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Job outlook for community development managers in the United States
Are community development manager jobs in demand?
Community development manager job and salary trends over time
Community development manager jobs over time
Community development manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,285 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,255 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,225 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,121 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,041 | 0.00% |
Average community development manager salary over time
Community development manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $67,350 | $32.38 | +4.1% |
| 2025 | $64,714 | $31.11 | +2.1% |
| 2024 | $63,398 | $30.48 | +3.2% |
| 2023 | $61,454 | $29.55 | +3.7% |
| 2022 | $59,267 | $28.49 | +3.1% |
Community development manager jobs by state
Most common states for community development managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 376 | 54% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 274 | 20% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 142 | 19% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 993 | 18% |
| 5 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 138 | 18% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 137 | 16% |
| 7 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,444 | 14% |
| 8 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,415 | 14% |
| 9 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,055 | 14% |
| 10 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 289 | 14% |
| 11 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 278 | 14% |
| 12 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 737 | 13% |
| 13 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 379 | 13% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,587 | 12% |
| 15 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 840 | 12% |
| 16 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 362 | 12% |
| 17 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 351 | 12% |
| 18 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 755 | 11% |
| 19 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 661 | 11% |
| 20 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 983 | 10% |
Most common cities for community development managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Holland | 1 | 3% | $65,895 |
| 2 | West New York | 1 | 2% | $79,159 |
| 3 | Columbia | 1 | 1% | $51,054 |
| 4 | Gresham | 1 | 1% | $72,569 |
| 5 | Kissimmee | 1 | 1% | $47,270 |
| 6 | Peoria | 1 | 1% | $58,525 |
| 7 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $66,410 |
| 8 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $70,653 |
| 9 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $71,452 |
| 10 | Dallas | 1 | 0% | $70,045 |
| 11 | Houston | 1 | 0% | $69,555 |
| 12 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $66,014 |
| 13 | Jersey City | 1 | 0% | $79,138 |
| 14 | New York | 1 | 0% | $70,103 |
| 15 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $71,915 |
Community Development Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of community development manager experts
University of the Incarnate Word
Southern Illinois University
Saint John's University
Penn State University, Brandywine
Drake University
Montana State University Billings
Neumann University
Dixie State University
Evangel University
Eastern Michigan University
University of Michigan-Flint
Huntingdon College
Dr. Trey Guinn
Associate Professor and Program DirectorUniversity of the Incarnate Word
Communication Arts
What skills stand out on Community Development Manager resumes?
Dr. Trey Guinn: The field of communication(s) is like an enormous playground. The roles and responsibilities of professional communicators vary as much as playgrounds and the equipment they house. What seems universal is that communications managers work to advance a brand's image by developing and delivering intentional messages that effectively convey meaning with impact. Beyond that, these individuals work in various settings and perform a range of communicative tasks. Some have general oversight of an organization's internal and external communications, while others may have a narrower focus exclusively on liaising with media to gain purposeful exposure or manage crisis communication. Thus, while the role may seem straightforward, the truth is that the job description and responsibilities can vary greatly. This is important to note because the skills that should stand out on your resume must incorporate your knowledge of the industry and the nuance of the specific job to which you are applying. Sticking with our aforementioned metaphor, a hiring manager may need to know that you have a general understanding of all the toys on the playground but may be especially interested in how well you build sandcastles. Thus, it behooves you to make your resume speak to the job description. And moreover, when appropriate to do so, you would be wise to utilize language in the job description. If you are part of a "tiger team," but the job description calls for someone who has been part of a "high-performing team," accommodate your language for the reader, especially if your reader is a machine that may not be programmed to understand your jargon.
What soft skills should all Community Development Managers possess?
Dr. Trey Guinn: It goes without saying that a communications manager is expected to demonstrate exceptional verbal, nonverbal, and written communication. They should have in-depth knowledge of best writing and messaging practices for the needs of the particular organization and industry to which they have applied. But more than developing and delivering effective messaging, a savvy communications manager must effectively engage with individuals of all levels, whether internal or external to the organization. They must be able to lead and influence with and without positional authority.
Justin Young
Assistant LecturerSouthern Illinois University
School of Communication Studies
What hard/technical skills are most important for Community Development Managers?
