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Community Development Planner Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Planning Manager

Champaign, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Job Are you passionate about shaping parks and public spaces that make a lasting impact on the community? As the Planning Manager, you'll lead the planning, design, and development of parks ...

Finance Director

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$143.42 - $170/hr

The calendar year budget, planned capital and debt expenses, and other financial information are ... Community Development, Finance, Business and Community Relations, and Administration. #J-18808 ...

Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and community. By bringing bring a sports-operational mindset to traditional real estate ... Our ideal candidate has a strong background in architectural design, urban planning, construction ...

The Community Liaison conducts and supervises the long-term care admissions process in order to ... Participates in the development, planning, scheduling, conducting, and monitoring of in-service ...

Homeowner Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$52K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in real estate, business, social services, urban planning, community development, public administration, or a related field * 1-4 years of experience in housing ...

Homeowner Coordinator

Chicago, IL

$52K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in real estate, business, social services, urban planning, community development, public administration, or a related field * 1-4 years of experience in housing ...

Showing results 21-40

Community Development Planner information

See Illinois salary details

$37.3K

$70.8K

$97.9K

How much do community development planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development planner in Illinois is $70,752.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,400.00 and $75,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

A Community Development Planner should have expertise in urban planning, land use policy, and community engagement, typically supported by a degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, zoning regulations, and data analysis tools is essential for effective planning and reporting. Strong interpersonal communication, negotiation, and project management skills help in building consensus and leading diverse stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for creating sustainable, inclusive communities and ensuring successful implementation of development projects.

How does a community development planner typically collaborate with local stakeholders and government agencies?

Community Development Planners work closely with a variety of stakeholders, including local residents, business owners, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. They often facilitate public meetings, gather feedback, and balance diverse interests to develop plans that reflect community needs. Effective collaboration requires strong communication and negotiation skills, as planners serve as liaisons between the public and decision-makers. Building consensus and fostering partnerships are key aspects of the role that can influence the success and sustainability of development projects.

What is a community development planner?

Community Development Planners are professionals who work with local governments, nonprofits, and community organizations to design and implement plans that improve neighborhoods and address community needs. They analyze data, engage with residents, and create strategies for housing, transportation, economic development, and public spaces. Their goal is to ensure sustainable and equitable growth, fostering vibrant and inclusive communities. Community Development Planners often collaborate with stakeholders to secure funding, write grants, and oversee project implementation.

How do you become a community development planner?

To become a community development planner, typically a bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level planning positions and obtaining certification, such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), can enhance career prospects.

What can you do with a community development planner degree?

A community development planner degree prepares individuals for roles in urban and regional planning, focusing on improving community infrastructure, housing, and public spaces. Graduates can work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private consulting firms, often utilizing GIS tools and planning regulations. The role typically requires strong communication skills and knowledge of zoning laws and community engagement strategies.

What is the difference between Community Development Planner vs Urban Planner?

AspectCommunity Development PlannerUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, or related field; often certification or licensingBachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, geography, or related field; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentLocal government agencies, community organizations, non-profitsMunicipal, regional, or private planning firms
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in local government focusing on community projects and social programsIn government or private sector focusing on city-wide or regional development

Both roles involve planning and development, but Community Development Planners focus more on social programs and community engagement, while Urban Planners handle broader city or regional development strategies. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and focus areas.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Community Development Planner jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Community Development Planner job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Community Development Planner jobs in IL?

For Community Development Planner jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Community Development Planner job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,752 per year, or $34 per hour.

(Hybrid) Community Impact, Fall Intern

The Chicago Community Trust

Chicago, IL

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Title: Community Impact, Fall Intern

Department: Community Impact

Reports To: Manager, Homeownership & Home Equity and Manager, Policy Change

Direct Reports: N/A

Classification: Internship

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Grade: N/A

Compensation: $20/hour

Schedule: 21 hours/week (Hybrid: 2 days in office, 1 day remote)

Duration: 16 weeks, Fall 2026 (August 25 - December 10)

About the Internship Program

Our Fall Internship Program offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in philanthropy, community engagement, operations, and organizational strategy. Interns work alongside staff across multiple departments.

The Policy Change Team supports and engages in policy and advocacy to realize the systemic reforms necessary to achieve the Trust's strategic goals. The teams work to support the landscape of organizations and coalitions working to reform inequitable laws and policies that created and perpetuated the racial and ethnic wealth gap.

The Homeownership and Small Business Team focuses on supporting households that have faced systemic barriers to building wealth in two areas where the Trust believes it can have the greatest impact: (1) increasing homeownership and home equity and (2) boosting income and financial assets.

What You'll Do

The intern has an active role in supporting both the Homeownership and Policy Change teams through their work in developing learning memos, presenting findings, and participating in convenings to further develop the intern's presentation and writing skills while advancing the learning agenda of the Trust.

Expected Assignments:

  • Review existing impact frameworks for funding programs to determine alignment with priorities; make recommendations based on past grantmaking.

  • Participate in meetings with potential grant applicants, documenting important information, and providing feedback on alignment with strategic priorities.

  • Review existing impact frameworks for funding programs to determine alignment with Homeownership and Policy Change priorities; make recommendations based on past grantmaking.

  • Track, document, and assess opportunities to increase access to capital aligned with Homeownership and Small Business priorities.

  • Participate in meetings with potential grant applicants, document important information, and provide feedback on alignment with strategic priorities.

  • Research and provide background memos on key policy issues and policy reform proposals to inform potential Trust engagement.

  • Complete other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

This internship follows a hybrid schedule:

  • 2 days in office (Tuesday, Thursday)

  • 1 day remote

Timeline

This posting will close at 4:59PM CST on Friday July 24, 2026.

  • Application Cycle (7/15 - 7/24)

  • Applicant Screens (7/27 - 7/31)

  • In Person Interviews (8/3 - 8/7)

  • Intern Selection and Notifications (8/10 - 8/14)

  • Internship Onboarding (8/25 - 8/27)


Position Qualifications

We welcome applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including (but not limited to): Rising Senior - Graduate level Public Policy; Political Science; Public Administration; Urban Planning; Sustainable Urban Development; Community Development; Social Science, Economics; Business; Social Work; Law; or other related fields.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Project coordination
  • Experience working with multiple teams/leaders at the same time

Thank you for your interest in joining our mission. We look forward to hearing from you!