What Is a Community Development Director and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A community development director manages and directs planning and management initiatives for a city organization or community, such as an elderly residential community. As a community development director, your job duties include working closely with community partners, such as businesses, community organizations, and the public, to develop strategies for improving economic, architectural, and community initiatives while preserving neighborhood or community cohesion. You also monitor programs and budgets for department initiatives. Qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, education, or public administration as well as several years of experience in public policy and planning and communication and leadership skills.

A community development director typically has a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or a similar field. Other qualifications include experience in community planning and management skills. You can gain the skills you need to fulfill your responsibilities as a specialist or in another entry-level role. Work or volunteer experience with an organization or in a position focused on a specific community, like the elderly or people with disabilities, is particularly useful. As a community development director, you may also need reliable transportation to travel to various events and local organizations. You can typically find these jobs with local government offices and non-profit organizations.