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Community Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Community Development Clerk

Bedford, TX · On-site

$19.10 - $23.86/hr

Description SUMMARY The Community Development Clerk serves as the first point of contact for development-related inquiries, including building permits, zoning applications, code enforcement concerns ...

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 ...

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

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$31K

$74K

$116.5K

How much do community development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 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.
What cities are hiring for Community Development Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Community Development Specialist job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Community Development Specialist jobs? The top employers for Community Development Specialist jobs are:
What states have the most Community Development Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Community Development Specialist jobs include:
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.
Development Specialist - Community Engagement

Development Specialist - Community Engagement

Bay Area Community Health

Fremont, CA

$31 - $36/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Overall Summary

Under the general supervision of the Community Engagement Manager, the Development Specialist- Community Engagement is primarily responsible for the implementation and evaluation of BACH’s community engagement activities, which include public programs, community meetings and public gatherings, internships, employment recruitment events and more. The position reports to the Community Engagement Manager, and works closely with many departments, including Enabling Services, Human Resources and Operations. Enlisting the input and involvement of colleagues within BACH and community leaders, the Specialist identifies and implements opportunities for involvement between BACH and its surrounding communities and other constituencies. Additionally, this position is responsible for the management and coordination of all events of BACH. Working with the Community Engagement Manager, the Specialist develops sponsorship/trade/business arrangements and relationships with businesses, individuals and organizations interested in supporting BACH’s events and activities. This position will work in coordination on other projects as assigned with the Community Engagement Manager.


Essential Responsibilities

Under the general direction of Community Engagement Manager, Development Specialist – Community Engagement performs a variety of complex, professional, analytical, and confidential Community Engagement services. 

Duties include:

Community Engagement – 75%

  • In coordination with the Planning and Community Engagement Manager, execute BACH’s Community Engagement Plan.
  • Schedule, implement and periodically suggest new community-based programs, partnerships, and other engagement initiatives.
  • Identify, initiate and strengthen relationships with various community stakeholders.
  • Implement meetings, surveys and other ways for communicating with and receiving feedback from the community about BACH and its initiatives.
  • Attend community meetings on behalf of BACH to hear community concerns, provide information about community engagement and advocate for participation.
  • Attend non-BACH programs and events relevant to better understand community interests and activities
  • Maintain various databases of groups of stakeholders.
  • Create mechanisms for internal and external evaluation of engagement initiatives.
  • In collaboration with Communications distribute information to the community and broader publics through multiple channels.
  • Distribute information to BACH staff and volunteers regarding engagement activities.
  • Successfully integrate engagement work into many BACH Departments and enlist the support of BACH staff to do so.
  • Compile collected information for Community Engagement Manager, on a monthly basis to present to TCHC Board and staff leadership.

Event Planning – 25%

  • Planning, implementation and follow up for all BACH special events.
  • Develop and maintain event and volunteer databases.
  • In coordination with the Community Engagement Manager, manages all aspects of volunteer event committees and volunteer coordination, including but not limited to, recruitment, training and acknowledgment.
  • Coordinate events logistics, publicity, including public relations, advertising and collateral material design, production and distribution.
  • Responsible for the development and fulfillment of the events and marketing budgets.
  • Responsible for the silent auction, prize and in-kind donation solicitations for each event.
  • Cultivate and expand sponsorship development and fulfillment.
  • Cultivate and implement with the Community Engagement Manager a business-based donor development program.
  • Coordinate with event contractors.
  • Working with Communications, write, submit and follow-up to ensure placement on press releases and stories to establish contacts with local and regional media.


Secondary Responsibilities

  • Lead, attend or participate in appropriate BACH meetings.
  • Attend workshops, trainings and meetings as needed, and as requested.
  • Assist development department with fundraising activities as needed.
  • Work flexible schedule as necessary.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.


Qualifications

Required Education, Experience, Training

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work related experience
  • 3+ years of experience planning, coordinating and managing events in a non-profit organization
  • Community engagement experience
  • Experience with budget development and /or management
  • High proficiency in MS Office Products and proven time-management skills

 

Preferred Education, Experience, Training

  • Understanding of Policy Information Notice 98-23: Health Center Program Expectations
  • Multi-lingual /multi-cultural a plus
  • Volunteer/Intern supervision or other related experience


Work Conditions

Travel locally to visit other sites, may require a day or overnight trip to attend events; workload may be demanding at times; require professionalism and confidentiality.

Physical Demands:

This position requires:

  • Sitting, walking, and standing associated with a normal medical, clinical and administrative office environment, with some bending, reaching, stretching, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
  • Manual dexterity for tasks involving standard office equipment and computer keyboard, including repetitive movements, such as typing.
  • Traveling to work sites, including some exposure to outside elements.
  • Exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations, requiring adherence to extensive safety precautions and possibly the use of protective equipment.


Administrative Employee:

Personnel who determine, develop, execute and exercise independent judgment about management policies, procedures, and practices. Participates in management, executive leadership deliberations and is privy to highly confidential business matters that impact or could impact daily work performance, and/or working conditions of the organization's personnel.  

 

Supervises:

None