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Regional Development Specialist information

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$29K

$56.2K

$83.5K

How much do regional development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for regional development specialist in the United States is $56,194.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a regional development specialist do?

A Regional Development Specialist is responsible for planning, implementing, and supporting strategies to improve the economic growth and development of a specific geographic area. They analyze regional needs, identify opportunities for investment, coordinate with local governments and businesses, and help secure funding for projects. Their work often involves community engagement, policy analysis, and project management to ensure sustainable development. By fostering collaborations and addressing unique regional challenges, they aim to enhance the economic well-being and quality of life in their assigned area.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a regional development specialist?

To thrive as a Regional Development Specialist, you need expertise in economic development, project management, and regional planning, often supported by a degree in business, economics, or urban planning. Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), data analysis tools, and grant management software is typically required. Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving skills help you build partnerships and drive initiatives. These abilities are crucial for successfully designing and implementing development strategies that promote regional growth and community impact.

What are common challenges faced by regional development specialists when coordinating projects across multiple locations?

Regional Development Specialists often face challenges such as navigating cultural differences, aligning local and organizational priorities, and ensuring consistent communication across geographically dispersed teams. Balancing diverse stakeholder interests while maintaining project timelines requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Successful specialists proactively build relationships with local leaders and leverage technology to facilitate collaboration, ensuring smooth execution of regional initiatives.

What is the difference between Regional Development Specialist vs Community Development Coordinator?

AspectRegional Development SpecialistCommunity Development Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, or related field; experience in regional planningBachelor's degree in social work, community development, or related field; experience in community outreach
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, regional planning offices, non-profitsLocal government, non-profits, community organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in regional and economic development sectorsCommon in local government and community-focused projects
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing regional planning roles with community-focused roles

The Regional Development Specialist focuses on broader regional economic growth and planning, often working across multiple communities. In contrast, the Community Development Coordinator concentrates on local community projects, social programs, and neighborhood improvements. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in scope and focus, with the specialist working on larger-scale initiatives and the coordinator on community-specific efforts.

More about Regional Development Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Regional Development Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Regional Development Specialist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Development Specialist jobs? The most popular types of Development Specialist jobs are:
What states have the most Regional Development Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Regional Development Specialist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Regional Development Specialist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Regional Development Specialist jobs are:
Regional Development Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Regional Development Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,194 per year, or $27 per hour.

Community Development Specialist

Buffalo Trace Area Development District

Maysville, KY • On-site

$40K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

The Buffalo Trace Area Development District is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Community Development Specialist. 
Job Details:
  • The Community Development Specialist works with local officials for undertaking projects and programs in the Planning and Development Department, providing technical and management assistance to local governments and agencies under the direction of the Community Development Director.  
  • Daily work activities may include, but are not limited to, general project management, community planning, grant writing, reporting, financial oversight, project coordination, and project administration. 
  • The Planning and Development Department works with various types of projects including Water, Sewer, Housing, Community Facilities, Community Development, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation, Emergency Services, Agricultural grants, and many others.  
  • The Community Development Specialist works with federal, state, and local agencies, in administering funds distributed by USDA Rural Development, Appalachian Regional Commission, Economic Development Administration, programs administered by the Kentucky Department for Local Government, and many others. 
  • Successful candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge in project administration, as they will be responsible for project oversight, collaboration and coordination of project stakeholders, budgeting and financial accountability of projects, progress reporting, records and file retention, and other such duties necessary to administer projects. 
  • Candidates should be able to work independently, have good verbal and communication skills, maintain good working relationships with funding agencies and project partners, possess good writing skills, be detail oriented and organized, be personable, and willing to learn new duties as needed. 
  • Candidates must be able to multi-task and carry forward various projects simultaneously. 
  • Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business or public administration, or similar field. 
  • GIS experience is a bonus if applicant is familiar with GIS, mapping, ARC GIS, and other such software; but GIS ability is not mandatory to apply. 
  • Salary will be based on qualifications and experience. 
  • Review of applications will continue until position is filled. 
 
Please Send cover letter and resume via email to kdodge@btadd.com or to Attn: Kristie Dodge, Buffalo Trace Area Development District, P.O. Box 460, Maysville, Kentucky 41056
 
Buffalo Trace Area Development District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Auxiliary Aides and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.