Justin Young: I would say it's less important that someone knows the latest video editing software than they have a sound understanding of film theory. I'm more concerned that someone shooting a 30-second clip for Instagram understands how to compose a shot than they necessarily know how to integrate visual effects. That basic idea is true across the board. Technology is shifting so rapidly today that a core understanding of the principles of design, composition, and even something like UX allows a young person straight out of college to adapt over the next five years as a lot of their physical tech may phase out of use.
18-year-olds aren't using Twitter anymore, but a fundamental understanding of how algorithms work will translate to newer social platforms such as Tik-Tok.
What skills will help Community Development Managers earn the most?
Justin Young: Straight out of school, some of those hard skills might give you a leg up on that first job. However, long-term, I think soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and simply interpersonal skills will advance you further. The most successful people I see tend to be good with people as well as willing to listen and learn. Some people can fake these skills to advance, but the organization usually suffers in the long-term, as do they financially.
Nancy DiTunnariello Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorSaint John's University
Mass Communication
What soft skills should all Community Development Managers possess?
Nancy DiTunnariello Ph.D.: Be personable! During the interview process, individuals are so focused on being "professional" that they forget to show potential employers who they really are. YOU are what sets you apart from other applicants. Also, employers want to see if your personality is a good fit with the company culture and the colleagues/clients you would be working with. Plus, would you want to work for an organization where you have to pretend and assume a false persona all day?
Hans Schmidt Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Communications, Coordinator, Schreyer and Cooper Honors ProgramsPenn State University, Brandywine
Communications Department
What skills stand out on Community Development Manager resumes?
Hans Schmidt Ph.D.: It is important to have a wide range of communication skills -from effectively participating in and leading meetings to write in style appropriate for the setting to media productions skills. When people move into the "manager" role, of course, this entails having developed a broad awareness of the culture at that particular organization and the skills needed to lead a group of people. So, really, skills related to communication touch on a wide range of job functions and responsibilities.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Community Development Managers?
Alanah Mitchell Ph.D.: In some cases certifications and licenses can help with possible job prospects. In general, IS education is focused on current technology processes, skills, tools, and technologies that employers are interested in. Additionally, internships during school really help to provide practical experience and increase the chances of job offers.
What soft skills should all Community Development Managers possess?
Alanah Mitchell Ph.D.: Along with business and technical skills, IS majors do need to work in developing a broad set of soft, interpersonal skills. Specifically, collaboration and teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving, creativity, communication, negotiation and conflict management, and leadership as well as working under pressure often rank high in the list of soft skills necessary for success in IS. Increasingly, the development of soft skills is emphasized in academic programs as employers are looking for these skills in new graduates.
What soft skills should all Community Development Managers possess?
Samuel Isaac Boerboom Ph.D.: Conflict management, the ability to work effectively and efficiently in groups, and active listening skills, especially as these pertain to engaging audiences in virtual settings.
Dr. Alfred Mueller Ph.D.
Dean, School of Arts and Sciences, Professor of Communication ad Digital mediaNeumann University
School of Arts and Sciences
What experience really stands out on Community Development Manager resumes?
Dr. Alfred Mueller Ph.D.: As someone who reads resumes regularly, I don't spend much time on the resume. I expect a resume to convey to me basic information about degrees held. If the applicant played in a sport or held a leadership position in a club while attending college, I want to know that because it shows me that the applicant managed time reasonably well and led a group of people in some way. I will also look for information about what an applicant accomplished in a previous or current position. I don't want a listing of the job's responsibilities. I want to know what value the applicant brought to the workplace. For example, don't tell me that you oversaw training initiatives at your current employer. Tell me that you trained 85% of the staff to use the new software and that, as a result, quarterly productivity increased 115%. The first tells me nothing; the second tells me what value you brought to the workplace. So it is important to shift away from bland job descriptions to accomplishments.
For me, the cover letter is much more important than the resume. The cover letter is the place where applicants can show me that they have done their research on my organization. Over 99% of the people whom I interview know little to nothing about my organization or its mission and values even though all of that information is a click away. If an applicant did not even take the time to look up that information on the Internet, it sends a clear signal to me about the applicant's lack of priorities. Demonstrate you have done that research by referring to my organization's mission and values in your cover letter. The cover letter is also the place where applicants can tell me about the soft skills they developed. Concrete examples help me see those skills in action.
Dr. James Stein
Assistant Professor and Director of Interpersonal Communication CurriculumDixie State University
Communication Studies Department
What general advice would you give to a Community Development Manager?
