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Professional Development Director Jobs in Connecticut

Development Director

Cornwall, CT · On-site

$115 - $140/hr

... professional with proven major giving experience as our next Development Director . Now in our 85th ... year, HVA is an impactful and innovative conservation organization that works within and beyond the ...

We are looking for a Director of Business Development who can get the job done. Come work for a ... Clear history of new business development selling professional services. * Large volume sales ...

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Showing results 1-20

Professional Development Director information

See Connecticut salary details

$38.5K

$83.2K

$127.5K

How much do professional development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional development director in Connecticut is $83,166.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,300.00 and $87,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a professional development director, and how can they be addressed?

A Professional Development Director often encounters challenges such as aligning training initiatives with organizational goals, engaging employees with diverse learning styles, and measuring the impact of development programs. Addressing these issues typically involves close collaboration with department leaders to ensure training meets real business needs, utilizing varied instructional methods to increase participation, and implementing robust metrics to track progress and outcomes. Building strong relationships across the organization and staying current with learning trends can also help a Professional Development Director deliver effective and relevant programs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional development director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Development Director, you need expertise in adult learning principles, program management, and curriculum development, usually supported by a degree in education, human resources, or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), data analysis tools, and relevant certifications such as CPLP or SHRM-CP is often required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and strategic planning skills help you inspire teams and drive organizational growth. These competencies are vital for designing impactful training programs that enhance workforce performance and align with business goals.

What is the difference between Professional Development Director vs Training Coordinator?

AspectProfessional Development DirectorTraining Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education, HR, or related field; certifications like CPLP or ATD are commonUsually requires a bachelor’s degree; certifications like CPTD or specific training certifications are advantageous
Work EnvironmentStrategic role overseeing development programs across departments, often in corporate or educational settingsOperational role focused on organizing and delivering training sessions, often in corporate or organizational settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in corporate, educational, and nonprofit sectors to lead professional growth initiativesCommon in corporate, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors for coordinating training activities

The Professional Development Director focuses on strategic planning and overseeing development programs, while the Training Coordinator handles the logistics and delivery of training sessions. Both roles are essential for employee growth but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What does a professional development director do?

A Professional Development Director is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing programs that promote the growth and learning of employees within an organization. They assess training needs, develop educational initiatives, and ensure that staff have opportunities to enhance their skills and advance their careers. This role often involves collaborating with management to align professional development with organizational goals and measuring the effectiveness of training programs.
What are the most commonly searched types of Professional Development jobs in Connecticut? The most popular types of Professional Development jobs in Connecticut are:
Infographic showing various Professional Development Director job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,166 per year, or $40 per hour.

Career Development - Director of Career & Professional Development, COB

Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, CT • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Career Development - Director of Career & Professional Development, COB

5151 Park Ave, Fairfield, CT 06825, USA

Job Description

Position Summary

Oversee all career development functions for the Jack Welch College of Business and Technology. Oversee student programming, event planning, and internal marketing related to internship and employment planning for the college. Oversee the collection and analyzing of internship and outcome data for the college. Collaborate with other placement directors to manage external relations, employer development, and on-campus recruiting for the office. Provide career planning and job search counseling to all students and alumni in assigned majors.

  • Provide comprehensive career coaching to WCBT students in skills such as self-exploration, branding, networking, resumes, cover letter creation, LinkedIn, interview preparation, career selection, internship and full time employment and job offer negotiations.
  • Maintain consistent communication with employer partners and proactively identify internship and full-time employment opportunities.
  • Source and identify prospective employer partners and manage relationship development.
  • Partner with JWCBT Director of Welch Experience on career related programming activities and events.
  • Proactively outreach to faculty and key administrators to increase collaboration with faculty in assigned College/majors and to support the career development needs of their students.
  • Identify and secure employer partners for participation in on-campus and events.
  • Oversee the marketing of JWCBT services to employers, students and the University community.
  • Plan, implement and oversee office events and student programs including career fairs, etiquette dinners, employer information sessions, career panels, and on-campus interviews.
  • Assist with the gathering of internship and outcomes data for WCBT and for internal and external publications.
  • Develop and maintain an external presence with local employer partners.
  • Host employer partners strategy meetings to discuss student expectations and hiring process.
  • Administer workshops, seminars and class presentations related to student and faculty needs.
  • Utilize Career Management Platform software to facilitate career development activities and communications.
  • Support Associate Directors and other Assistant Directors in execution of signature office programs/events.
  • Contribute to management of the departmental web site as needed.
  • Liaise with Alumni and leverage relationships related to existing students career planning and placement.
  • Attend University-wide functions or events, at the discretion of the Executive Director of Career Development or Vice-President of EP&SA.
  • Assist with departmental Strategic Planning and other collaboration with Executive Director and WCBT Dean.
  • Complete special projects as requested.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes

  • Masters degree in related field preferred. Bachelor’s degree required.
  • 3-5 years of experience in higher education in the career development function. Prefer candidates with experience providing job search counseling to undergraduate students.
  • Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications and the Internet. Willingness and ability to learn new software including the office’s career management system.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Comfort speaking to groups
  • Strong customer-service orientation
  • Energetic and able to think ‘out of the box’
  • Interest in working directly with students in a student services capacity
  • Strong knowledge of and interest in the field of career development and job market trends

Unusual Working Conditions

Some evening and weekend hours will be required.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.

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