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Community Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Pontiac

HOUSING DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Pontiac, MI · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Housing Development Specialist - Pontiac Home Repair & Land Management Department: Housing Vitality ... Department of Housing and Urban Development) , including CDBG (Community Development Block Grant ...

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How much do community development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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 is a professional who plans, implements, and evaluates programs to improve social, economic, and environmental conditions within communities. They often work with local organizations, government agencies, and residents to promote sustainable growth and may use tools like needs assessments and grant writing. Strong communication, project management skills, and knowledge of community resources are essential for this role.

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 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 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.
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Community Development Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Specialist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,995 per year, or $35.6 per hour.
Membership and Community Development Specialist

Membership and Community Development Specialist

Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi Inc

Jackson, MS • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Summary
The Membership and Community Development Specialist develops, retains, and increases members and girl/adult volunteer in assigned geographic area and provides ongoing support to volunteers; assists in developing and implementing plans for membership growth in all markets; represents and extends Girl Scouting in the community through presentations, collaborative efforts, and networking; and ensures that Girl Scouting is accessible within assigned areas or for specific demographic groups.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
  • Develops, retains, and increases girl and adult membership in the assigned area of the council in order to reach overall strategic goals of the organization.
  • Participates in developing and implements plans for membership growth by working with volunteers; extends Girl Scouting in the community through presentations to schools, churches, civic service groups, etc., and networking.
  • Assists in developing a proactive recruitment and retention strategy to increase membership.
  • Provides professional and quality customer service to members, volunteers, staff, and other community contacts.
  • Researches market data and other pertinent information to become knowledgeable about external community needs and possibilities for girl recruitment.
  • Researches and acquires an understanding and knowledge of new and/or underdeveloped membership markets with the council's jurisdiction, and participates in the analysis of needs of each market and it's constituent groups.
  • Ensures Girl Scouting is open to all girls and adults by delivering the Girl Scout message of pluralism and diversity to community groups, organizations, and other constituencies within the council's jurisdiction.
  • Provides ongoing support, supervision, and direction to volunteers interpreting GSUSA and council policies, standards, and procedures and by ensuring the availability of support services to enable volunteers to carry out their positions effectively.
  • Assists in planning, designing, and implementation of innovative approaches to ensure the effective delivery of membership services; determines necessity for additional support by assessing community needs.
  • The ideal candidate candidate will have a sales or marketing background with above average relationship building abilities, be a great communicator, comfortable speaking to groups of people from diverse backgrounds. Some girl scouting background or knowledge is a huge plus, but not mandatory. We are looking for someone who can become the face of Girl Scouts in her assigned areas and grow our presence.
  • Participates in the development of new, sustainable, community-based programs and resources.
  • Provides content for published solutions and frequently asked questions to help team members efficiently and effectively handle situations.
  • Works in partnership with the council's marketing and communications staff to disseminate information to the membership about Girl Scout programs.
  • Proficiently utilizes and maintains CRM software database of members to keep records up-to-date and managed appropriately to meet council case management and responsiveness goals.
  • Raises public awareness in the community on issues related to girls.
  • Travels to facilitate or participate in meetings or training relating to the position and mission.

Other Related Responsibilities
  • Assists in the cultivation of community organizations to identify funding and volunteer recruitment opportunities, research community resources, identify possible program and service opportunities, and promote the image of Girl Scouting as a benefit to the community.
  • Networks to build contacts, collaborations, and fund-raising in the community.
  • Assists in supporting council events as needed.
  • Assists with product program by fulfilling cupboard orders and ensuring accuracy in inventory distribution.
  • Assists with the annual meeting, as requested.
  • May perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements
Core Competencies
  • Interpersonal Relations and Team-Building
  • Customer Responsiveness
  • Communications - Oral and Written
  • Personal Integrity and Professional Conduct
  • Self-Management and Time Management
  • Fostering Diversity
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Adaptability and Problem Solving
  • Conflict Management
  • Volunteer Relations and Management
  • Organizational Knowledge
  • Technical Proficiency

Experience, Skills & Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field; and at least two years of experience in customer service role; or combination of education and related experience.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with emphasis on building partnerships and working in teams
  • Strong presentation skills and comfortable with speaking to diverse groups of people.
  • Ability to anticipate and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to effectively identify, analyze and solve problems.
  • Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to multi-task
  • Analytical and conceptual ability to think "out of the box".
  • Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of computer software applications utilized in the performance of the essential functions of the job, which may include CRM, product sales, inventory tracking, digital email marketing, office applications, etc. and ability to keep abreast of new products as they are implemented.
  • Applying logical thinking to resolve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate policies, procedures and protocols.

Other Requirements
  • Valid State Driver's License and acceptable driving record as determined by an annual driving record check, meeting all state driving requirements. May need to use own reliable transportation, if council vehicle is not available.
  • Current membership with Girl Scouts and acceptable criminal background check renewed periodically as required by council policy and practice.
  • Agreement with and desire to emulate the Girl Scout Promise and Law in word and deed.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, which will include evenings and weekends and during certain seasons (recruitment, event) will be the norm.

Physical Demands
  • Lifting, carrying, pushing, reaching, stooping, and handling boxes and materials used in the product sale or recruitment, is frequent.
  • Sits at a keyboard to perform data entry and reports for extended periods of time.

Work Environment
  • Work is performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment and supplies.
  • Work may also be performed in other locations, such as delivery distribution sites or camp settings, where various weather conditions and temperature changes may exist.
  • Evenings and weekend work will be required during various seasons in the programmatic cycle.
  • Travel is required.

Organizational Information
  • Direct Supervisor - Director of Membership and Community Development
  • Interactions - Cross-functional staff, volunteers, vendors, school-age girls, school administrators, funding sources, general public
  • FLSA Classification - Exempt

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