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The Salvation Army, Community Integration Services

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Career Development Specialist

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$26 - $27/hr

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... and private sector partners and employers. · Serve as a job developer for the Career Development Specialist to recruit employers in-order to advocate for clients - use assessment of client and ...

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Private Sector Development Specialist information

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$56.2K

$83.5K

How much do private sector development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for private sector development specialist in the United States is $56,194.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a private sector development specialist do?

A Private Sector Development Specialist works to promote economic growth by supporting the development and competitiveness of private businesses in a country or region. They analyze market trends, identify barriers to private sector growth, and design strategies or policies to encourage investment, entrepreneurship, and job creation. These specialists may collaborate with governments, financial institutions, and international organizations to implement reforms, improve business environments, and facilitate access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Their work often involves project management, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring the impact of development programs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a private sector development specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Private Sector Development Specialist, you need a solid background in economics, business administration, or international development, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in private sector engagement. Familiarity with data analysis tools, project management software, and frameworks like Doing Business or IFC Performance Standards is typical. Strong networking, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving skills help you build partnerships and identify growth opportunities. These competencies drive effective interventions that foster economic growth and sustainable private sector development.

What are some common challenges faced by private sector development specialists when working with diverse stakeholders?

Private Sector Development Specialists often work with a wide range of stakeholders including government agencies, private companies, NGOs, and international organizations. One common challenge is balancing the different priorities and expectations of these groups while aligning them with project objectives. Additionally, navigating regulatory environments and cultural differences can require strong communication and negotiation skills. Success in this role often depends on building trust, fostering collaboration, and staying adaptable to changing market dynamics.

What is the difference between Private Sector Development Specialist vs Economic Development Officer?

AspectPrivate Sector Development SpecialistEconomic Development Officer
CredentialsTypically requires degrees in economics, business, or related fields; certifications in project management or economic analysis are common.Similar credentials; often holds degrees in economics, public policy, or business.
Work EnvironmentWorks with private companies, industry associations, and development agencies to promote business growth.Engages with government agencies, community groups, and businesses to foster economic growth.
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by NGOs, development agencies, and private sector firms focusing on economic and business development.Primarily employed by government departments, local authorities, and economic development agencies.

While both roles focus on economic growth, the Private Sector Development Specialist concentrates on supporting private businesses and industry sectors, whereas the Economic Development Officer works more broadly with government initiatives to promote overall economic progress.

More about Private Sector Development Specialist jobs

What job categories do people searching Private Sector Development Specialist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Private Sector Development Specialist jobs are:

Private Sector Development Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Sector Development Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,194 per year, or $27 per hour.

Public Private Partnerships Regional Director

Creative Associates

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Background:
Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.
Project Summary:
The purpose of USAID's Africa Trade and Investment Program (ATIP) is to mobilize enterprise-driven solutions that will help bolster Africa's growing markets while expanding U.S.-Africa trade and investment relationships. The program will advance the U.S. Government (USG) initiative Prosper Africa and its goals to boost trade, increase investment, and support business-friendly policy reforms. The activity will support trade and investment that drives development outcomes in all sectors through increasing trade and investment opportunities and improving the enabling environment. The program will complement the USG's trade and investment tools through customized services - from business consulting and transaction facilitation to targeted policy interventions. Through a continent-wide approach and with satellite offices supporting North and sub-Saharan Africa, the program will provide well-coordinated services aligned with private sector needs.
Position Summary:
Creative Associates seeks a Public Private Partnerships (PPP) Regional Director for an upcoming USAID-funded trade and investment project based in Africa. The PPP Regional Director will identify and establish relationships with potential businesses to form partnerships. S/he will maintain liaisons with both public and private partners that have committed support to the project and innovative win-win partnerships. S/he will also manage a team of regional coordinators supporting the Chief of Party (COP) in appropriate technical and coordination of aspects of the program in addition to leading activities to support the private sector and public-private partnerships participating in project activities.
Reporting and Supervision:
The PPP Regional Director will report directly to the Chief of Party and will manage a team of regional coordinators.
Expected Outcomes:
  • Develops and maintains excellent relationships with critical clients and private sector partners;
  • Dynamic representation of Creative before private and public-sector clients and critical audiences;
  • Achieves component deliverables.

Primary Responsibilities:
  • Provide technical leadership for the design, formalization and management of innovative public-private partnerships and strategies in coordination with sector divisions and in consultation with relevant government agencies;
  • Advise and assist sector divisions in identifying, developing, structuring, executing and financing of PPP projects across all sectors;
  • Provide technical assistance to field coordinators and stakeholders relative to the structuring of PPPs and outreach to the private sector;
  • Coordinate with other donors, local organizations and government structures to ensure harmonization and development of public-private partnerships and activities;
  • Build the capacity of local government structures to take leadership on public-private partnership issues;
  • Monitor the development and implementation of policies and actions related to PPP issues;
  • Conduct policy dialogues with Governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders to identify and address challenges to scaling up private sector development and PPPs in target countries;
  • Support ATIP program components and departments in leveraging private sector support in activities and assist in cross cutting themes;
  • Engage the private sector and other private entities to promote a culture of private support to improve trade and investment in the region and continent;
  • Maintain knowledge of emerging best practices on enhancing private sector development and PPPs, including good practice examples, and guidelines through internal and external networks;
  • Take the role of team leader and supervise the work of team members and regional coordinators;
  • Support implementation of ATIP's core technical areas, in cooperation with the COP, other project staff, USAID and the regional and local government; and
  • Support the COP, Deputy Chief of Party and technical teams in identifying, reaching out to, and managing cooperation with stakeholders in the private sector, civil society, and national and local government, in the target regions in compliance with Creative and USG policies and procedures.

Required Skills and Qualifications:
  • Masters' degree in business, economics, or other relevant field;
  • At least ten (10) years of relevant work experience, in private sector development and a strong focus on development of partnerships with leading private sector companies and associations;
  • Demonstrated experience with private sector relationships in Africa to advance the program results and objectives;
  • Previous management experience with similar activities;
  • Strong communication skills;
  • Demonstrated capacity to form innovative win-win partnerships; and
  • Must be fluent in English.

Regional candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
Position contingent upon donor funding.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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