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Community Leader Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

This dynamic role requires a combination of leadership, client care, sales, networking and hands-on engagement in front of the house functions. The Community Lead plays a pivotal role in client ...

This dynamic role requires a combination of leadership, client care, sales, networking and hands-on engagement in front of the house functions. The Community Lead plays a pivotal role in client ...

This dynamic role requires a combination of leadership, client care, sales, networking and hands-on engagement in front of the house functions. The Community Lead plays a pivotal role in client ...

This dynamic role requires a combination of leadership, client care, sales, networking and hands-on engagement in front of the house functions. The Community Lead plays a pivotal role in client ...

This dynamic role requires a combination of leadership, client care, sales, networking and hands-on engagement in front of the house functions. The Community Lead plays a pivotal role in client ...

This dynamic role requires a combination of leadership, client care, sales, networking and hands-on engagement in front of the house functions. The Community Lead plays a pivotal role in client ...

Your leadership will shape the community's success-from resident satisfaction to financial performance-while fostering a sense of belonging. What You'll Do * Be the Face of the Community - Build ...

Your leadership will shape the community's success--from resident satisfaction to financial performance--while fostering a sense of belonging. What You'll Do * Be the Face of the Community - Build ...

Your leadership will shape the community's success-from resident satisfaction to financial performance-while fostering a sense of belonging. What You'll Do * Be the Face of the Community - Build ...

Your leadership will shape the community's success--from resident satisfaction to financial performance--while fostering a sense of belonging. What You'll Do * Be the Face of the Community - Build ...

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Community Leader information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do community leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for community leader in Chicago, IL is $24.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $29.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a community leader?

A community leader plays a prominent leadership role in guiding, directing, and organizing people to help make the community a better place for all residents. As a community leader, your job duties vary depending on the city and the issues being addressed. However, you typically work to establish community-wide goals, listen to the needs of the people, and group volunteers into teams that can address issues. It’s also common for a community leader to be a liaison between people and the authorities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Leader, you need strong organizational skills, leadership experience, and a deep understanding of the community you serve, often backed by relevant education or volunteer involvement. Familiarity with communication platforms, event planning tools, and community management systems is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, active listening, and conflict resolution abilities help you motivate and unite diverse groups. These competencies are vital to fostering engagement, resolving issues, and promoting positive change within the community.

What are some common challenges faced by community leaders, and how can they be addressed?

Community Leaders often encounter challenges such as balancing diverse opinions, managing conflicts, and maintaining engagement among members. To address these issues, it's important to establish clear communication channels, set community guidelines, and foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard. Regular check-ins, transparent decision-making, and proactive conflict resolution strategies can help build trust and sustain a positive community atmosphere.

What is the difference between Community Leader vs Community Organizer?

AspectCommunity LeaderCommunity Organizer
Required CredentialsVaries; often no formal certification, but leadership experience helpsOften requires training or certification in community development or organizing
Work EnvironmentLeads community initiatives, meetings, and programs; may work independently or with organizationsFocuses on mobilizing community members, planning events, and advocacy efforts
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, local government, grassroots groupsNonprofits, advocacy groups, social services

Both roles involve engaging with communities, but Community Leaders typically provide guidance and vision, while Community Organizers focus on mobilizing and coordinating community members for specific initiatives. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right role for your skills and career goals.

Infographic showing various Community Leader job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,924 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Sector Leader - Community

Harley Ellis Devereaux

Chicago, IL • On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Sector Leader - Community

HED is looking to add an experienced Sector Leader to join our talented team. The Sector Leader – Community role at HED represents a dynamic bridge between technical design leadership and market-facing business development. As a Principal-in-Charge (PIC), you will lead complex projects while simultaneously expanding HED's influence within the Community sector.

About HED

We are a team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture is about aspiration, embracing change and challenges, listening to (and learning from) each other, encouraging continual learning, and inspiring collective growth. As an inclusive, integrated architecture and engineering practice, we value the diversity of perspectives, experiences, abilities, and expertise that advance both the work we do, and the world we share.

Position Summary

This role combines strategic design direction, client advocacy, thought leadership, and mentorship to elevate both project outcomes and client partnerships. As a Seller-Doer in development, you will be approximately 50% chargeable, allowing space to grow sector visibility and strengthen client relationships through meaningful, wisdom-driven engagement.

Essential Functions:

Technical/Design Leadership

  • Serve as Principal-in-Charge (PIC) on projects, ensuring design excellence, technical rigor, and successful delivery across all phases.
  • Lead project delivery teams by setting clear performance expectations, fostering a culture of quality, creativity, and accountability.
  • Promote integration of DEI, sustainability, and quality excellence within both project work and client engagement.

Community Sector Development and Business Growth

  • Lead sector-specific pursuits with increased independence and strategic foresight, aligning project opportunities with firm capabilities.
  • Build and nurture long-term client relationships based on trust, collaboration, and shared values across regional markets.
  • Collaborate closely with Community sector peers and marketing teams to shape compelling messaging and strategic campaign efforts.
  • Identify emerging sector trends, innovation opportunities, and client challenges to help shape the future direction of HED's market approach.

Thought Leadership and Mentorship

  • Author, contribute to, and present Community sector insights through blogs, industry panels, conferences, and other thought leadership platforms.
  • Guide and mentor mid-level professionals in technical design development, project leadership, and sector positioning.

Chargeability and Engagement

  • Balance approximately 50% chargeable work with 50% business development, external engagement, and sector leadership activities.

Requirements

  • Professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field.
  • Active professional licensure strongly preferred.
  • Minimum 12 years of Community industry experience with a proven record in technical project leadership and client development.
  • Demonstrated expertise in Community markets, with growing influence among clients and peers.
  • Proficiency with Revit, Deltek Vision, MS Teams, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and CRM platforms.

Physical Requirements

  • Prolonged periods of computer use and active participation in collaborative sessions.
  • Frequent engagement in verbal, virtual, and written communication.
  • Regular travel for client meetings, project reviews, and industry events.

Work Environment

  • We embrace a hybrid model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including the freedom to work from home, with regular in-office days to connect with teammates and build culture.
  • The office is a professional, open-space environment for collaborative and independent work.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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