City Manager
Opening Date: 05/20/2026
Closing Date: 6/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
POSITION REINSTATED AS PART OF FY 26/27 BUDGET PENDING FINAL CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL. ANTICIPATED START DATE OF MONDAY, JULY 6, 2026.
DEFINITION
To plan, direct, manage and oversee the activities and operations of the Community Development Department including building inspection and compliance, planning, economic development, and housing programs; to coordinate assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general administrative direction from the City Manager or designee.
Exercises direct supervision over professional contract providers and management, supervisory, technical and clerical staff.
Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS--Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions:
  1. Assume full management responsibility for all department services and activities including building inspection and compliance, planning, economic development and housing operations; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
  2. Manage the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies and priorities for each assigned service area.
  3. Establish, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
  4. Plan, direct and coordinate, through subordinate level staff, the Community Development Department's work plan; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
  5. Assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct and implement changes.
  6. Select, train, motivate and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
  7. Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the department budget; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
  8. Oversee building inspection, building plan check, and permit activities and ensure compliance with appropriate laws, ordinances, and regulations.
  9. Receive, review and prepare reports and recommendations on various land planning and development proposals and projects for presentation to the Planning Commission and City Council.
  10. Research land use and planning issues as requested by the public, staff and other departments and agencies; draft ordinances and amendments.
  11. Provide planning and zoning information to developers, the business community and the public; answer questions and respond to complaints.
  12. Explain, justify and defend department programs, policies and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
  13. Represent the Community Development Department to other departments, elected officials and outside agencies; coordinate assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
  14. Provide staff assistance to the City Manager; participate on a variety of boards, commissions and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
  15. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of community development and urban planning.
  16. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
  17. Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications
Experience:
Six years of increasingly responsible community development experience including three years of management and administrative responsibility.
Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, Construction Management, or a related field.
Knowledge of:
Operations, services and activities of comprehensive community development program.
Principles and practices of community development administration.
Principles and practices of various programs within the Community Development Department including building inspection and compliance, planning, economic development, and housing programs.
Principles and practices of program development and administration.
Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
Principles and methods of directing staff to provide excellent customer service.
Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to:
Manage and direct a comprehensive community development program.
Develop and administer departmental goals, objectives and procedures.
Analyze and assess programs, policies and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments.
Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns and needs.
Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
Delegate authority and responsibility.
Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Identify and respond to community and City Council issues, concerns and needs.
Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
Process and prepare reports and recommendations on various community development projects.
Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.
Develop long range planning goals.
Keep a positive, can-do attitude.
Interpret and apply applicable Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting software applications.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Additional Information
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions: Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with some travel to different sites; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends and may be required to travel outside City boundaries to attend meetings.
Physical Conditions: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.
THE CITY:
Lemoore is a growing community with approximately 27,000 residents and is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, equidistant between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Home to Lemoore Naval Air Station, which is the Navy's newest, largest, and only west coast master jet base, serves as a home for all Navy F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet aircraft and the brand new F-35C squadron on the west coast. The base supports the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Lemoore prides itself on its safe, friendly, small-town environment, active volunteerism, numerous community events, a volunteer fire department, and high-quality education. Lemoore is also home to West Hills College at Lemoore.
Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, as well as the scenic Central Coast, are all within a two-hour drive.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
Public Employees' Retirement System: The City provides the PERS retirement program, 2% at 55 for Classic Members and 2% at 62 for New Members.
Holidays: Twelve (12) specific holidays, plus fourty (40) hours of float leave.
Vacation: Vacation leave starts at 11 days annually, increasing to 20 days based on time in service.
Sick Leave: Sick leave accrual of 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation. At retirement, unused sick leave may be applied toward retirement.
Management Leave: Eighty (80) hours per fiscal year.
Medical, Dental, Vision: The city provides health insurance through Public Agency Coalition Enterprise (PACE). The City pays $1,710 towards medical, dental, and vision premiums.
Life: A Basic Life insurance policy of $50,000 is provided for all City of Lemoore employees.
Housing Assistance: Housing assistance up to $10,000 for general employees and up to $15,000 for public safety employees in the form of a forgivable loan.
Deferred Compensation: The City will contribute four (4%) percent of the employees base wage. Additionally, the City will continue to provide a dollar-for-dollar match, up to 2% of the employee's base wage, for voluntary employee contributions into the deferred compensation program, that are above and beyond the 4% contribution.
THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
Application: Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter with references. Each recruitment process is treated separately and a separate application must be submitted for each position applied for.
Examination: Applicants will be evaluated and applicants who appear to be most qualified will be invited to participate in an examination or a combination of examinations as indicated in the position announcement.
Exam Accommodations: If you are qualified for the job but need reasonable accommodations to take the exam, we encourage you to request reasonable accommodations prior to the exam by calling Human Resources at (559) 924-6744 ext 701.
Eligibility Lists: Eligibility lists contain names of applicants who have obtained passing scores. Eligible lists are generally maintained for a minimum of six (6) months.
Probationary Period: Generally, employees appointed to regular positions serve a one year probationary period. An employee may be terminated without recourse for any reason and at any time during the probationary period.
Eligibility to work in the U.S.: Prior to employment, applicants will be required to provide proof of US citizenship, alien registration or authorization to work in the United States at time of appointment. Failure to do so within three (3) days from the date of hire may be cause for termination.
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Responses such as "see resume" will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications may be rejected.
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