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Social Development Officer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chief Development Officer Department: Development Department Summary: The Development Team oversees ... Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Education, Public Administration, or a related ...

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... Chief Development Officer to support annual philanthropic revenue goals benefiting SAMC. This ... Excellent written and oral communication skills, including editing, electronic and social media ...

... Chief Development Officer to support annual philanthropic revenue goals benefiting SAMC. This ... Excellent written and oral communication skills, including editing, electronic and social media ...

... social services agency providing direct, responsive, wrap-around services to address the complex ... Lead the recruitment, development, support, and evaluation of the organization's employees, with ...

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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 Sep 4, 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, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,473 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Alumni Relations and Development Officer

Cerritos College

Norwalk, CA • On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Salary: $75,000.00 - $95,001.00 Annually
Location : Norwalk, CA
Job Type: Professional Non-Faculty
Job Number: Alumni Relations - 26
Division: Foundation
Opening Date: 07/29/2026
Closing Date: 9/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
*Please note: This is NOT a Cerritos College job.
About the Employer
Established in 1979, the Cerritos College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides critical support for students and college programs. The Foundation has assets totaling approximately $10 million.
Mission
The Cerritos College Foundation increases funding by engaging the philanthropic and alumni community to support the needs of our students on their educational and career journey.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director of the Cerritos College Foundation, the Alumni Relations and Development Officer is employed directly by the Cerritos College Foundation. This individual is an important member of the Foundation team, responsible for building and maintaining relationships with Cerritos College alumni, raising funds, creating targeted fundraising appeals and related communication strategies, and organizing a variety of events and alumni activities.
Closing DateThis position will close on September 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Job Duties
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Develops a comprehensive annual alumni and development fundraising plan.
  • Successfully identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards unrestricted and restricted donations at all levels, with a primary focus on three to five figure gifts.
  • Develops and manages alumni relations' strategies to increase engagement, affinity, active participation, and financial support of Cerritos College alumni.
  • Develops and manages targeted online and print fundraising campaigns.
  • Collaborates with Foundation and College staff to develop and implement a proactive communication plan for alumni and donors.
  • Creates social media posts, e-newsletters, website content, printed brochures, and other collateral material.
  • Creates and maintains content on social media platforms.
  • Plans and coordinates a diverse range of annual events.
  • Contacts Cerritos College alumni in person, by phone, mail, e-mail, and social media to gather and share stories and build engagement leading to donor support and increased involvement in College/Foundation activities and initiatives.
  • Coordinates employee giving program and related strategies.
  • Establishes a Cerritos College Alumni Council to support long- and short-term goals.
  • Enters relevant information into DonorPerfect database and effectively uses DonorPerfect, DonorSearch, and Crescendo Interactive for prospect research, strategy development, and data analysis.
  • Responsible for meeting established annual fundraising goals.

Minimum Qualifications
Position Requirements, Experience and Education
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of development and alumni relations experience.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
  • Self-motivated, focused, and proactive, with strong project management skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience developing content for newsletters, websites, and social media.
  • Ability to develop strong relationships with alumni, donors, board members, employees, management, faculty, students, and community members.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Experience in DonorPerfect, Raiser's Edge, or other fundraising database software preferred.
  • Strong organizational and Microsoft Office skills required.

Supplemental Information
Salary and Benefits
  • Salary: ($75,000-$95,000) plus Medical, Dental, Vision, and PTO.
  • 1 remote day per week

Equal Opportunity Employer
No person shall be discriminated against in any employment procedure on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.
Contact Information
Please note that this is not a Cerritos College job. If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact the Cerritos College Foundation at 562-860-2451 ext. 2536. For more information about the Cerritos College Foundation, please visit their website at
Application Process
Please send your resume and cover letter to Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.