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Community Development Jobs in Los Angeles, CA (NOW HIRING)

Our established Community Development group is seeking an experienced Civil Engineer to support development projects for various cities and public agency clients. In this role, you will contribute to ...

We bring life to urban downtowns, suburban hubs, small towns, and rural areas through master-planned communities, mixed-use developments, parks, and recreation facilities. The result: vibrant ...

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Community Development information

See Los Angeles, CA salary details

$38.3K

$82.1K

$127.7K

How much do community development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development in Los Angeles, CA is $82,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $98,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a community development?

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 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a 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 do community development professionals do?

Community development professionals work to improve local communities by planning and implementing projects that address social, economic, and environmental needs. They collaborate with residents, government agencies, and organizations to promote sustainable growth, often utilizing skills in project management, public outreach, and data analysis. Their work may involve grant writing, community organizing, and evaluating program effectiveness.

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 project management, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge of local policies, often requiring relevant degrees and strong communication skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Los Angeles, CA?

The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Los Angeles, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Community Development jobs in Los Angeles, CA?

For Community Development jobs in Los Angeles, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Community Development jobs in Los Angeles, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Development jobs in Los Angeles, CA are:

What cities near Los Angeles, CA are hiring for Community Development jobs?

Cities near Los Angeles, CA with the most Community Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Community Development job openings in Los Angeles, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,077 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Director of Community Development

Lawndale, City of (CA)

Lawndale, CA

$173K - $211K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

The City of Lawndale THE HEART OF THE SOUTH BAY. Position Summary JOIN THE CITY OF LAWNDALE'S NEW EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM The City of Lawndale is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking professional to join the new City Manager's Executive Team and help shape the City's next chapter. DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Guide the City's planning, development and neighborhood-improvement efforts.

The ideal candidate will be an innovative, solutions-oriented leader who can balance economic vitality, thoughtful development and the needs of the Lawndale community. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside a new City Manager, influence organization-wide initiatives and build strong partnerships with City employees, elected officials, residents and the business community. If you are a strategic leader committed to public service, operational excellence and meaningful community impact, we invite you to consider joining the City of Lawndale.

SUMMARY: Under the direction of supervision of the City Manager, plans, organizes, directs and administers activities and operations of the Community Development Department, current and advance planning, grant administration, building and safety, economic development, housing agency, housing successor agency, successor agency, dissolution of redevelopment, oversight board and related functions; provides administrative assistance to the City Manager; coordinates department activities with other City departments and outside agencies. Duties and Responsibilities ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive.

Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Develops plans and implements department goals, objectives, policies and procedures Manages operations of the Lawndale Housing Authority, Successor Agency to the Lawndale Redevelopment Agency, Oversight Board, economic development and grant programs, and oversees the City's zoning code, recommending updates to the City Council when applicable Prepares and presents reports to the Planning Commission and to the City Council Directs, oversees and participates in the development of the department's work plan Assigns activities, projects and programs Monitors work flow Reviews and evaluates products, methods and procedures Directs and oversees redevelopment activities, land acquisition and disposition, financing, marketing and infrastructure improvement, and ensures compliance with environmental laws Serves as staff to the housing authority, successor agency and oversight board Directs and oversees economic development activities, housing and commercial rehabilitation, business retention and attraction, and related programs Directs and oversees grant funded housing programs Ensures that funds are administered according to applicable rules and regulations Develops and administers the department's budget Directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies Monitors and approves expenditures and implements adjustments Maintains department financial records, expenditures and income Prepares consultant requests for proposals and related documents; administers contracts and supervises consultants Selects, trains and evaluates personnel Interfaces with employees to correct deficiencies and implements discipline and termination procedures Directs, coordinates and oversees the activities of Los Angeles County contract staff Represents the department to outside groups and organizations Participates in outside community, professional groups and committees Assists in development of Planning Commission agendas Responds to and resolves citizen inquires and complaints Negotiates and executes contracts and agreements Reviews and interprets applicable government regulations and requirements Researches and prepares technical and administrative reports and studies and prepares written correspondence Performs a variety of duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of PC's and related software Principles and practices of City administration and City department functions General public assessment of the City's roles, responsibilities, and commitment to its residents Principles and practices of land use and zoning, community development, dissolution, economic development, housing and redevelopment administration and environmental compliance State of California community redevelopment law and redevelopment practices Local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations, and municipal code Principles and practices of organization, administration and personnel management, budget preparation and administration HUD Section 8 policies and programs Financial and legal analysis of real estate Principles and practices of supervision, training and performance evaluation Ability to: Communicate effectively verbally and in writing Operate a PC and related software Maintain effective working relationships with other people Explain community development policies and programs and procedures Provide vision or facilitate the creation of vision to create projects and public policy and programs Problem solve planning and inter- and intra-department issues Interpret personnel rules, legal and code requirements and observe and evaluate staff performance Plan, direct and control department administration and operations Develop and implement department policies and procedures Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion and conflict resolution Develop, control and administer department budget and expenditures and collaborate on the housing authority and successor agency budgets Identify and respond to public, City Council and Planning Commission issues and concerns Interpret and apply city, federal, state and local policies, procedures, rules and regulations and municipal codes EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities. A typical way to obtain these would be: Bachelor's degree in public administration, urban planning or a related field Master's degree in public administration, urban planning or a related field, preferable American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferable Five (5) years of ever increasing levels of professional and responsible supervisory experience, preferably in the planning and community development environment, experience in dissolution law is also desirable Two (2) years experience in a supervisory capacity Maintain a valid driver's license in the state of California and certificate of automobile insurance for personal liability