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Community Development Specialist Jobs in Washington

Facets

Director of Community Development

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Works with ON Data Specialist to develop data collection methods and analysis to support and ... community development and engaging across multiple stakeholders, with at least two years in a ...

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Community Development Specialist information

See Washington salary details

$35.1K

$83.8K

$131.9K

How much do community development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development specialist in Washington is $83,807.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,600.00 and $100,200.00 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 Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,807 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Director of Community Development

Facets

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:
FACETS works to prevent crisis by providing low-income families supports so they can thrive. The Director of Community Development supervises two areas of work within FACETS, Opportunity Neighborhood (ON) and Education and Community Development (ECD). Both programs are primarily funded through Fairfax County’s Neighborhood Initiatives Program.
ON gives residents of identified neighborhoods, the chance to engage with schools, local government, community organizations, and businesses. They work collaboratively using a systems-level approach to help children, youth, and families reach their fullest potential through a strong academic foundation, family and community stability, and a culture of engagement, connectedness, and success. FACETS is the backbone organization for Opportunity Neighborhoods in Annandale and Centreville.  
FACETS’ ECD Centers provide social service case management, adult education, and youth academic support/enrichment to residents of four county-owned housing complexes. The ECD Centers provide access to a tech lab, career center, and food pantry as well as monthly food distributions and special seasonal distributions. They are located in Annandale, Fairfax, and Centreville. 
The Director of Community Development provides supervision and support to the ECD Team Lead, the ON--Annandale Strategy Manager, the ON—Centreville Strategy Manager, and the ON Data Specialist. The Director of Community Development builds community relationships to benefit the programs and represents them to County funders. The Director monitors the budgets, ensures timely reporting on outcome measures, and leads the submission of funding proposals for renewal of contracts and program expansion.
About the organization:
FACETS is a non-profit organization that opens doors by helping parents, their children, and individuals who suffer the effects of poverty in Fairfax County. We meet their emergency needs through our wrap around services and community partnerships, and help individuals and families experience safe and stable housing after years of uncertainty and instability. We strive to ensure that every person in our community has a place they can call home. Here at FACETS, every team member plays a role in making a difference in the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Builds and maintains collaborative working relationships with the community, including schools, county staff, resident leaders, non-profits, faith community representatives and businesses. Clearly communicates with partners about program objectives.
  • Coordinates with other related projects and coalitions to maintain a full understanding of the current landscape of local and regional activities, and integrating their work into the work and processes of ECD and ON.
  • Maintains thorough understanding of applicable theory and principles, and works to ensure that the projects remain in alignment with those.
  • Maintains understanding of ECD and ON implementation challenges and develops comprehensive solutions to address them.
  • Coordinates advocacy for policy changes to support the communities served.
  • Attends meetings, presentations and community events, to represent the programs and FACETS.
  • Creates or manages creation of reports of ECD and ON progress and accomplishments for internal and external audiences, including FACETS Board of Directors, funders, and the wider community.
  • Works with FACETS Communications team to develop a communications strategy and materials about the programs, such as: brochures; flyers; FAQs; social media posts; website updates; press releases and videos.
  • Conducts presentations to community partners and the general public.
  • Works with ON Data Specialist to develop data collection methods and analysis to support and evaluate the ECD Centers and ON.
  • Works with program staff to identify, track, monitor, analyze and report outcomes.
  • Accountable for the management of records, plus monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports as required by funders and as needed by Executive Director.
  • Develops and tracks program budgets.
  • Oversee personnel functions, including recruiting, training, supervising, evaluating, and supporting the ECD Team Leader, ON Strategy Managers, ON Data Specialist, and any additional departmental staff. 
  • Participates in and conducts in-service training for professional development. 
  • Travels throughout the geographic footprint of the ECD Centers and ON communities to develop relationships and identify collaborators.
  • Works an adjusted work schedule including evenings and weekends as necessary.
  • Participates in program staff meetings and conferences to share ideas and plans; works cooperatively with staff to meet FACETS goals.
  • Represents FACETS in the community, in accord with Agency Mission, Vision, and Code of Ethics.
  • Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Required Skills/Abilities: 
  • Master’s Degree in a Human Services field; Bachelor’s degree with extensive experience may be considered.
  • 7-10 years’ experience in social/human services providing community development and engaging across multiple stakeholders, with at least two years in a related job capacity and supervising professional staff. 
  • Proven ability to foster collaboration across diverse constituencies in a low-income community and inspire confidence and motivate residents and partners to collectively meet common objectives.  Strong experience in participatory leadership.
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills with strong public speaking skills.
  • Culturally sensitive, with knowledge of Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, or Arabic and a plus.
  • An experienced leader who takes initiative, works collaboratively and helps develop other leaders both inside the organization and in the community.
  • Experience building community in an economically and culturally diverse environment.
  • Knowledge or understanding of programs to develop academic foundation, family resilience and engaged and connected communities.
  • Knowledge of current social services including factors for child success and two-generation approaches to working with families.
  • Ability to maintain records and to facilitate data collection.
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to use data and metrics to for program assessment, design, monitoring and implementation.
  • Excellent coordination, organization, oversight and interpersonal skills. 
  • Experience with Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and other working/coordinating technologies
  • Ability to thrive in a fluid, unstructured, entrepreneurial environment without formal training
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and manage workload sufficiently to meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrated experience leading and developing a high performing team.
  • Identifies and manages risks. Demonstrates openness to change and new perspectives; can manage and adapt to ambiguity.
  • Actively interested in learning about new and evidence-based methods for improving operations
  • Attentive to constraints of time and funds in setting stretch goals.
  • Forward thinker, considering not just today but what are the implications for tomorrow.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including limited nights and weekends. 
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, good driving record, and personal car insurance. 
  • Must pass criminal and Child Protective Services background checks.

Physical Requirements:
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.  
  • Must be able to attend occasional meetings at other FACETS office locations within Fairfax County, including 3 annual organization-wide fundraising events each year.

Salary Range:
  • $70,000-$80,000 annually

FACETS offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualification/experience. 
Benefits:
  • Paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for full-time employees with competitive family rates and 3 medical plan options. 
  • Paid Basic Life Insurance with an option to buy additional coverage.
  • 403(b) retirement plan options with generous matching.
  • Generous leave package for full-time employees: paid annual vacation and sick leave, 11 paid holidays per calendar year plus 3 floating holidays. to use within the fiscal year; 12 weeks of maternity leave; paid bereavement leave.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.
  • Long-Term Disability, Short-Term Disability 100% employer paid.
  • Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Reimbursement of work-related expenses including portions of mileage, cell phone and data expenses.
  • On-going professional development and training; reimbursement for portions of tuition, training, or (re)certification in areas related to current position.

Everyone at FACETS is driven to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors experiencing homelessness, hunger, and poverty. FACETS is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of respect and belonging.  FACETS is an equal opportunity employer with a culturally diverse work environment. Our welcoming community encourages collaboration across programs for our rewarding work.
How to apply:
Interested candidates may apply by sending a resume and cover letter to employment@facetscares.org.
Equal Employment Opportunity M/F/D/V.