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Entry Level Community Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

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Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Clinical Research (Entry-level Clinical Research Associate) * Integrated Strategy (Account Planning ... Company Provided Learning and Development Opportunities * Free Lunch Wednesdays * Wellness Program

Dental Assistant - Entry Level

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

You can help make a difference in your community one smile at a time. * Assist during a variety of ... Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development Aspen Dental-branded practices are ...

Dental Assistant - Entry Level

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

You can help make a difference in your community one smile at a time. * Assist during a variety of ... Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development Aspen Dental-branded practices are ...

You can help make a difference in your community one smile at a time. * Travel to nearby offices to ... Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development *May vary by independently owned ...

You can help make a difference in your community one smile at a time. * Travel to nearby offices to ... Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development *May vary by independently owned ...

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Entry Level Community Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$36.6K

$78.5K

$122.2K

How much do entry level community development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level community development in Chicago, IL is $78,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,300.00 and $94,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level professionals in community development, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level professionals in community development often encounter challenges such as building trust within diverse communities, managing multiple stakeholders with different priorities, and adapting quickly to evolving project needs. To address these, it's important to prioritize active listening, seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, and participate in regular team meetings to stay aligned with project goals. Developing strong communication and organizational skills can also help navigate the dynamic nature of community projects and foster effective collaboration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Community Development professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Community Development professional, you typically need a bachelor's degree in urban planning, social work, or a related field, along with foundational knowledge of community engagement principles. Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), project management software, and basic data analysis tools is often beneficial. Strong interpersonal communication, cultural sensitivity, and organizational skills set top candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital for building trust, managing projects, and effectively supporting the needs of diverse communities.

What is an entry level community development job?

An entry level community development job involves assisting with projects and initiatives aimed at improving local communities. These roles typically include tasks such as conducting outreach, organizing community events, gathering feedback from residents, and supporting senior staff with planning and implementation. Entry level positions are ideal for individuals looking to gain experience in social work, urban planning, or public administration, and often require strong communication and organizational skills. The work helps build stronger, more resilient communities by addressing local needs and fostering engagement.
What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Community Development jobs in Chicago, IL? For Entry Level Community Development jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Community Development jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Community Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Community Development jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Community Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Community Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,531 per year, or $37.8 per hour.
Business Development Specialist

Business Development Specialist

Overhead Door Solutions

Lake Zurich, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

About us

For more than 35 years, Overhead Door Solutions, Inc. has proudly served the Chicagoland suburbs with safe, reliable, and affordable garage door and dock solutions. Founded by lifelong friends in 1985, we've grown into the area's trusted provider of residential and commercial installation and repair—while staying true to our roots as a locally owned company that values integrity, expertise, and community.

Business Development Representative

What You'll Do

As a Business Development Representative, you'll be the starting engine of our sales process — reaching out to prospective customers, reconnecting with past accounts, and opening doors for our sales team. This is an entry-level role built for people who are hungry to break into commercial sales and are willing to put in the work to get there. This role is high-activity by design.

You don't need industry experience. You need drive, coachability, and the ability to handle rejection without losing momentum. In return, we'll give you real training, real mentorship, and a real path forward.

Your focus will be identifying opportunities for Preventative Maintenance (PM) programs and service work within commercial and industrial accounts.

What You'll Do Day-to-Day

  • Make outbound calls and send emails to prospective commercial customers
  • Re-engage lapsed and inactive accounts
  • Identify opportunities for Preventative Maintenance programs and service agreements
  • Schedule appointments and site visits for the sales team
  • Log activity and manage your pipeline in our CRM
  • Support follow-up on quotes and proposals
  • Begin building relationships in property management, facilities, and industrial markets
  • Participate in ongoing training and coaching sessions

What We're Looking For

  • Genuine desire to build a career in sales
  • Comfort with high-volume outreach and cold prospecting
  • Coachable — you take feedback and apply it
  • Self-starter who manages time well without constant direction
  • Clear, confident communicator
  • Resilient and persistent under pressure
  • Basic computer skills; CRM experience is a plus but not required

What Success Looks Like in Year One

  • Consistent outreach volume and appointment generation
  • Growing pipeline of PM program opportunities
  • Reactivation of dormant accounts
  • Demonstrated product and industry knowledge
  • Readiness to take on independent sales responsibilities

What We Offer

  • Base + Commission/Incentive
  • Health, dental, and vision
  • 401(k) with matching

This isn't a dead-end prospecting job. It's a deliberate starting point.

Over your first six months, you'll go through training covering our products, services, and sales process — with hands-on mentorship. As you develop, you'll take on more responsibility. Strong performers move into Sales Representative or Account Executive roles.

EEO Statement

At Overhead Door Solutions, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please contact Human Resources.