1

Director Of Professional Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As Director, Professional Services, you'll lead the global delivery and implementation of ShareDo ... We have developed a series of programs and processes to ensure we are creating fair and competitive ...

The Director of Development position requires a highly motivated professional with a mission-oriented mentality and ability to build relationships locally, state wide, and nationally. These ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Director Of Professional Development information

See salary details

$40.5K

$87.4K

$134K

How much do director of professional development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of professional development in the United States is $87,425.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,500.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Director of Professional Development, you need expertise in curriculum design, training program management, and adult learning principles, typically supported by an advanced degree in education, HR, or a related field. Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS), instructional design software, and relevant certifications such as CPLP or SHRM-CP is highly valuable. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent interpersonal skills help drive organizational learning and foster staff growth. These competencies are crucial for building effective development programs that enhance employee performance and support organizational goals.

What does a Director of Professional Development do?

A Director of Professional Development is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing programs that enhance the skills and knowledge of employees within an organization. They work closely with leadership to identify training needs, develop learning strategies, and ensure that staff have opportunities for continuous growth. Their role often includes managing budgets, evaluating program effectiveness, and staying up-to-date with industry trends to maintain a competitive workforce.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Professional Development, and how can they be effectively managed?

A Director of Professional Development often faces the challenge of balancing organizational goals with individual employee growth needs. Managing diverse learning styles and ensuring engagement across all departments can require creative program design and strong interpersonal skills. Additionally, keeping up with industry trends and evolving best practices is essential to deliver relevant training. Building strong relationships with department leaders and regularly soliciting feedback can help tailor initiatives for maximum impact and foster a culture of continuous learning.

What is the difference between Director Of Professional Development vs Training Manager?

AspectDirector Of Professional DevelopmentTraining Manager
Primary FocusStrategic planning of professional growth programsOverseeing training sessions and workshops
ResponsibilitiesDeveloping long-term development strategies, policy creationImplementing training programs, managing trainers
CredentialsOften requires advanced degrees and certifications in education or HRTypically requires relevant experience and certifications in training
Work EnvironmentCorporate, educational, or nonprofit sectors focusing on employee growthCorporate training departments, educational institutions

The main difference is that the Director Of Professional Development focuses on strategic, long-term development initiatives, while the Training Manager handles the day-to-day execution of training programs. Both roles require relevant credentials and work in similar environments, but the director's role is more strategic and policy-oriented.

More about Director Of Professional Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Of Professional Development jobs? Cities with the most Director Of Professional Development job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Director Of Professional Development jobs? The top employers for Director Of Professional Development jobs are:
What states have the most Director Of Professional Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Of Professional Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Director Of Professional Development job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,425 per year, or $42 per hour.

Director of Professional Development Programs

Maine's Public Universities

Portland, ME โ€ข On-site

$85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description


The University of Southern Maine (USM) is seeking an experienced Director of Professional Development Programs. The ideal candidate will possess demonstrated success in driving sales and business development, a strong background in training, development and design, exemplary communication and marketing skills, and a commitment to excellence and innovation.
The Director of Professional Development Programs will be responsible for developing and delivering a portfolio of high-impact, revenue-generating courses and experiences through the University of Southern Maine's Professional Development Programs (PDP). Through direct outreach and relationship building with internal and external stakeholders, the Director strengthens the University's regional presence through workforce development. The Director works closely with industry leaders and community partners to manage and strengthen partnerships to design and implement programs that meet market demand, generate revenue, and contribute to the University's financial and strategic goals.
The Professional Development Programs Office offers a wide spectrum of programs, including micro-credentials, CEUs, professional national or state certificates, USM certificates, general training, custom training, and workshops. In addition, the PDP Office provides strategic consultation, offering a variety of course modalities that meet the development needs of its customer base.
Candidates should have a successful history in business development, program planning and administration and coordination, with excellent networking and relationship management skills. Successful candidates must be able to conceptualize ideas and make sound decisions.
This is a full-time in person position located on our Portland Campus with an annual salary of up to $85,000.
The University of Southern Maine offers highly competitive benefits for full-time and eligible part-time employees that includes (but is not limited to):
  • 13 paid holidays plus earned vacation time and sick time.
  • Health, dental and vision insurance.
  • Low-cost short-term disability insurance and employer-paid long-term disability insurance.
  • Employer-paid basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance.
  • A tuition waiver program for employees and their spouse or dependent child(ren).
  • A 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contribution.
  • Free access to the METRO system, including the Husky Line with service between our Portland and Gorham campuses.

To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary.
The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond. USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University.
The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.
We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree with five years' experience or a Master's degree with seven years of experience in sales/business development, leadership, human resources, sociology, industrial psychology or related field.
  • Ability to understand and sell the value of professional development internally and externally, translating the identified needs into instructional models.
  • Demonstrated business acumen, account management and entrepreneurialism.
  • Experience managing complex budgets and demonstrated success with meeting or exceeding revenue/budget goals.
  • Demonstrated strategic experience in leadership, organizational development, or professional development.
  • Proven ability to bring together external consultants and internal stakeholders to achieve objectives.
  • Active listening skills and the ability to translate complex business problems into actionable training modules.

To apply, click on the 'Apply Now' or visit our USM Careers Page and submit the following:
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Finalist candidates will be asked to provide a list of the names and contact information for references.

For full consideration please submit all required materials by July 16, 2026.
We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.
Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.
The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.
Clery Act:
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. View the University's Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.