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Community Development Manager Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

City of Wauwatosa, WI

Development Director

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$143K - $182K/yr

Manages and directs all Development Department operations and staff. The work involves significant community engagement and public involvement with elected officials, residents, businesses ...

City of Wauwatosa

Development Director

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$143K - $182K/yr

Manages and directs all Development Department operations and staff. The work involves significant community engagement and public involvement with elected officials, residents, businesses ...

Lennar

Land Development Manager

Windsor, WI · On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

Land Development Manager We are Lennar Lennar is one of the nation's leading homebuilders, dedicated to making an impact and creating an extraordinary experience for their Homeowners, Communities ...

Lennar

Land Development Manager

Windsor, WI · On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

Land Development Manager We are Lennar Lennar is one of the nation's leading homebuilders, dedicated to making an impact and creating an extraordinary experience for their Homeowners, Communities ...

Lennar Homes

Land Development Manager

Windsor, WI

$85K - $116K/yr

Land Development Manager We are Lennar Lennar is one of the nation's leading homebuilders, dedicated to making an impact and creating an extraordinary experience for their Homeowners, Communities ...

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All JobsCommunity Development Manager JobsCommunity Development Manager Jobs in Wisconsin

Community Development Manager information

See Wisconsin salary details

$35.8K

$76.9K

$119.6K

How much do community development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development manager in Wisconsin is $76,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $92,400.00 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 plans and implements programs to engage and support local communities, often collaborating with stakeholders and organizations. They assess community needs, develop initiatives, and manage relationships to promote social, economic, or environmental growth. Strong communication, project management skills, and knowledge of community issues are essential for this role.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Community Development Managers typically do not earn $2,000 a day; such high daily rates are usually associated with specialized consulting, executive roles, or freelance professionals in fields like finance, law, or technology. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, or extensive experience and may involve project-based or contract work with high compensation. Most standard community development roles offer annual salaries rather than daily rates in this range.

What degree do you need for community development?

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 tools.

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 are the 7 elements of community development?

The seven elements of community development include needs assessment, community participation, resource mobilization, planning and design, implementation, evaluation, and sustainability. A Community Development Manager often oversees these elements to foster social, economic, and environmental improvements within a community. Strong communication skills and project management tools are essential for success.

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.
More about Community Development Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Development Manager jobs in Wisconsin? For Community Development Manager jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Development Manager jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development Manager jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Community Development Manager jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Community Development Manager job openings:
Community Development Manager jobs near you

Development Director

City of Wauwatosa, WI

Wauwatosa, WI • On-site

$143K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : City Hall, 7725 W North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Development
Opening Date: 05/11/2026
Closing Date: 6/12/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Position Overview
The Development Director serves as the City's chief development strategist, leading all planning, zoning, economic development, building and safety, code enforcement, and housing functions. Originates, negotiates and executes complex real estate transactions and public-private partnerships to grow the City's tax base in a way that complements the fabric of the community and furthers the vision of the comprehensive plan, private investment, and ensures long-term economic viability. Manages and directs all Development Department operations and staff. The work involves significant community engagement and public involvement with elected officials, residents, businesses, neighborhood groups, developers and other city departments.
To view more details on this position and the City of Wauwatosa, please follow this link to the recruitment brochure:
The starting pay for this position ranges from $143,062.40 to $182,790.40 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. This is complemented by an excellent benefits package, a robust wellness program, an on-site fitness center, a free workplace clinic, paid parental leave, generous paid holidays and vacation, a pension plan, volunteer time off, a flexible workplace environment and the opportunity to work with dedicated professionals who have a passion for public service. (Click the Benefits tab to find out more!). Relocation assistance is also available.
Essential Functions
The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position. Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully to be qualified for the position. Other duties may be required and assigned.
  • Initiates, plans, directs, manages, and coordinate all matters related to comprehensive planning, zoning, development and redevelopment, economic development, building and safety, code enforcement, and housing activities that affect the growth and development of the city in a way that complements the fabric of the community and furthers the comprehensive plan.
  • Acts as the primary liaison and representative of the department with the Mayor, Common Council, Council Standing Committees, Department Heads, residents, business community, and public or private groups.
  • Serves as the City's lead negotiator on complex public-private real estate and economic development transactions, including structuring financing packages, evaluating developer pro formas and financial projections, providing zoning and land use direction, executing development agreements, and maintaining sensitive/high-level communication between developers, property owners, elected officials, and community stakeholders. Serves as the Community Development Authority's Executive Director.
  • Provides direction and sets standards and guidelines for providing various forms of assistance, including financial, to further all forms of business and housing development.
  • Oversees all grants within the department, including the approximately $1M Federal Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant funding as an entitlement community.
  • Oversees the housing rehabilitation loan program utilizing American Rescue Plan and/or Community Development Block Grant funding for low- and moderate-income households.
  • Coordinates the creation, implementation, and updating of various plans and codes

