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Professional Development Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

Codehs

Director of Professional Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

About the Role We're looking for a Director of Professional Development to lead the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of professional learning initiatives at CodeHS. In this role ...

Deborah's Place

Development Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

We are seeking an experienced and relationship-driven Development Director to lead our fundraising ... Professionals Board through supervision of the staff liaison.Department Leadership · Provide ...

Deborah's Place

Development Director

Chicago, IL

Position Summary The Development Director provides leadership and oversight for all functions of ... Young Professionals Board through supervision of the staff liaison. Department Leadership · ...

Deborah's Place

Development Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

Position Summary The Development Director provides leadership and oversight for all functions of ... Young Professionals Board through supervision of the staff liaison. Department Leadership • ...

Dentons

Professional Development Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$56K - $70K/yr

This hybrid role provides essential support to the Professional Development Managers and the Professional Development Director, playing a critical part in advancing the Firm's learning and ...

Eden Senior Care

Business Development Director

Skokie, IL · On-site

$80K/yr

Vista Senior Living is seeking a skilled Business Development Director revenue-driving sales professional responsible for generating qualified referral leads that convert to move-ins across Assisted ...

Codehs

Professional Development Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

We provide curriculum, professional development, and a full software platform. CodeHS is used by ... Create a Direct Positive Impact At CodeHS we value creating a direct positive social impact with ...

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Professional Development Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$41.8K

$90.1K

$138.1K

How much do professional development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional development director in Chicago, IL is $90,131.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,100.00 and $94,300.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Professional Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Professional Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Development Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,131 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

Professional Development Director

Million Dollar Round Table

Park Ridge, IL • On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Join a World-Class Organization Making a Global Impact
Founded in 1927, MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table), The Premier Association of Financial Professionals®, is a global, independent association representing the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals. With members from more than 80 nations and territories and nearly 700 companies, MDRT is internationally recognized as the standard of excellence in the financial services profession. Our members are distinguished by their exceptional professional knowledge, unwavering ethical standards, and commitment to outstanding client service.
At MDRT, our employees play a vital role in supporting a mission-driven organization that serves a diverse global membership. We foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment where employees are encouraged to grow professionally and contribute meaningfully to our continued success.
We are proud to offer a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package, including fully paid medical coverage for employees, 70% employer-paid medical coverage for dependents, fully paid dental and vision insurance for employees and dependents, educational assistance, a 401(k) matching program, and a defined benefit pension plan.
MDRT is seeking a Professional Development Director who serves as a senior leader within the Education Division and reports to the Senior Director of Education. This role provides strategic direction, leadership, and oversight for the development, design, and delivery of all educational programming for the organization’s live events. The Director ensures alignment with organizational priorities, manages departmental operations, and serves as the primary staff liaison to the Executive Committee liaisons of the Program Development Committees, guiding committee work and integrating it into a cohesive professional development strategy.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide strategic leadership for all phases of educational program development, including needs assessments, content strategy, program design, speaker strategy, and evaluation processes.
  • Direct the development and delivery of a comprehensive portfolio of educational programs across multiple modalities, including live events, committee-led initiatives, and other in-person learning experiences.
  • Oversee departmental planning and operations, including budgeting, resource allocation, workflow management, and staff supervision to ensure high-quality, timely, and cost-effective program execution.
  • Oversee the global content strategy for live meetings, ensuring educational offerings are relevant, innovative, and aligned with organizational goals while reflecting diverse regional needs, cultural perspectives, and multilingual audiences.
  • Establish and maintain high-level partnerships with volunteer leaders, serving as a trusted advisor and effective liaison to the Executive Committee liaisons. Guide committee discussions, ensure alignment with strategic priorities, and translate decisions into actionable program plans.
  • Oversee all speaker-related operations, including selection processes, contracting, onboarding, and onsite management, ensuring seamless speaker experience and consistent program quality.
  • Provide executive-level oversight of communications and reporting related to educational programming, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and alignment across internal and external stakeholders including Executive Committee and Joint Executive Staff.
  • Collaborate closely with the Meeting Services Department to ensure educational program requirements, speaker needs, and production considerations are fully integrated into event planning and execution.
  • Ensure effective management of all live events, including program development, speaker logistics, and onsite content quality, recognizing that the organization operates without a production company and relies on internal leadership.
  • Drive continuous improvement, identify opportunities to evolve formats, incorporate adult learning principles, and introduce innovative approaches to enhance the attendee experience.
The ideal candidate will have:
  • Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to inspire, mentor, and develop staff while fostering strong cross-departmental relationships.
  • Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate organizational goals into actionable professional development initiatives.
  • Advanced negotiation skills, including experience managing speaker contracts and vendor partnerships.
  • Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to craft clear and compelling presentations, reports, and strategic recommendations for executive leadership and volunteer committees.
  • Deep understanding of adult learning theory, program design, and contemporary educational delivery methods.
  • Proven ability to lead complex projects, manage multiple programs simultaneously, and deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines.
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive, with a strong commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
  • Familiarity with marketing principles and the ability to collaborate effectively with marketing partners to support program promotion and engagement.
The position is required to be in our Park Ridge, IL office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

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