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Community Development Specialist information

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$28.9K

$69K

$108.6K

How much do community development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development specialist in Arizona is $68,955.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,900.00 and $82,500.00 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 Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,955 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Economic Development Specialist

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Downtown Phoenix Inc
Non-Profits • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Downtown Phoenix Incexternal

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Description:

Position Summary

Formed in 2013, Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DPI) delivers enhanced municipal services to the Downtown business core, marketing and event production to Greater Downtown, and manages the work plans for Phoenix Community Alliance and Downtown Phoenix Community Development Corporation. DPI and its affiliate organizations are committed to making Phoenix a vibrant urban destination and one of the nation’s great cities.


The mission of DPI is to facilitate collaboration, cultivate connections, and contribute to both the growth and vitality of our community. To generate progress on issues, work toward sustainable growth and build a stronger, more inclusive city core generates positive perceptions, memorable experiences and a sense of pride in Downtown.


The Economic Development Specialist performs a wide variety of activities to assist with business attraction and retention in the Downtown Phoenix business core, with an emphasis on developing and implementing projects that activate public spaces to strengthen Downtown's sense of place and identity and support long-term urban development goals.


The Economic Development Specialist will also assist the Economic Development Manager with more complex projects, perform data maintenance, statistical comparisons and trend analysis to be used in marketing and promotional materials, and other related duties as assigned.


The position works in collaboration with DPI's Community Engagement, Marketing, Events, and Street Level Operations teams, and serves as a connector between residents, commercial and retail businesses, property owners, artists, developers, nonprofit partners, and public agencies to ensure placemaking initiatives contribute to a thriving and welcoming urban core.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Support the planning and implementation of placemaking initiatives that enhance Downtown Phoenix's public realm, strengthen the connection between the people and the places they share, and contribute to long-term urban development objectives
  • Identify opportunities for activating streets, parks, alleys, plazas, and other public spaces through creative programming, temporary installations, public art, tactical urbanism, and pedestrian-focused improvements
  • Collaborate with city departments, developers, property owners/managers, neighborhood organizations, artists, and community partners to advance projects that improve quality of place
  • Assist with the planning and execution of public realm improvements including wayfinding, streetscape enhancements, beautification efforts, and public art installations
  • Manage the Downtown Street Pole Banner Program, including scheduling, client communication, production coordination, and execution.
  • Collaborate cross-departmentally with Streets, Administration, and Marketing + Events to ensure timely installation and continued program growth.
  • Support DPI-produced events and partner activations that increase vibrancy, economic activity, and community participation throughout Downtown
  • Assist in developing presentations, reports, grant applications, and stakeholder communications related to placemaking and urban revitalization projects
  • Provide targeted research support, including but not limited to data collection, preparation of information for marketing and PR efforts, Salesforce database management, GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping, and a variety of other duties related to writing, updating, and designing marketing and promotional materials for business recruitment, retention and expansion.


Requirements:

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of training, certification, education or experience in Economic Development, Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Commercial Real Estate, Research/Analytics, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, or a related field preferred
  • 2 - 5 years of employment in a professional level capacity in economic development, urban planning or a related area
  • Experience executing public space activation and/or urban design as part of downtown development strategies
  • Experience with project coordination, budgeting, and grant-funded initiatives is desirable
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Familiarity with Downtown Phoenix and its neighborhoods is strongly preferred

Core Competencies

  • Strong understanding of placemaking as economic development principles, urban revitalization, community engagement best practices
  • Excellent relationship-building and meeting facilitation skills
  • Creative problem-solver with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
  • Comfortable working collaboratively across public, private and non-profit sectors and with diverse community stakeholders


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