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Community Development Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

City of Independence

Intern (Unpaid)

Independence, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Community Development: Working on planning, zoning, and economic development initiatives. * Public Safety: Shadowing and administrative support within our Police or Fire departments. * Parks ...

Central College

Residence Life Area Coordinator

Pella, IA

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Participate in academic year and summer Student Development on-call rotation * Participate in emergency response and crisis intervention as required Student Conduct: * Educate students on community ...

Central College

Residence Life Area Coordinator

Pella, IA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Participate in academic year and summer Student Development on-call rotation * Participate in emergency response and crisis intervention as required Student Conduct: * Educate students on community ...

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All JobsCommunity Development JobsCommunity Development Jobs in Iowa

Community Development information

See Iowa salary details

$33.3K

$71.5K

$111.3K

How much do community development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development in Iowa is $71,546.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,900.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can you do with community development?

Community development offers roles such as community development coordinator, urban planner, social services manager, nonprofit program director, and housing specialist. These jobs typically involve planning, outreach, policy development, and collaboration with local organizations, often requiring skills in project management, communication, and knowledge of local regulations.

What are the roles of a community development worker?

A community development worker facilitates positive change within communities by engaging residents, assessing needs, and implementing programs to improve social, economic, or environmental conditions. They often coordinate with local organizations, advocate for community interests, and utilize skills in communication, planning, and problem-solving to empower residents and foster sustainable development.

What is the role of a community developer?

A community developer is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing initiatives that promote community engagement and development. They often work with local organizations, coordinate events, and utilize communication skills to foster a sense of community and improve local resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Community Development position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Community Development, you need a background in urban planning, social work, or a related field, along with strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills. Familiarity with GIS software, data analysis tools, and community needs assessments is often expected, and relevant certifications in community planning or public administration can be beneficial. Excellent communication, cultural competency, and conflict resolution abilities are vital for building trust and fostering collaboration among diverse groups. These skills are crucial for successfully designing, implementing, and sustaining community-driven initiatives that create tangible positive impact.

What is a Community Development job?

A Community Development job focuses on improving the well-being of communities by promoting economic, social, and environmental initiatives. Professionals in this field work with local organizations, government agencies, and residents to address issues such as affordable housing, education, public health, and economic opportunities. Their role often involves planning programs, securing funding, and fostering partnerships to drive sustainable growth and positive change.

What is the work of community development?

Community development professionals work to improve the social, economic, and environmental well-being of communities through planning, organizing, and implementing projects. They often collaborate with local residents, government agencies, and organizations to address issues such as housing, education, and public health, using skills in project management and community engagement.

What are the primary challenges faced in a Community Development role?

Professionals in Community Development often encounter challenges such as balancing the needs and interests of diverse community stakeholders, addressing limited resources or funding, and overcoming resistance to change within communities. Navigating complex regulations and coordinating with various government agencies or nonprofit partners can also add layers of complexity. However, these challenges are opportunities to develop creative solutions, advocate for underrepresented populations, and make meaningful improvements in quality of life. The role typically requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain adaptable and resilient in dynamic environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Development jobs in Iowa? For Community Development jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Development jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Community Development jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Community Development job openings:
Community Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,546 per year, or $34.4 per hour.
Intern (Unpaid)

Intern (Unpaid)

City of Independence

Independence, IA • On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Internship

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Overview

We are always looking for the next generation of public service leaders to join our team in Independence. This general application is designed for students and recent graduates who are eager to learn how local government functions and who wish to contribute to the community. While we may not always have a specific vacancy, we maintain this open application process to connect with talented individuals when opportunities arise within our various departments.

Our Approach

Working for the City of Independence means joining a team dedicated to serving our residents with integrity and foresight. We operate with an Adaptive Leadership mindset. This means we value curiosity, we encourage asking difficult questions, and we believe that progress happens when we face challenges together. We are looking for individuals who are not just looking for a line on a resume but are genuinely interested in the work of building a stronger community.

Potential Areas of Focus

Depending on your educational background and our current projects, internship opportunities may be available in the following areas:

  • Administration & Management: Assisting with policy research, grant writing, and special projects in the City Manager’s Office.
  • Public Works & Engineering: Gaining hands-on experience with infrastructure planning, streets, and utilities.
  • Community Development: Working on planning, zoning, and economic development initiatives.
  • Public Safety: Shadowing and administrative support within our Police or Fire departments.
  • Parks & Recreation: Assisting with program management, facility operations, and event planning.
  • Finance & Human Resources: Learning the internal operations that keep our municipality running.

What We Value

We are looking for interns who possess the following traits:

  • Curiosity: You are eager to learn how a city functions and are willing to ask "why" we do things the way we do.
  • Adaptability: Local government is dynamic. We value team members who can pivot quickly when priorities change.
  • Collaborative Spirit: You understand that we achieve more when we work together across departments and with the community.
  • Professionalism: You represent the City in your interactions and take pride in delivering high-quality work.

Education and Experience

  • Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program, or recent graduation from an accredited college or university.
  • Fields of study relevant to the department of interest (e.g., Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Criminal Justice, Business, Urban Planning, etc.).

How to Apply

To be added to our candidate pool for future internship openings, please submit a cover letter and resume.

In your cover letter, please specify:

  1. The department(s) or areas of city government that interest you most.
  2. Your availability (semester, summer, specific dates).
  3. Whether you are seeking academic credit for the internship.

Please attach these materials to your application.

Subject line: General Internship Application – [Your Name]


Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Independence is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities.

At the end of this application, you will have the opportunity to complete a Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability.

Voluntary Self‑Identification of Disability

Completing this voluntary form will not affect your application in any way.
Your response is strictly confidential, stored separately in a confidential file, and will not be accessed or seen by anyone involved in hiring or selection decisions—ensuring no adverse treatment will result from your choice to decline or complete this form.