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$11K

$71.5K

$106.5K

How much do rural development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for rural development manager in the United States is $71,527.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $93,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a rural development manager do?

A Rural Development Manager is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing programs and projects aimed at improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people living in rural areas. They work with local communities, government agencies, and other organizations to promote sustainable agriculture, infrastructure development, education, and healthcare. Their role often includes securing funding, managing budgets, coordinating with stakeholders, and monitoring the effectiveness of development initiatives. By fostering economic growth and addressing challenges unique to rural settings, they play a key role in community advancement.

What are some common challenges faced by rural development managers when implementing community projects?

Rural Development Managers often encounter challenges such as limited access to resources, resistance to change within communities, and logistical difficulties due to remote locations. Building trust and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders is essential, as projects typically require input from local leaders, government agencies, and NGOs. Flexibility and strong communication skills help managers adapt strategies to fit local needs while ensuring sustainable, community-driven results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rural development manager?

To thrive as a Rural Development Manager, you need a background in rural development, agriculture, or community planning, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in project management. Familiarity with grant management systems, geographic information systems (GIS), and government funding platforms is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills are essential for engaging diverse stakeholders and driving community initiatives. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, implementing, and sustaining effective development projects that improve rural livelihoods.

What is the difference between Rural Development Manager vs Community Development Coordinator?

AspectRural Development ManagerCommunity Development Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in public administration, urban planning, or related field; experience in rural projectsBachelor's degree in social work, community planning, or related field; experience in community outreach
Work EnvironmentRural areas, government agencies, non-profitsCommunity centers, local government offices, non-profits
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, rural development organizationsNon-profits, local government, community organizations

The Rural Development Manager focuses on planning and implementing projects to improve rural infrastructure and economy, often overseeing larger initiatives. The Community Development Coordinator concentrates on engaging local communities, organizing outreach programs, and supporting community needs. While both roles aim to enhance rural areas, the manager has a broader strategic role, whereas the coordinator is more involved in grassroots activities.

More about Rural Development Manager jobs
What job categories do people searching Rural Development Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rural Development Manager jobs are:
Rural Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rural Development Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,527 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

State Community Development Specialist

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Sedalia, MO

$61K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

This position is located in the State of Missouri, USDA-Rural Development (RD).
This vacancy announcement is open to current Rural Development Employees only.Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Time in Grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet the time in grade requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.
For GS-09 Grade Level: Applicants must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level; or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: Experience working on rural and community economic development issues. Experience working with rural development stakeholders to build community capacity. Experience in delivering outreach and community economic development engagement to various interests' groups such as state, community or economic development members, employees, and county organizations. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.B. or J.D.; in order to be qualifying, education must be in a related field. OR A combination of the following: more than 1 full year of progressively higher level graduate education, if related, and experience, may be used to meet total qualification requirements. Only graduate level education in excess of the first 18 semester hours (27 quarter hours) may be combined to be considered for qualifying education.
For GS-11 Grade Level: Applicants must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level; or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: Experience working on rural and community economic development issues as an individual or team member. Works with various sources of alternative or supplemental funding, such as federal, state, or local loan and/or grant providers, state legislatures, non-profit organizations, and private lenders to maximize rural community economic development opportunities. Experience in writing, editing, and reviewing government/professional correspondence, talking points, or questions and answers. Experience in delivering outreach and engaging with state, community or economic development leaders, planners, employees, and county organizations. OR a combination of education as described and specialized experience. OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related OR a combination of education as described and specialized experience.
NOTE: To be considered for this position, you must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the GS-0301 series set forth in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards by the closing date of the announcement. A copy is available at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This position does not have an education requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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