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Community Development Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Community Development Director Summary Direct, manage, oversee and integrate the activities and operations of the Community Development Department, including planning, building, housing ...

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Community Development Director is an official appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The incumbent serves as the department head for the Community Development ...

New

Community Development Director

Apopka, FL · On-site

$131K - $206K/yr

Direct the development of short and long term community development and support economic development throughout the City. Develop and implement long-term plans aligned with local government ...

Community Development Director

Apopka, FL · On-site

$131K - $206K/yr

Direct the development of short and long term community development and support economic development throughout the City. * Develop and implement long-term plans aligned with local government ...

... Community Development Department that provides current and advance planning; plan checking ... Plan, organize and direct the activities of several units engaged in a variety of planning ...

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Community Development Director information

See salary details

$47K

$129.4K

$213K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,416 per year, or $62.2 per hour.

Community Development Director

Sonomacity

Sonoma, CA • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manage and oversee all Community Development services and activities, including planning, building, housing, sustainability, and code enforcement.

  • Develop, plan, and implement department goals, policies, procedures, and priorities, and oversee short- and long-term planning.

  • Supervise the development and execution of the department's work plan, assign projects, monitor workflow, and evaluate work products.


Job description

Community Development Director Job Description Summary

Direct, manage, oversee and integrate the activities and operations of the Community
Development Department, including planning, building, housing, sustainability, and code
enforcement divisions; coordinate assigned activities with other departments and outside
agencies; foster cooperative working relationships with civic groups, intergovernmental agencies
and City staff; and provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City
Manager.

Distinguishing Characteristics

General administrative direction is provided by the City Manager. Responsibilities include the
direct and indirect supervision of management, supervisory, professional, technical, and/or
support staff. The Director must effectively collaborate with the City Manager, other department
directors, neighboring cities, and a variety of local and regional entities.

This class is a department director with responsibility for overall policy development, program
planning, fiscal management, and general administrative and operational direction of divisions
within the functional areas assigned. The incumbent is responsible for accomplishing the
departmental goals and objectives and for furthering City goals and objectives within general
policy guidelines. Work is performed with a maximum amount of independence within established
policies and procedures set forth by the City Manager and other relevant laws, ordinances and
regulations.

