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Community Development Manager Jobs in North Carolina

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Community Development Manager information

See North Carolina salary details

$32.3K

$69.2K

$107.7K

How much do community development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development manager in North Carolina is $69,226.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,200.00 and $83,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a community development manager?

A community development manager oversees local events and establishes relationships with community members to promote company visibility and economic growth. Specific job duties vary, depending on the company and industry. In business, you cultivate positive partnerships with local companies, community groups, and government agencies through hosting informational events or attending regional forums. Other responsibilities include analyzing the financial impact your company has on the community and determines whether or not the area provides a healthy market for your company. You research and evaluate the needs of the designated market region and discover how the company can offer products or services to fulfill that need, or find areas to develop and open new businesses. Non-profit organizations utilize community development managers to spread the message of their cause and promote participation or solicit donations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community development manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Development Manager, you need expertise in project management, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach, often supported by a degree in public administration, urban planning, or a related field. Familiarity with grant writing software, CRM systems, and data analysis tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, cultural sensitivity, and leadership skills help build trust and foster productive partnerships. These capabilities are crucial for developing impactful programs, securing resources, and strengthening community relationships.

What does a community development manager do?

A Community Development Manager is responsible for building and maintaining relationships within communities to foster growth, engagement, and positive change. They often work with local organizations, government agencies, and residents to identify community needs and implement projects or programs that address those needs. Their duties may include organizing events, securing funding, managing volunteers, and evaluating the effectiveness of community initiatives. The goal is to enhance the well-being and quality of life for community members while supporting sustainable development.

What is the difference between Community Development Manager vs Community Outreach Coordinator?

AspectCommunity Development ManagerCommunity Outreach Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in social sciences, public administration, or related field; experience in community planningBachelor's degree often preferred; experience in communication or outreach roles
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site visits; project management focusCommunity events, public meetings, and outreach activities
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, government agencies, urban developmentNonprofits, community organizations, government programs
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for managerial roles in community developmentSeeking roles focused on community engagement and outreach

The Community Development Manager typically oversees community projects, manages teams, and develops strategic plans, requiring more experience and higher-level credentials. In contrast, the Community Outreach Coordinator focuses on engaging with the community through events and communication efforts, often with less managerial responsibility. Both roles are vital in community-focused organizations but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What degree do you need for community development manager?

A community development manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in fields such as community development, urban planning, social work, public administration, or related areas. Some roles may prefer or require a master's degree or relevant certifications, along with experience in project management and community engagement.

What are some common challenges faced by community development managers when working with diverse stakeholder groups?

Community Development Managers often work with stakeholders who have varied interests, backgrounds, and priorities. A common challenge is balancing these different perspectives to create programs that are inclusive and effective for the entire community. Navigating conflicting interests requires strong communication, facilitation, and negotiation skills, as well as patience and adaptability. Building trust and fostering collaboration among stakeholders is essential for successful project outcomes and long-term community engagement.
What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in North Carolina? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in North Carolina are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Development Manager jobs in North Carolina? For Community Development Manager jobs in North Carolina, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Development Manager jobs in North Carolina look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development Manager jobs in North Carolina are:
What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Community Development Manager jobs? Cities in North Carolina with the most Community Development Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Community Development Manager job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,226 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Planning & Community Development Manager

City of Wilson, NC

Wilson, NC • On-site

$118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


City Of Wilson (North Carolina) rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

