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Social Development Officer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mary's Center's Social Change Model integrates healthcare, education, and social services to ... The Chief Development Officer may need to be present at locations in both Maryland and Washington ...

About This Job As a Business Development Officer, you will promote commercial banking products and ... social media marketing * Contacts clients, community, and corporate organizations to generate new ...

About This Job As a Business Development Officer, you will promote commercial banking products and ... social media marketing * Contacts clients, community, and corporate organizations to generate new ...

About This Job As a Business Development Officer, you will promote commercial banking products and ... social media marketing * Contacts clients, community, and corporate organizations to generate new ...

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Social Development Officer information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$73.5K

$117.4K

How much do social development officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for social development officer in California is $73,473.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,700.00 and $83,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a social development officer?

Social Development Officers are professionals who work to promote social and economic development within communities. They assess community needs, design and implement programs, and collaborate with local organizations and government agencies to address issues such as poverty, education, health, and social inclusion. Their goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals and groups, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized. Social Development Officers often facilitate community engagement, advocate for social policies, and monitor the effectiveness of development initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a social development officer?

To thrive as a Social Development Officer, you need a background in social sciences, community development, or a related field, along with experience in project management and stakeholder engagement. Familiarity with data collection tools, monitoring and evaluation systems, and often certifications in project management or social work are typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication are crucial for building trust and fostering collaboration within diverse communities. These skills are vital for designing impactful programs, ensuring sustainable development outcomes, and maintaining positive relationships with all stakeholders.

What are some common challenges a social development officer faces when working with diverse communities?

Social Development Officers often encounter challenges related to building trust and effective communication across diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. Navigating differing community needs and managing expectations while implementing development programs requires strong interpersonal skills and adaptability. Additionally, they may face resource constraints and bureaucratic hurdles, which can impact project timelines and outcomes. Successful officers proactively engage stakeholders and employ inclusive approaches to foster meaningful community participation.

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

AspectSocial Development OfficerCommunity Development Worker
Required CredentialsBachelor’s degree in social sciences, social work, or related fieldBachelor’s degree often preferred; experience in community work
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, NGOs, social service organizationsCommunity centers, NGOs, local government projects
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in government and NGO sectors focusing on social policiesCommon in grassroots community projects and local NGOs
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap in responsibilities and qualificationsSimilar roles with community focus

Both roles focus on social and community issues, often requiring similar educational backgrounds and working in related environments. The main difference lies in scope: Social Development Officers typically work on policy implementation and program management at a broader level, while Community Development Workers focus on direct community engagement and grassroots initiatives.

What skills do you need to be a social development officer?

A social development officer needs strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills to assess community needs and develop programs. Knowledge of social policies, project management, and data analysis tools is also important, along with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and stakeholders.

What job categories do people searching Social Development Officer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Social Development Officer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Social Development Officer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Social Development Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Social Development Officer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,473 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Chief Development Officer

Agupdate

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$213 - $240/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

ZRG Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Mary's Center in the search for a Chief Development Officer.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) will serve as Mary's Center's senior development executive and a member of the Executive Leadership Team. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the CDO will build and lead a comprehensive, growth-oriented development program that expands philanthropic revenue, strengthens donor engagement, and supports Mary's Center's long-term strategic priorities. The CDO will have responsibility for major and principal gifts, annual giving, foundation and corporate partnerships, planned giving, campaigns, and donor stewardship.

The CDO will partner closely with the CEO and Board to develop and deepen relationships with individuals, foundations, corporations, and community partners; strengthen the Board's engagement in philanthropy; and diversify Mary's Center's sources of private support. The CDO will also partner closely with Marketing and Communications to strengthen Mary's Center's brand, storytelling, donor communications, and external visibility. As the organizational structure evolves, the CDO may assume broader strategic oversight of these functions.

This is a transformational leadership opportunity for a strategic, relationship-driven, and results-oriented development executive. The CDO will assess the current development operation, strengthen its structure and capabilities, establish clear goals and accountability, and build a more disciplined and sustainable pipeline of philanthropic support.

The successful candidate will be both a strategist and a hands-on fundraiser – equally comfortable shaping long-term direction, personally cultivating and soliciting major and principal-gift prospects, preparing the CEO and Board for donor engagement, and working alongside the development team to achieve goals. With approximately $100 million in annual revenue and five locations, Mary's Center has the scale, credibility, and impact to expand its philanthropic reach.

In 1988, Maria Gomez was working as a nurse when she witnessed a significant increase in the number of Latin American women migrating to the United States to escape war, poverty, and death. Many of these women had experienced violence, trauma, and displacement during their journeys north. Once in the United States, many were pregnant and without the support needed to access prenatal care. Recognizing the urgent need for culturally responsive care, DC Mayor Marion Barry offered a $250,000 grant to open a small center to serve this growing community. From that initial investment, Mary's Center was born.

For nearly four decades, Mary's Center has been a trusted provider of healthcare and support in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Its mission is to embrace all communities and provide high-quality healthcare, education, and social services that help individuals and families build better futures. Mary's Center has grown to five locations, serving more than 65,000 people each year across Washington, DC and Maryland. Mary's Center's Social Change Model integrates healthcare, education, and social services to address the interconnected factors that influence health and well-being. Through medical, dental, behavioral healthcare, together with education and social supports, Mary's Center provides coordinated services designed around the needs of each participant and family.

A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least ten years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, development, or philanthropy, including leading comprehensive fundraising programs and managing teams, is required for this position. Experience in healthcare, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), hospitals, academic medicine, or other complex mission-driven nonprofit organizations is preferred.

Mary's Center will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to Mary's Center, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Mary's Center and the responsibilities and qualifications specified in the position prospectus.

The salary range for this position is $213,000 to $240,000. Mary's Center offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions, tuition reimbursement, and generous paid time off.

This role offers a flexible, hybrid schedule, requiring at least 3 days per week in the office, depending on onsite needs. The Chief Development Officer may need to be present at locations in both Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Mary's Center is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Marianna DiVietro at mariannadivietro@aspenleadershipgroup.com.

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