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Community Development Officer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Columbus, Ohio | Full-Time-Hybrid | Communities In Schools of Ohio At Communities In Schools of ... Mentor and lead a high-performing development team * Partner with the CEO and Board to drive a ...

Chief Development Officer DIRECT REPORTS: Director of Women's Philanthropy, Managing Director ... Volunteer Leadership & Community Engagement • Partner with volunteer leadership, campaign chairs ...

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Promotes the Bank's professional image through involvement within the community where potential ... Submits reports including business development activity such as calling activity, sales such as ...

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Community Development Officer information

See Ohio salary details

$37.1K

$70.8K

$113.1K

How much do community development officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development officer in Ohio is $70,778.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,600.00 and $80,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a community development officer do?

A Community Development Officer works to improve the well-being of communities by planning, implementing, and evaluating programs that address social, economic, and environmental issues. They often collaborate with local government, organizations, and residents to identify community needs and develop initiatives such as affordable housing, youth programs, or local economic development projects. Their role may also involve applying for grants, managing budgets, and ensuring projects align with community goals and regulations.

Which skill is most important for a community development officer?

The most important skill for a community development officer is strong communication, as they need to effectively engage with community members, stakeholders, and organizations. Additionally, skills in project management and problem-solving are essential for planning and implementing development initiatives.

What is the average salary for a community development officer in the US?

The average salary for a community development officer in the US is approximately $50,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and organization size. Professionals in this role often require strong communication, planning, and grant management skills, and may hold relevant certifications such as the Certified Community Development Professional (CCDP).

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community development officer?

To thrive as a Community Development Officer, you need a background in social sciences, urban planning, or related fields, with strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills. Familiarity with community assessment tools, grant writing software, and data analysis systems is often required. Outstanding interpersonal communication, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving abilities help build trust and mobilize community resources. These competencies are crucial for effectively planning, implementing, and evaluating programs that address community needs and foster sustainable development.

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

AspectCommunity Development OfficerCommunity Outreach Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in social sciences, community development, or related fieldsBachelor's degree often preferred; experience in outreach or communication roles
Work EnvironmentLocal government agencies, non-profits, community organizationsNon-profits, government agencies, educational institutions
Primary FocusPlanning and implementing community development projects, policy advocacyEngaging community members, organizing outreach programs, communication
Common TasksDeveloping programs, liaising with stakeholders, grant writingEvent planning, public relations, volunteer coordination

While both roles involve working with communities, the Community Development Officer focuses on project planning and policy development, whereas the Community Outreach Coordinator emphasizes engagement and communication efforts. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within community-focused roles.

What is the role of a community development officer?

A community development officer plans and implements programs to improve local communities, focusing on social, economic, and environmental development. They collaborate with residents, organizations, and government agencies, often utilizing project management skills and community engagement strategies to achieve positive outcomes.

What are some common challenges community development officers face when engaging with diverse communities?

Community Development Officers often encounter challenges such as building trust with diverse community members, navigating differing priorities, and ensuring effective communication across cultural or language barriers. It’s important to actively listen, foster inclusive participation, and adapt engagement strategies to the unique needs of each group. Successful officers collaborate closely with local stakeholders, utilize culturally appropriate outreach methods, and remain flexible to address evolving community concerns.
Infographic showing various Community Development Officer job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,778 per year, or $34 per hour.

Senior Development Officer

Imagination Station

Toledo, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

IMAGINATION STATION
Senior Development Officer
Full Time
Description:
The Senior Development Officer will be responsible for the successful design and implementation of all activities to minimally secure $750,000 dollars in fundraising. The selected candidate should also be prepared to show a successful history of fundraising growth through donor and prospect research, acquisition and stewardship with emphasis on relationship building and sustenance. The strongest candidates will possess a passion for inquiry and demonstrate an enthusiastic interest in informal science education.
Responsibilities:
Development Practices
  • Foster a donor-centric approach in all development work across the organization.
  • Gain familiarity and remain knowledgeable in Imagination Station programming and activities helping identification and alignment of donor interest and the science center's work.
  • Exhibit a sincere desire and drive to see Imagination Station's success through building financial resources.
  • Maintain a productive relationship cross-functionally with programs, experience, marketing and finance teams to advance development work.
  • Excel in all development activities including effective proposal and impact report writing and cultivation and acquisition plan development that broadens and deepens donor base.
  • Maintain active community relationships and networking opportunities during and outside work hours.
  • Maintain an active meeting schedule with new and existing donors.
  • Based on revenue budgets; set goals and objectives to achieve fundraising success.
  • Maintain all donor information and activity in donor software system.

Annual Fund
  • Successfully plan and execute all development strategies of the annual fund campaign (AF) including the planning and execution of a moves management plan for existing donors.
  • Increase AF giving by 20% annually through retention and acquisition.
  • Working with the membership manager, analyze members for prospective donors and develop a strategy and plan that creates a desire to support Imagination Station as a donor.

Individual and Corporate Development
  • Work closely with the Director of Business Development in the strategic cultivation, recruitment and retention of new individuals and corporate donors
  • Identify and cultivate potential individual donors who exhibit an alignment with Imagination Station's work with intent to build individual donor base
  • Research and cultivate corporations/businesses new to Imagination Station, aligning their business interest with Imagination Station's work culminating in increased revenue for events, programs and exhibits

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree. Two to four years in successfully demonstrated fundraising. Combination of education and experience will be considered.
  • Experience in membership-driven environments, cultural or educational institutions preferred.
  • Proven exceptional skill at cultivating and sustaining authentic relationships with donors and other key constituents.
  • Experience managing multiple projects.
  • Confident, personable and comfortable representing the institution to a variety of individuals and corporate stakeholders.
  • Proven track record in all facets of fundraising including annual campaigns, special events, data analysis and reporting, prospect research and cultivation and database management.
  • Outstanding written and spoken communication skills, exceptional conversationalist.
  • Positive, energetic big-picture individual with solid organization skills. Highly entrepreneurial, resourceful, flexible with a high degree of initiative.
  • Overall strategic agility, ability both to conceptualize and execute, and the capacity to articulate a visionary approach to initiatives that will enhance the long-term financial integrity of the Imagination Station.

Imagination Station's mission is to serve our community by providing informal science education and fun in order to spark a passion for the sciences by combining interactive exhibits and educational programming.
All applicants must apply on-line at imaginationstationtoledo.org and submit a detail resume outlining job history and experience. If you are unable to complete our on-line application due to a disability, contact us at 419-244-2674 to ask for an accommodation or alternative application process.
IMAGINATION STATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER