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Rural Development Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Development Officer

Maryville, TN · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Development Officer Department: The Clayton Center for the Arts Title of Immediate Supervisor ... rural setting with the advantages of an urban center. With a wide range of academic programs and a ...

Project Officer - Intern

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$33K - $38K/yr

IIRR is one of the world's leading rural development NGOs. Founded in 1960, IIRR's programs have ... Project Officer Interns will work under the direction of the Director of Global Operations. This is ...

Project Officer - Intern

New York, NY · On-site

$32K - $38K/yr

IIRR is one of the world's leading rural development NGOs. Founded in 1960, IIRR's programs have ... Project Officer Interns will work under the direction of the Director of Global Operations. This is ...

Controller

Madison, WI

$140K - $164K/yr

... Rural Development, and public housing programs • Lead month-end and year-end close processes ensuring accuracy and timeliness across multiple entities • Partner with CFO on annual budgeting ...

Controller

Madison, WI

$140K - $164K/yr

... Rural Development, and public housing programs • Lead month-end and year-end close processes ensuring accuracy and timeliness across multiple entities • Partner with CFO on annual budgeting ...

Controller

Middleton, WI

$140K - $164K/yr

... Rural Development, and public housing programs • Lead month-end and year-end close processes ensuring accuracy and timeliness across multiple entities • Partner with CFO on annual budgeting ...

Controller

Madison, WI

$140K - $164K/yr

... Rural Development, and public housing programs • Lead month-end and year-end close processes ensuring accuracy and timeliness across multiple entities • Partner with CFO on annual budgeting ...

Controller

Madison, WI · On-site

$140K - $164K/yr

... Rural Development, and public housing programs • Lead month-end and year-end close processes ensuring accuracy and timeliness across multiple entities • Partner with CFO on annual budgeting ...

Controller

Verona, WI · On-site

$140K - $164K/yr

... Rural Development, and public housing programs • Lead month-end and year-end close processes ensuring accuracy and timeliness across multiple entities • Partner with CFO on annual budgeting ...

Controller

Madison, WI

$140K - $164K/yr

... Rural Development, and public housing programs • Lead month-end and year-end close processes ensuring accuracy and timeliness across multiple entities • Partner with CFO on annual budgeting ...

Controller

Madison, WI · On-site

$140K - $164K/yr

... Rural Development, and public housing programs • Lead month-end and year-end close processes ensuring accuracy and timeliness across multiple entities • Partner with CFO on annual budgeting ...

Controller

Monona, WI · On-site

$140K - $164K/yr

... Rural Development, and public housing programs • Lead month-end and year-end close processes ensuring accuracy and timeliness across multiple entities • Partner with CFO on annual budgeting ...

Controller

Verona, WI

$140K - $164K/yr

... Rural Development, and public housing programs • Lead month-end and year-end close processes ensuring accuracy and timeliness across multiple entities • Partner with CFO on annual budgeting ...

Controller

Madison, WI

$140K - $164K/yr

... Rural Development, and public housing programs • Lead month-end and year-end close processes ensuring accuracy and timeliness across multiple entities • Partner with CFO on annual budgeting ...

Controller

Madison, WI

$140K - $164K/yr

... Rural Development, and public housing programs • Lead month-end and year-end close processes ensuring accuracy and timeliness across multiple entities • Partner with CFO on annual budgeting ...

Controller

Waunakee, WI

$140K - $164K/yr

... Rural Development, and public housing programs • Lead month-end and year-end close processes ensuring accuracy and timeliness across multiple entities • Partner with CFO on annual budgeting ...

Controller

Waunakee, WI · On-site

$140K - $164K/yr

... Rural Development, and public housing programs • Lead month-end and year-end close processes ensuring accuracy and timeliness across multiple entities • Partner with CFO on annual budgeting ...

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Showing results 1-20

Rural Development Officer information

See salary details

$39K

$74.4K

$119K

How much do rural development officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for rural development officer in the United States is $74,448.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $84,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Rural Development Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rural Development Officer, you need a background in agriculture, social sciences, or rural development, often with a relevant degree or diploma. Familiarity with project management tools, data analysis software, and government schemes or funding mechanisms is typically required. Strong communication, community engagement, and problem-solving skills help build trust and facilitate successful program implementation. These skills and qualifications are vital for driving sustainable rural development and effectively addressing the unique challenges of rural communities.

What are some common challenges faced by Rural Development Officers, and how can they be effectively managed?

Rural Development Officers often encounter challenges such as limited infrastructure, resource constraints, and resistance to change within local communities. Successfully addressing these issues requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and a collaborative approach with local leaders and stakeholders. Building trust, understanding community needs, and leveraging available government programs or partnerships can help overcome obstacles and ensure project success. Regular field visits and consistent feedback loops are also key to making a positive impact.