  • Proactively innovates on ways to maximize net new construction, whether through large scale development or smaller scale projects, to maximize taxable value and ensure long-term economic viability for the City.
  • Serves as the City's primary point of communication and lead negotiator with developers during tax increment financing negotiations, including originating TIF district project plans, negotiating development agreements and land transactions, structuring public incentive packages, managing TIF district compliance and amendments, and executing land acquisitions and dispositions through the Community Development Authority.
  • Applies extensive commercial real estate development experience to evaluate development proposals, assess project feasibility, attract high-quality private investment, and ensure development outcomes that benefit the City's long-term tax base and economic health.
  • Manages the City's real estate portfolio through the Community Development Authority, including strategic property acquisition at auction, land banking, disposition, and land transfer agreements with developers to facilitate major redevelopment projects.
  • Leads district-wide repositioning and master planning strategies for large-scale assets, including aging office parks and underperforming retail centers, to transform them into vibrant mixed-use districts that generate sustained economic value and tax revenue.

  • Compiles, analyzes, and presents to stakeholders and the Common Council data related to commercial real estate, economic conditions, property information, small business and major company activity, commercial and housing trends, employment, and demographic shifts that affect the local economy and real estate market.
  • Works with the private sector, businesses, business districts, educational institutions, Chamber of Commerce, and lending institutions to develop and foster recruitment of new businesses and the retention and expansion of existing businesses.
  • Recommends and applies for applicable Federal, State, and local grants and supervises project implementation.
  • Recommends governmental measures affecting land use, public utilities, community facilities, housing/affordable housing, and transportation to control and guide community development and renewal.
  • Prepares department budget and maintains fiscal control on all revenues and expenditures.
  • Participates in annual and single audits as they relate to various grants and programs.
  • Hires, supervises, trains, and evaluates full-time and part-time Development Department staff (Planning & Zoning, Building & Safety, Economic Development, and Housing).
  • Maintains effective public relations, including preparing and making presentations, by providing information to various parties, both in oral and written form.
  • Oversees agendas, minutes, and procedures for relevant boards and commissions.

Minimum Requirements
Education and/or Experience Requirements:
  • Master's Degree in business or public administration, urban affairs, urban planning, or related field.
  • Ten years of progressively responsible professional work experience involving extensive experience in community development, redevelopment and revitalization, economic development, tax increment financing, commercial real estate development and deal structuring, planning and zoning, and housing including at least five years at the management level. Significant direct experience in negotiating complex real estate transactions and public-private partnerships preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience in providing service and information to commissions, boards, and city councils or similar bodies.
  • Demonstrated leadership and management skills yielding positive outcomes by staff/team.
  • Experience in a variety of infrastructure projects, including flood plain and other environmental issues.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:
  • Planning and/or economic development certifications/designations preferred.

Additional Information
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Qualifications
In order to perform the functions and responsibilities of the position (listed above) the following knowledge, skills, and abilities are essential.
  • Thorough knowledge of theories, laws, principles, practices, methods, and techniques of urban development, redevelopment, revitalization, economic development, housing rehabilitation and development, commercial real estate development, deal structuring, and real estate finance.
  • Knowledge of building design, construction, and inspection principles.
  • Superior oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective and positive working relationships.
  • Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Zoom.
  • Ability to evaluate developer pro formas, project feasibility analyses, and complex financing structures, including tax increment financing, to assess the viability and public benefit of proposed development projects.

In evaluating candidates for this position, The City of Wauwatosa may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, twist and reach. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is also regularly required to talk and hear, in person, in meetings and by telephone. They will need to interact with city management, employees, other governmental officials, contractors, vendors, employees and the public; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to safely lift and carry up to 10 pounds occasionally.
Work Environment
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. An employee in this class generally works in a standard office environment with exposure to individuals who may be agitated, angry or highly emotional.
The employee must have the ability to work at different City locations on occasion.
01
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
  • HS Diploma or GED
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree or Higher
  • I do not possess a diploma or degree

02
How many years of related experience do you have?
  • I do not have any related experience
  • 1-5 years
  • 6-9 years
  • 10 or more years

03
How many years of supervision and leadership experience do you have?
  • I do not have supervisory experience.
  • 1-4 years
  • 5 or more years

04
Please tell us how you found out about this opportunity. Please list the specific source, including the employee's name if you heard about this from a current Wauwatosa employee.
Required Question

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