309th of 841 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Wilson, NC
Job Type: Regular Full Time
Job Number: 201800681
Department: Planning/Development Svcs/Planning & Comm Revitalization
Opening Date: 05/27/2026
Job Summary/Scope
Wilson is a city of around 50,000 people located in the heart of eastern North Carolina. We are about an hour from the Research Triangle and the buzz of the Raleigh area, and you can also quickly reach the North Carolina beaches.
The City of Wilson is known for innovation and outstanding service. We have top-rated, nationally accredited police, fire and recreation departments. Our parks and sports facilities are among the best in the nation, and our Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park is a unique and beautiful attraction that hosts concerts, farmers markets and the N.C. Whirligig Festival among other events. Our downtown ballpark proudly serves as the home of the Milwaukee Brewers minor league affiliate. The team celebrated its inaugural Opening Night on April 14, 2026, marking an exciting new chapter for our community and downtown district.
Wilson has the strongest manufacturing base in our part of the state, including tire manufacturing, pharmaceutical and other industries. The Greenlight citywide broadband services help technology-based companies flourish.
In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a best-in-class benefits package that brings additional value to your total compensation. To learn more about our benefits package, click on the 'Benefits' tab above.
The hiring range for this position is $85,734.87 (minimum salary) to $118,069.97 (midpoint of range) dependent upon qualifications.
The Planning and Community Development Manager will be responsible for leading efforts to promote community health, economic growth, attract investment, and foster vibrant environments within the neighborhoods, commercial, and natural areas of the city. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership and management skills, a passion for community revitalization, a strong understanding of sustainable, community-based development, and a proven track record of driving impactful initiatives in developing and redeveloping areas in service of city growth goals.
This position is responsible for assisting the Director of the Planning and Community Revitalization in the operations of the department within the Long-Range Planning and Community Development divisions. The purpose of this position is to provide leadership, management, and supervision to the divisions. The position manages budgets, supervises division staff, and oversees projects, programs, and initiatives in the areas of long-range city planning, community development, historic preservation, brownfields, and related development activities. Demands of projects, programs and initiatives, including competing and overlapping priorities and deadlines contribute the complexity of this position. Successful performance helps ensure the effective and efficient provision of city services and reaching city goals to serve citizens and stakeholders and improve the community.
Job Responsibilities
Major Duties
  • Helps develop comprehensive strategies and activities to stimulate community-informed, social and economic community growth and development. Ensures Comprehensive Plan is updated according to organizational needs and state law, including creation of small area plans, and prioritizes plan implementation.
  • Manages staff, provides strategic direction, and oversees division operations,. Oversees staff that serve city boards and commissions, such as the Bike and Pedestrian Board, Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), as well as partnered initiatives such as the Food Council and Wilson Wellness Collaborative.
  • Directs the Long-Range Planning and Community Development divisions; leads the development of recommendations for long-term planning programs, projects, and initiatives; prepares development, growth, and design plans and studies; implements community revitalization activities specifically tailored for a non-entitlement community; pursues available grants and other funding mechanisms; manages grant programs and special initiatives to further the goals.
  • Directs the historic preservation program, encouraging appropriate historic redevelopment in the city's 5 historic districts, ensuring efficient and effective operations of the HPC and complying with state and federal preservation standards.
  • Oversees various contractors and consultants, acting as administrator to ensure external experts deliver high-quality work, on time and within budget.
  • Oversees the city's Brownfields program, including the administration of the $1M Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) for remediation and redevelopment projects.
  • Prepares and administers budgets for divisions, projects, programs and initiatives. Coordinates draw requests for grant reimbursements and manages the financial accuracy of grants and contracts.
  • Advises developers, stakeholders, partners, and the general public on division goals through presentations and public education activities. Serves on and contributes to committees, ensuring inter-department and community input and participation on plans and studies.
  • Assists in updating and interpreting the City's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), other land-use regulations, Municipal Code, and other policies and procedures to align with the Comprehensive and other relevant plans and studies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Guidelines
  • Guidelines include organizational and departmental standard operating procedures, Comprehensive Plan and other related plans and studies, Unified Development Ordinance, Municipal Code, and related laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, North Carolina General Statutes, and relevant federal laws and codes. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

Supervisory/Management Responsibility
  • This position manages and supervises division operations for two divisions and various programs.

Minimum Qualifications
Education/Experience Requirements
  • Knowledge and competency commonly associated with the completion of a master's degree in planning, community development, or related field(s). American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is highly preferred.
  • Seven to ten years of related experience and track record of success is preferred to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives of the divisions, work of subordinate positions, and ability to successfully plan, solve problems, and execute. This includes significant management and supervisory experience, usually associated with a minimum of five years.
  • Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid North Carolina driver's license.

Knowledge Requirements
  • Knowledge of and experience in the principles, practices, and procedures of community development, planning, historic preservation.
  • Knowledge of and skills in State and Federal Programs including Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields.
  • Proven skill in management and supervision of multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Skill in budgeting, overseeing division, project/program, and operational budgets, and
  • Skill inpursuing, writing, and submitting grant applications and other funding mechanisms. Skill in managing, administering, and reporting on grants and other secured funding.
  • Strong skills in clear interpersonal, organizational, departmental, divisional, and community communication. Ability to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders and handle sensitive situations appropriately.
  • Strong ability to be flexible with changing or competing interests and deadlines.
  • Skill in operating computers, hardware and software, and other office equipment.

Work Environment/Physical Demands
  • The work is typically performed in an office and on-site. The employee may be exposed to noise or machinery and may occasionally work outdoors in inclement weather. The work may require the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, and gloves.

The City of Wilson is dedicated to providing unique benefits that meet the needs of our employees and their families, while being competitive and cost effective. We offer the following benefits:
  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • Paid holidays (maximum 12 per year)
  • Health/dental/vision insurance
  • Membership in the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Retirement System
  • 5% 401(k) contribution
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for medical and childcare expenses
  • Paid Life Insurance
  • MD Live (Cigna's Telehealth)
  • Supplementary benefits including critical care, cancer, accident, medical bridge, long and short term disability and term and whole life insurance.

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