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Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Business Development Specialist - Hybrid in Towson, MD Build a book of business while building real ownership. This hybrid Business Development Specialist role offers uncapped earning potential, a ...

An Infant Development Specialist establishes a climate of respect for each infant/toddler's individual personality, physical characteristics, traits, temperament, language, and family culture. They ...

Infant Development Specialist

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$21.41 - $32.11/hr

An Infant Development Specialist establishes a climate of respect for each infant/toddler's individual personality, physical characteristics, traits, temperament, language, and family culture. They ...

An Infant Development Specialist establishes a climate of respect for each infant/toddler's individual personality, physical characteristics, traits, temperament, language, and family culture. They ...

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Development Specialist information

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$32K

$53.8K

$78K

How much do development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for development specialist in the United States is $53,832.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $62,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Development Specialist vs Program Coordinator?

AspectDevelopment SpecialistProgram Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in related field, certifications in fundraising or development often preferredBachelor's degree, experience in program management beneficial
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, educational institutions, corporate CSR departmentsNonprofits, government agencies, community organizations
Employer & Industry UsageFocuses on fundraising, donor relations, and development strategiesFocuses on coordinating program activities, logistics, and stakeholder communication

While both roles support organizational goals, a Development Specialist primarily focuses on fundraising and donor engagement, whereas a Program Coordinator manages the day-to-day operations of specific programs. Understanding these differences helps organizations hire the right candidate for their needs.

What are Development Specialists?

Development Specialists are professionals who help organizations grow by designing, implementing, and managing programs related to fundraising, donor relations, and resource development. They often work for nonprofits, educational institutions, or community organizations, focusing on securing financial support and building relationships with donors and stakeholders. Their duties may include grant writing, event planning, and coordinating fundraising campaigns. Development Specialists play a critical role in ensuring their organization has the resources needed to fulfill its mission.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Development Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Development Specialist, you need strong skills in fundraising, grant writing, relationship management, and data analysis, typically backed by a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with donor management software like Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce, and knowledge of fundraising platforms and compliance requirements, are highly valuable. Outstanding communication, strategic thinking, and collaboration skills help build lasting partnerships and drive resource growth. These abilities are crucial for securing funding, meeting organizational goals, and sustaining long-term donor engagement.

How does a Development Specialist typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

A Development Specialist often works closely with departments such as marketing, communications, finance, and program management to design and implement effective fundraising strategies. This collaboration ensures that grant proposals, donor communications, and fundraising events align with the organization's goals and branding. Regular meetings and cross-functional project teams are common, allowing Development Specialists to gather input, share progress, and refine approaches based on feedback from various stakeholders. This collaborative environment helps maximize fundraising success and ensures organizational cohesion.
More about Development Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Development Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Development Specialist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Development Specialist jobs? The most popular types of Development Specialist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Development Specialist jobs? The top employers for Development Specialist jobs are:
What states have the most Development Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Development Specialist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Development Specialist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,832 per year, or $25.9 per hour.
Child Development Specialist

Child Development Specialist

Positive Development

Lakewood, NJ • On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago


Positive Development rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Title: Child Development Specialist
Work Location: Lakewood, NJ & Surrounding Area
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $22-$28 per hour
Our Mission:
Make a real impact. Build real skills. Grow with us.
At Positive Development, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive and every burgeoning professional deserves meaningful work that builds real skills for the future.
We work one-on-one with autistic children, helping them build communication, social, and daily living skills through play-based, relationship-focused interactions.
Why This Role is Different:
This isn't a passive "observe and assist" job. You'll be actively coaching, connecting, and helping children grow; while gaining experience that's highly relevant for careers in:
  • Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Speech Language Pathology
  • Education and Special Education
  • Counseling
  • Medicine and Health

This work is deeply rewarding, but it requires patience, emotional maturity, and commitment. You'll be supported every step of the way by experienced clinicians and supervisors who are invested in your growth.
We're especially excited to meet candidates who are:
  • Passionate about working with children and teens
  • Curious about human development and learning
  • Patient, empathetic, and enthusiastic
  • Reliable and committed to a consistent schedule (kids depend on consistency!)
  • Comfortable working directly with families in home-based setting

Great fits include:
Education majors, psychology students, pre-meds, nursing students, OT/SLP hopefuls, behavior technicians, camp counselors, teacher's assistants, childcare providers, direct support professionals, and caregivers.
What you'll do as a Child Development Specialist:
You'll work one-on-one with children in their homes and/or center based to:
  • Build communication, social, and daily living skills through play, conversation, and shared activities
  • Create meaningful connections that help children think, create, and engage with the world
  • Follow a relationship-based intervention model designed to achieve strong outcomes with fewer session hours
  • Track progress by documenting session notes and goal outcomes
  • Collaborate closely with clinicians and supervisors to build clinical skills and confidence
  • Learn how evidence-based developmental care works in real life, not just in textbooks

Pay and Schedules:
  • Direct Pay: $22-$28/hour (based on experience and education)
  • Training / Admin Pay: $20/hour
  • Part-time schedules:
  • 3, 4, or 5 days per week M-F (most available hours are 3pm-8pm)
  • Or Saturday and Sunday (most available hours are between 9a-3pm)
  • Paid drive time + mileage reimbursement (IRS rate) between clients

This role is ideal for students balancing classes, internships, or graduate school.
Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or GED (must be 18+)
  • Valid driver's license + reliable transportation (30-40 min drive radius).
  • Ability to complete physical tasks, including:
  • Playing on the floor/ground for up to two-three hours per session
  • Lifting/carrying up to 40 lbs
  • Sitting, kneeling, crouching, or moving quickly to ensure child safety
  • Strong communication skills and professionalism with families and teammates

Training, growth, and career development:
We invest in you because strong clinicians start with strong support.
  • You don't need to be an expert- we'll train you.
  • Paid New Hire Training
  • Ongoing coaching and mentorship from expert clinicians
  • Opportunities for role progression, pay increases, and performance bonuses
  • Exposure to a cutting-edge model of autism care with measurable outcome

Benefits and Perks:
  • $1000 Referral Bonus
  • Monthly Technology Stipend
  • Paid drive time at admin rate + mileage reimbursement between clients
  • Paid training
  • Strong performers may request letters of recommendation for graduate or professional programs

Positive Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Employment is contingent upon clearing a background check and successful completion of training.