Essential Duties, Skills, and Demands of the Position Duties:
  • Provide effective management and oversight of all Community Development services and
    activities, including planning, building, housing, sustainability and code enforcement.
  • Develop, plan, and implement department goals, providing strong direction about objectives,
    policies, procedures, and priorities; oversee short- and long-term planning.
  • Provide effective direction, oversight, and participate in the execution of the Community
    Development Department work plan; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor
    workflow; and review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
  • Participate in the development and administration of the operations and Capital Improvement
    Program budget, and the Community Development Department budget, including sources of
    funding; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and
    supplies; monitor and approve departmental expenditures; and direct preparation and
    implementation of budgetary adjustments as necessary.
  • Select, train, and motivate personnel; foster an atmosphere of collaboration and mutual respect;
    provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations on a timely basis; implement
    discipline procedures; and maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and
    professional operation of the department.
  • Contribute to the overall quality of the department’s services by developing, reviewing, and
    implementing policies and procedures that support a cohesive workflow among the various, often
    interdependent department divisions.
  • Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of department methods and procedures
    and administrative and support systems; identify opportunities for improvement; and direct the
    implementation of changes.
  • Advise and consult City management and support staff regarding ongoing community
    development issues, initiatives and concerns facing the City.
  • Supervise the development and implementation of growth management and land use to meet the
    City’s needs and governmental agreements or requirements.
  • Evaluate land use proposals to ensure compliance with applicable City, State and Federal laws.
  • Meet and collaborate with developers, engineers, property owners, contractors, and other
    agencies to discuss merits and concerns of development proposals; provide various parties with
    guidance on how to proceed; oversee negotiations and agreements regarding environment-related issues, rights-of-way, open space easements, and financial participation; and discuss the
    status of development projects with applicants.
  • Direct, coordinate and review amendments and updates to the General Plan; provide plan and
    code interpretation as needed; provide analysis, recommendations, and implementation of
    policies and procedures; and develop and present recommendations on a variety of permits,
    maps, ordinances, zone changes and applications.
  • Oversee and manage the development review process, planning, zoning and permitting; ensure
    compliance with building codes; and develop the City housing element and manage set-aside
    funds.
  • Support transparent and effective communication in dealings with City departments, elected
    officials, outside agencies and the general public; explain and interpret departmental programs,
    policies, and activities; and effectively negotiate and resolve significant and controversial issues.
  • Conduct public engagement regarding departmental programs and activities; represent the
    department to outside groups and organizations; participate in outside community and
    professional groups and committees providing technical assistance as necessary.
  • Participate in and make presentations to the City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review
    and Historic Preservation Commission, Climate Action Commission and a variety of boards and
    commissions; attend and participate in professional group meetings; and stay abreast of new
    trends and innovations in the field of community development.
  • Maintain and direct the maintenance of working and official departmental files, including accurate
    and complete records related to licenses, permits, maps, etc.
  • Monitor change in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect City or departmental
    operations and implement policy and procedural changes as required.
  • Conduct organizational and operational studies; recommend modifications to programs, policies,
    and procedures as appropriate.
  • Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints from the public and
    represent the City on all issues related to assigned areas of responsibility.
  • Direct the negotiation and execution of a variety of contracts and agreements; ensure outside
    contractors and consultants comply with City standards.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.
Skills and Abilities:
  • Plan, organize, manage, coordinate, and supervise the functions and services of the department
    to achieve efficient operations and achieve program goals.
  • Direct the gathering, organization, analysis, and presentation of a variety of data and information.
  • Prepare clear, concise, and accurate records and reports. Evaluate, formulate, and develop
    recommendations on improvements to City operations, programs, and services.
  • Provide advice and consultation to the City Council on the development of ordinances,
    regulations, programs, and policies.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing during public presentations and meetings
    with internal staff, City Council and commissions and committees.
  • Exercise supervisory and management authority tactfully and effectively.
  • Effectively represent the City’s policies, programs, and services with the public, community
    organizations, City staff, and other government agencies.
  • Research and analyze new service delivery methods and procedures.
  • Exercise sound, independent judgment within established guidelines.
  • Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and
    database applications.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of
    duties.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Employee works in an office environment and is regularly required to sit at a desk and in meetings
for long periods of time; talk or hear in person, in meetings and by telephone; use hands and
fingers to handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms.
Must intermittently, twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; walk to observe department
activities; bend and squat to perform file searches; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation;
use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means. Employee
must operate a motor vehicle to visit and inspect various City sites and attend meetings. Meetings
occur during normal hours and evenings, often stretching into late nights.

Qualifications Knowledge of:
  • Principles and practices of public administration including administrative analysis, fiscal planning,
    and control, policy, and program development.
  • Principles, methods and techniques of code and regulation development and adoption relating to
    development service functions.
  • Advanced principles and practices of land use including zoning, comprehensive planning,
    environmental and development regulations.
  • Administration of building, fire, construction, public health, planning and related laws, codes,
    ordinances and methods of review and inspection to ensure compliance.
  • Legal mandates of code enforcement programs.
  • Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs,
    policies, and operational needs.
  • Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
    Information sources, and research and data analysis techniques related to urban growth and
    development.
  • Principles and practices of effective public relations.
  • Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, teambuilding, and conflict resolution.
  • Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
  • Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and software applications such
    as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Education and Experience:

Any combination equivalent to the education and experience likely to provide the required
knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to gain such knowledge and abilities is
described below.

  • Education: A Bachelor's degree with major course work in planning, public administration, business
    administration, or a field related to the essential functions of this position. A Master’s degree with
    major course work in a related field is desirable.
  • Experience: Seven years of progressively responsible, professional public sector experience in city planning,
    including three years in a supervisory capacity.
Certifications/Licenses:
  • Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license.
  • AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) Certification is desirable.
Additional Requirements

May require attendance at meetings, conferences, and seminars during work and non-work hours.

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