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Community Development Planner Jobs in Chicago, IL

Legacy and Major Gift Planner

Aurora, IL · Remote

$69K - $79K/yr

Training & development * Competitive salary Position Posting: Legacy and Major Gift Planner ... giving community; * Plan and implement effective marketing strategies in collaboration with ...

Legacy and Major Gift Planner

Aurora, IL · On-site +1

$65K - $74K/yr

Training & development * Competitive salary Position Posting: Legacy and Major Gift Planner ... giving community; * Plan and implement effective marketing strategies in collaboration with ...

Land Development Manager

Naperville, IL · On-site

$88K - $100K/yr

... Crown Community Development. This role ensures that all aspects of the project, from planning to completion, meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards. Responsibilities include contractor ...

Associate Planner

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$73K - $102K/yr

Prior experience including internships or employment in municipal community development and/or urban planning preferred. MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES * Knowledge of urban and suburban ...

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Community Development Planner information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$39.7K

$75.2K

$104K

How much do community development planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development planner in Chicago, IL is $75,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $79,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

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 job prospects and professional credibility.

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 to develop sustainable community projects.

What jobs can you do with community development planner?

A community development planner can work in roles such as urban planner, regional planner, zoning officer, or policy analyst, focusing on land use, community growth, and sustainable development. These positions often require skills in GIS software, public consultation, and knowledge of local regulations. They may be employed by government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private consulting firms.
Infographic showing various Community Development Planner job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,214 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Legacy and Major Gift Planner

TEAM

Aurora, IL • Remote

$69K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Team Inc. rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

150th of 280 rated repair and maintenance companies


Job description

Benefits:
  • Insurance for Full-time Positions
  • 403(b) for Full-time Positions
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Competitive salary

Position Posting: Legacy and Major Gift Planner 
Location: Approved Remote Location 
Type of Role: Full-time; Salaried/Exempt  
Date: July 2026 
About TEAM: TEAM - The Evangelical Alliance Mission is a global Christian ministry organization founded in 1890 that partners with churches to equip and send global workers who make disciples of Jesus Christ among the nations. TEAM is both an equal opportunity employer and a faith-based religious organization. For this reason, TEAM hires only candidates who wholeheartedly and without reservation agree with and live according to  TEAM’s Statement of Faith. TEAM staff thoroughly embrace the purpose, vision, beliefs, and values of TEAM.

JOB OVERVIEW:
 
The Legacy and Major Gift Planner is a highly collaborative role with the Director of Development and is responsible for planning and executing fundraising strategies that result in undesignated planned and major gifts. This position includes managing a portfolio of planned and major donors and prospects, creating and implementing solicitation and stewardship strategies, managing gifts of estates and trusts, creating accurate measurement reports, overseeing development marketing for major and planned giving, and providing leadership to, along with supervision of gift officers.   

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
 
  • Understand TEAM’s values and mission and articulate those values in conversations, writing and personal demeanor; 
  • Manage relationships with a portfolio of donors and prospects to support annual, major and planned giving; 
  • Determine and achieve realistic, stretch, and quantifiable goals for individual and team giving based on mutually agreed upon targets; 
  • Design and implement individual giving strategies, cultivate and solicit donors and prospects through written proposals, personal contacts and visits; 
  • Effectively manage budgeted dollars for major and planned giving activities; 
  • Create, advise, and implement effective stewardship strategies for all assigned donors and prospects, including growing the planned giving community; 
  • Plan and implement effective marketing strategies in collaboration with Communications for targeted major and planned giving groups, including but not limited to direct mail, newsletters, website, webinars, social media, advertising materials and other educational sessions for donors and professional advisors; 
  • Oversee planned giving policies and procedures; 
  • Remain competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses; 
  • Facilitate estate gifts through the probate and administrative process; 
  • Oversee and manage the Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) program which includes marketing to donors and ensuring that all paperwork and processes are followed in conjunction with external vendor and in compliance with state regulations; 
  • Build and nurture strong relationships with financial, legal and tax advisors; and 
  • Travel up to 40%. 
JOB QUALIFICATIONS: 
  • Mature and growing follower of Jesus Christ; 
  • Bachelor’s degree preferably in finance, philanthropy, communications or like field; 
  • CFRE, CSPG or CAP certifications desired but not required; 
  • Four years of full-time fundraising paid work experience OR ten consecutive years of verifiable volunteer related experience for nonprofit organizations; 
  • Proven record in executing major and planned giving best practices in donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and engagement; 
  • Proven record of meeting or exceeding organizational planned and major giving goals; 
  • Strong relational ability, enjoys helping others discover and meet their philanthropic goals in a biblical context; 
  • Ability to make presentations and develop written, printed, and electronic communication and marketing materials; 
  • Ability to travel, domestic and occasionally international, with attendance at evening and/or weekend activities, meetings, events, seminars and workshops required. 

Disclaimer: The information in this document indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as totally comprehensive of every job duty, responsibility, or qualification required by an employee assigned to this position. An employee may be required to perform other assignments not listed here.  
 
How to apply for this position: Submit your resume, cover letter and application to https://the-evangelical-alliance-mission.apscareerportal.com/. Only candidates with all three documents on file will be considered for the role. In case of technical difficulty uploading your documents to the portal, they may be submitted by email to jobs@team.org.

This is a remote position.


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