Dr. James Stein: Take the job that best fits your career. I cannot tell you how many people (students, and personal friends alike) chose to turn down a career starter that pays $9 an hour in favor of a job that pays $11 and hour. As the old adage goes: penny smart, dollar foolish. You should always be asking yourself "how does this opportunity advance my larger goal?" Don't embark on an endeavor that doesn't help you, even if it does look shiny at first glance.
What type of skills will young Community Development Managers need?
Melinda Booze: Today's communication graduates will need adaptive storytelling skills. In a communication environment that is noisy and insistent, the graduates that will stand out are those who can demonstrate to employers and clients that they can identify an audience's needs, wants and values and craft messages that connects with and engages that audience. This involves all the requisite hard and soft skills, such as technological proficiency, writing, speaking, a love of learning, flexibility, creativity and more. The skill that is perhaps less emphasized or practiced is careful listening. The outcome of careful listening is valid research that informs meaningful stories that communicate. -Melinda Booze, assistant professor of communication, Evangel University.
Dr. Jeannette Kindred Ph.D.
Professor of CommunicationEastern Michigan University
School of Communication, Media & Theatre Arts
What Community Development Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jeannette Kindred Ph.D.: Networking! And by that I do not mean learn how to "schmooze" to get a job. Networking should be looked at as a lifelong mindset, and should be authentic. No matter where you are in your career, ask what can you do to enlarge your network and more importantly, how can you give to your network? The Forbes article "Lose the Schmooze: Seven Ways to Make Networking Genuine" offers some wonderful advice. I have my capstone students read it every semester.
(Forbes)
Students can enhance their networks online (via LinkedIn for example) and also through joining professional organizations and attending networking and other in person events. In the pandemic, however, this may not be possible. Students can still maintain an online presence and join professional organizations connected to their majors, and start to build connections. These organizations may even be offering virtual events in 2021.
What general advice would you give to a Community Development Manager?
Dr. Jeannette Kindred Ph.D.: Seek out people in your field who you admire and start building professional relationships (this also builds your network). Ask questions and accept constructive feedback, to show that you are willing to learn and grow. Continually reflect on what you are doing and consider if the work is important and meaningful for you-if it's not, then why are you doing it? Finally, always find ways to give back to your community, through your voice or your actions. Especially in these difficult times in our country, we need people working together to better communities more than ever.
Jeyoung (Jenny) Oh Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of CommunicationUniversity of Michigan-Flint
Department of Communication Studies
What general advice would you give to a Community Development Manager?
Jeyoung (Jenny) Oh Ph.D.: 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.
What type of skills will young Community Development Managers need?
Elizabeth B. Rogers: Adpatilbilty. It has become apparent now, maybe more than ever, that employees are expected to do their jobs well, no matter where they are completing their tasks. New job candidates will need to show with concrete evidence that they can adapt in situations that are new or uncommon. Many recent graduates can use their transition from traditional to remote learning as significant evidence of their ability to adapt. Many students thought they were going home for a few weeks in March and then spent the rest of the spring semester online. What changes did you make when the school went virtual that helped you succeed? How did you ensure you not only got your work done but also took care of yourself? What did you learn about yourself, your habits? Many students survived a tough transition, and that is something not only to applaud but use when you are selling yourself to potential employers in interviews. Employers want to know you will adapt, so be ready to tell them how you adapted during your experience with pandemic learning.
Teamwork. You must work as part of a team. However now, consider not only traditional teams but also virtual teams. I can tell you when my teaching and staff role got moved fully online last March, I relied on my team more than ever before. I work in a team environment every day, but when virtual was all we knew, teamwork became vital for not only my success but the success of my students, co-workers, and ultimately the institution. I know students hate group projects, but group projects are the closest things to the "real" workforce some students experience. Take group work seriously so you can learn how to excel in a group setting. How do you work in a team (both traditionally and virtually)? Are you reliable? Are you a leader or a follower (both are great)? Do you manage your time wisely so you can brainstorm, work, and revise? Being part of a team was always part of the workforce, so be ready to work in teams traditionally and virtually.
Technology skills. As I am sure many of you have seen, technology is becoming an extension of all work types now. It is not enough now to say you can work the Microsoft Office Suite and can type quickly. Companies need to know that you can manage technology in real ways, especially when you are not in the office. I would suggest students take an entry-level computer class at their organization as an elective, at the very least, to have some traditional training in all things tech. If your institution does not offer computer courses, I would suggest taking a free online course to earn a certificate of some kind. Students want to list real, tangible, and legitimate computer knowledge on their resumes to make them competitive.