What are Rural Development Officers?

Rural Development Officers are professionals who work to improve the quality of life and economic well-being of people living in rural areas. They plan, implement, and monitor development projects such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agricultural initiatives. By collaborating with local communities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations, they help to identify needs, mobilize resources, and promote sustainable rural growth. Their work is essential for reducing poverty and creating opportunities in rural regions.

What is the difference between Rural Development Officer vs Community Development Worker?

AspectRural Development OfficerCommunity Development Worker
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in social sciences, rural studies, or related fieldsBachelor's degree in social work, community development, or related fields
Work EnvironmentRural areas, government agencies, NGOsCommunity centers, local organizations, NGOs
Employer & IndustryGovernment, NGOs, development agenciesNonprofits, local government, community organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Rural Development Officer and Community Development Worker roles both focus on improving local communities, often in rural settings. While they share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, Rural Development Officers typically work within government or large NGOs focusing on broader rural initiatives, whereas Community Development Workers often engage directly with local residents through grassroots efforts. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the best fit for their skills and career goals.

More about Rural Development Officer jobs
What states have the most Rural Development Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Rural Development Officer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Rural Development Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rural Development Officer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Rural Development Officer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Full Time, 82% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,448 per year, or $35.8 per hour.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

RURAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Bristol Bay Native

Dillingham, AK • On-site

$56.26/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

DEPARTMENT: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVE: To promote economic development in the Bristol Bay Region by empowering individuals to become entrepreneurs and supporting existing businesses. Focus on building community capacity, identifying workforce needs, and facilitating sustainable employment opportunities. QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE - Required: Associate's in business management, Rural, Community, or Economic Development, with 1 year of work experience working with Tribal governments or Indigenous communities, small business, workforce training providers, and grant-funded programs. Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in Economic Development with at least 4 years of experience in a similar field. Substitutions: BBNA may consider any equivalent combination of education, experience, and cultural knowledge. BBNA also reserves the right to waive non-essential requirements in order to select the candidate who best fits the needs of the organization. SKILLS & ABILITIES Ability to follow up consistently and maintain communication after visits. Ability to facilitate rural economic development by supporting aspiring entrepreneurs. Ability to review and provide businesses resources for strengthening their company. Ability to collaborate with community groups, volunteers, and businesses to identify skill needs and challenges. Strong communication skills including public speaking. Familiarity with the Bristol Bay Region. TECHNICAL PROFICINENCY - Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications including word, excel, outlook, and Teams. OTHER REQUIRMENTS - Patience and persistence in developing long-term relationships. Use of a respectful and humble approach to community-led development. JOB RESULTS: Achieves Program functions by
  • Assist community members in exploring, launching, and sustaining small businesses through coaching, training, and access to resources.
  • Facilitate access to funding and mentorship for Entrepreneurs.
  • Promote local resource utilization including but not limited to agriculture and crafts.
  • Encourage innovation and technology adoption
  • Collaborate with established local business to identify open job positions, workforce needs, and training gaps.
  • Leads initiatives that create sustainable jobs and diversify rural economies.
  • Engage directly with businesses to under
Engage directly with business by
  • Analyzing current and future hiring needs.
  • Determine gaps in their workforce.
  • Provide support in understanding Industry-specific training requirements
Provide collaboration efforts by
  • Engaging in training providers including colleges (Community, vocational, online, other)
  • Co-design programs with employers including pre-employment training, apprenticeships, internships, and on-the-job training.
Keep Management Informed by
  • Provide reports as directed by the WFD Deputy Director.
  • Regular engagement with external partners, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, education institutions, and employers.
Meet requirements for travel in and out of region by
  • Scheduling well planned trips if necessary to provide services, participate in training, and workshops.
Monitors and improves program and service quality by
  • Actively participating in regional planning meetings, advisory boards, and development committee to align efforts and contribute to strategic initiative.
Protect program integrity and client privacy by
  • Agreeing to BBNA's policy on confidentiality, keeping confidential information gained through employment secure, during and after this employment.
Contributes to overall team effort by
  • Welcoming new and different work requirements; exploring new opportunities to add value to the organization; helping other accomplish related job results as and where needed.
REPORTS TO: DEPUTY DIRECTOR; WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DUTY STATION: DILLINGHAM WAGE: $27.42/hr ($53,469/yr) - $56.26/hr ($109,707/yr) GRADE RANGE: 14 EMPLOYMENT TYPE: FULL-TIME FLSA STATUS: NON-EXEMPT To apply for this job please visit .