Post job

What is a community development manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Jeyoung (Jenny) Oh Ph.D.

Community development managers are responsible for the expansion and improvement of community programs. They recognize the interests of their society. This could include requirements requiring new construction or needs including reconstruction of existing facilities. They are also involved with community programs like healthcare initiatives or educational programs.

Community development managers clarify the project, set up a budget, ensure that approvals are obtained, and oversee the project to ensure that the rules are complied with. They meet with architects and those interested in the real design process. They also preserve and amend relevant records relating to construction programs.

The standard educational qualification for a community development manager is to hold a bachelor's degree. The areas of research that can support those contemplating this profession include public policy, marketing, and economics. These positions typically require candidates to have realistic, appropriate job experience, meaning that academic opportunities that help to improve management skills can be an opportunity.

What general advice would you give to a community development manager?

Jeyoung (Jenny) Oh Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Communication, University of Michigan-Flint

If you work from home, it could be hard to separate your work time from your personal time. Make sure to take some time off to take care of yourself. It is important not only for your work performance but also for your well-being. Also, remember that there are many people who are there to support you, so do not hesitate to ask for help and ask questions. Be proactive and reach out to your colleagues. Set a virtual coffee time with your colleagues or manager to get to know them. If possible, join as many virtual workshops provided to you as you can. Those will help you understand the culture of your organization, and it will also be a great way to get to know your colleagues.
ScoreCommunity Development ManagerUS Average
Salary
5.3

Avg. Salary $67,350

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.7

Growth rate 8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.42%

Asian 5.06%

Black or African American 5.73%

Hispanic or Latino 8.91%

Unknown 4.65%

White 75.24%

Gender

female 64.64%

male 35.36%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress level
8.7

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
9.4

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.8

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Community development manager career paths

Key steps to become a community development manager

  1. Explore community development manager education requirements

    Most common community development manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    72.0 %

    Master's

    18.8 %

    Associate

    6.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific community development manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service20.12%
    Community Development17.71%
    Relationship Building14.29%
    ROI10.17%
    Event Participation7.70%
  3. Complete relevant community development manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New community development managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a community development manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real community development manager resumes.
  4. Research community development manager duties and responsibilities

    • Lead content and graphic development for corporate Facebook and advisor social media programs.
    • Manage organization s membership program by implementing annual membership drives and appeals.
    • Create quarterly marketing plans to increase retail awareness and drive ROI of Microsoft products and services.
    • Implement a computer-base investment reporting system, which reduce reporting time and permit the calculation of portfolio statistics.
  5. Prepare your community development manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your community development manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a community development manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable community development manager resume templates

    Build a professional community development manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your community development manager resume.
    Community Development Manager Resume
    Community Development Manager Resume
    Community Development Manager Resume
    Community Development Manager Resume
    Community Development Manager Resume
    Community Development Manager Resume
    Community Development Manager Resume
    Community Development Manager Resume
    Community Development Manager Resume
  6. Apply for community development manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a community development manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first community development manager job

Zippi

Are you a community development manager?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average community development manager salary

The average community development manager salary in the United States is $67,350 per year or $32 per hour. Community development manager salaries range between $45,000 and $99,000 per year.

Average community development manager salary
$67,350 Yearly
$32.38 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do community development managers rate their job?

Working as a community development manager? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse executive management jobs