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Community Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trilon Group

Community Development Specialist

Albany, NY · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Community Development Specialist Department: Community Planning Employment Type: Full Time Location: Albany, NY Compensation: $65,000 - $90,000 / year Description Artheon is a trusted engineering and ...

Artheon

Community Development Specialist

Albany, NY

$65K - $90K/yr

We are looking to add an experienced Grants Specialist within the Planning and Community Development Department. This individual will work collaboratively with our team to assist with a wide range of ...

Trilon

Community Development Specialist

New York, NY

We are looking to add an experienced Grants Specialist within the Planning and Community Development Department. This individual will work collaboratively with our team to assist with a wide range of ...

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How much do community development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development specialist in the United States is $73,995.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $88,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a community development specialist?

A community development specialist typically works in city government housing and community construction departments to determine the use of grant funds and plan programs to help home buyers finance new and affordable homes or provide shelter for the homeless. Job duties include researching, developing reports, managing and generating funds, and doing public outreach. At least five years of experience in community development is required, and experience in social work and knowledge of state and local laws is a plus. Educational qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s degree in social sciences or a related field. Strong writing and analytical skills are essential.

What does a community development specialist do?

A Community Development Specialist works to improve and strengthen communities by identifying needs, developing programs, and coordinating resources. They often collaborate with local governments, nonprofit organizations, and residents to address issues such as housing, economic development, health, and education. Their responsibilities may include conducting research, applying for grants, managing projects, and facilitating community engagement. Ultimately, their goal is to foster sustainable growth and enhance the quality of life within communities.

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

To thrive as a Community Development Specialist, you need expertise in project management, community engagement, and knowledge of urban planning or social work, usually supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with data analysis tools, grant writing software, and GIS systems is often required. Outstanding interpersonal communication, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving skills help build trust and facilitate productive partnerships. These abilities are crucial for designing effective programs and achieving positive, sustainable impact within diverse communities.

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

Community Development Specialists often work with groups that have varying cultural backgrounds, needs, and priorities, which can present challenges in building trust and fostering effective communication. Navigating language barriers, differing expectations, and occasional resistance to change requires strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Successful specialists use active listening, empathy, and collaborative approaches to ensure all voices are heard and to create inclusive, sustainable development strategies.

What degree do you need for a community development specialist?

A community development specialist typically needs at least 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 strong communication and project management skills.
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Community Development Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Specialist job openings in the United States 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 $73,995 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Community Development Specialist

El Paso, TX • On-site

RAIZ FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
See more jobs at RAIZ FEDERAL CREDIT UNIONexternal

$19.81 - $29.72/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Our Company 

At Raiz FCU, we share a passion for knowledge and a pursuit of growth. Grounded in our El Paso heritage as previously Teachers Federal Credit Union, since 1936, we are growing to help our community move into the future. We are inspired people, invested in you.  At Raiz, we guide our members to focus on what could be and help them get there. This new path inspires us to look ahead and lead the way with passion. 

Job Overview 

This position reports to the Community Impact Manager. The Community Development Specialist is a catalyst for positive change. Their mission is cultivating trust, building relationships, and empowering our community. This role will focus on executing the credit union's community development strategies, fostering partnerships with community organizations, implementing financial empowerment and counseling programs, and promoting CDFI-centered initiatives. 

You will be an empowering mentor who will be:

  • A trusted expert
  • A natural communicator
  • A champion for our members and the community
  • A guide through the moments that matter the most to our members

Position Details: 

Hourly Full-Time 

Hours: Monday through Friday, occasional Saturdays  

12020 Rojas Dr., El Paso, TX 79936

Pay Range:  

$19.81-$29.72

Skills and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, social work, education, or related field.
  • Minimum three (3) years of financial services or community outreach/development experience. 
  • Extensive knowledge of community development or financial education strategies and tactics. 
  • Bilingual – English and Spanish
  • Event planning and promoting.
  • Organizational and analytical skills.
  • Professional appearance and attitude.
  • Great listening skills.
  • Advocacy and superb networking skills.
  • The ability to interpret, analyze, and present data.
  • Excellent communication, writing, presentation, and team-building skills.
  • Researching skills and the ability to write reports.
  • Public speaking required.

Role Description and Essential Duties

    • Lead engaging financial education programs, from seminars to workshops, utilizing our cutting-edge financial education software. Tailoring each of these to different audiences.
    • Serve as a financial counselor, supporting credit union members and the broader community through formalized programs.
    • Plan and participate in community development events, recruiting and retaining volunteers for impactful projects.
    • Communicate results of community development efforts to management and create periodic community impact reports.
    • Create quarterly community impact reports to send to our community.
    • Lead Scholarship Program.
    • Lead Community Youth Advisory Group.
    • Creating and maintaining programs that effectively reflect the credit union’s vision of stimulating community development.
    • Establish strong relationships with community organizations, reviewing requests for support and providing feedback reports to credit union management.
    • Maintain effective working relationships with departments and management, ensuring company policy and procedure adherence.
    • Attending community meetings as required, representing the credit union professionally and enthusiastically.
    • Assist the marketing department in events and special functions as needed.
    • Complies with all Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) rules and regulations in addition to the Credit Union's Customer Identification Program (CIP) and attends required annual BSA training.
    • Assist with all other duties as assigned or identified.

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