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Professional Development Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Development Director

Portland, OR · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Manages performance evaluations for development staff, including goal setting, annual reviews, and continuing professional development * Collaborates with the Executive Director and Board of ...

$60 - $80/hr

This is an exciting opportunity for a people-centered professional who enjoys connecting ... Position Summary The Development Director leads Market House Theatre's fundraising and community ...

$60 - $80/hr

Development Director * Organization: Youth for Christ Houston * Status: Full-time, exempt; member ... Develop and maintain professional standards by staying abreast of professional advances and study ...

The Development Director will work closely with the Principal/Head of Schools and an engaged Board ... Professional Experience * 7-10+ years of progressive fundraising and development experience

Development Director

Eugene, OR · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Kids FIRST is seeking a strategic, relationship-centered Development Director to lead our ... Qualifications Our ideal candidate brings at least two years of professional fundraising experience ...

Development Director

Franklin, TN · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Development Director Franklin, TN Who We Are At Anchor Health Properties, we pursue better health ... Professional development support and career growth opportunities * Workplace perks like summer ...

Development Director

Franklin, TN · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Development Director Franklin, TN Who We Are At Anchor Health Properties, we pursue better health ... Professional development support and career growth opportunities * Workplace perks like summer ...

Showing results 21-40

Professional Development Director information

See salary details

$40.5K

$87.4K

$134K

How much do professional development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional development director 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 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 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 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 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.

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What cities are hiring for Professional Development Director jobs?

Cities with the most Professional Development Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Professional Development jobs?

The most popular types of Professional Development jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Professional Development Director jobs?

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What states have the most Professional Development Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Professional Development Director jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Professional Development Director jobs?

For Professional Development Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Professional Development Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,425 per year, or $42 per hour.

Director of Professional Development and Leadership

Villanova, PA • On-site

Villanova University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Plan, implement, and facilitate the Professional Development curriculum and related programming, including leadership programming.

  • Collaborate with faculty, alumni, employers, and other stakeholders to integrate professional development concepts and opportunities throughout the Law School experience.

  • Provide advising and programming on professional development matters, including counseling students on career and professional development concerns.


Villanova University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

315th of 633 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Do you have questions about the application process? If so, please refer to the Applicant FAQ's.
Posting Details (Default Section)
Posting Number:
20260405S
Position Title:
Director of Professional Development and Leadership
Position Type:
Staff
Location:
Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type:
Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule:
full-time/12-months
Avg Hours Week
Department:
241-Law School Instruction
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Associate Dean for Professional Development and Leadership, the Director of Professional Development and Leadership plays a central role in preparing law students for successful, fulfilling careers. As a highly visible member of the Law School's Professional Development team, this position combines classroom teaching and innovative program development to help students build the professional competencies and leadership skills essential to thrive in the legal profession.
Working collaboratively with the Associate Dean and Faculty Director, the Director designs, teaches, and continuously enhances the Law School's comprehensive Professional Development curriculum and related programming. Through frequent and meaningful engagement with students, the Director delivers workshops, facilitates learning opportunities, and supports students in developing a strong professional identity grounded in the values, ethics, judgment, and responsibilities of the legal profession.
The Director plays a key role in fostering students' professional identity formation, helping them connect their personal values and strengths with the competencies and expectations of the legal profession while preparing them to navigate an evolving legal landscape with confidence and integrity. This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on students' academic experience, professional identity formation, and long-term success as lawyers and leaders.
Why work at Villanova?
  • Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University's founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
  • Villanova has been included among the nation's best colleges and universities. VU's inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 "Best Colleges" rankings is another indication of the University's continued prominence and forward momentum.
  • Villanova's most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Plan, implement, and facilitate the Professional Development curriculum and related programming, including leadership programming, under the strategic guidance of the Associate Dean for Professional Development and Leadership and the Faculty Director. Collaborate with faculty to infuse professional development concepts into academic curriculum. Cultivate student leadership of and involvement in professional development programming. Coordinate with the Office of Career Strategy and Advancement, the Director of Experiential Learning, faculty advisors, alumni, and employers with respect to the Professional Development and leadership curriculum. Identify and implement additional opportunities to integrate professional development and leadership programming throughout the Law School experience. Review and evaluate student work.
  • Prepare and enhance student tools for self-assessment and professional development, including integration of assessment tools into the curriculum. Create and implement opportunities for customization and individualization within the Professional Development curriculum, including programming for students who are planning a career outside of the traditional practice of law.
  • Provide advising and programming on professional development matters, which may include the following: counseling students on career and professional development concerns and planning, implementing, and facilitating programming and communication strategies for first generation, underrepresented, and diverse students.
  • Assist in seeking ways to enhance professional development and employment outcomes for all students. Represent the Law School to the legal employment community and at related bar association events and other conferences. Keep current on lawyer education, professional development, and employment trends.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • 5 years legal work experience or experience in attorney, professional, or student professional development required.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills. Superior research, organization, written and oral communication skills (including public speaking). Counseling, listening, and empathy skills. Commitment to inclusion. Close attention to detail and procedures. Ability to work effectively with technology. Ability to work effectively with a variety of people and constituencies. Ability to prioritize, multi-task, approach challenges with creativity, insight and resourcefulness. Able to work independently, demonstrate initiative, effectively balance multiple tasks simultaneously, and to be part of a diverse and collegial team. Willingness to occasionally travel.
  • Substantial knowledge of, and experience with, professional development and/or legal practice. A vision for how the Law School can provide the highest quality professional development program for students and alumni. Counseling, mentoring, training, and multicultural competence. Networking and marketing skills.
  • Essential office technology applications, including MS Word, calendar programs, e-mail, voice mail, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • JD preferred.
  • Prior experience and/or training in legal education, counseling, mentoring and inclusion matters preferred.
  • Experience with Excel or comparable databases as well as 12Twenty and SCT Banner software is desirable.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Moderate physical exertion required at times, including lifting, standing or sitting for extended periods, pushing / pulling, manual dexterity (for computers, etc.), travel and associated exertion.
Special Message to Applicants:
Posting Date:
08/20/2026
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:
This position falls within salaried grade 16 and the range is $73,100-91,400. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate's qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.
Salary Grade:
16
Job Classification:
exempt

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About Villanova University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Villanova University, located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States, operates within the higher education industry. Its establishment traces back to 1842 by the Augustinians, a Catholic religious order. The university offers a wide range of academic programs in various disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, Business, and Law, serving over 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and law students. Guided by its Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition, it is committed to community service, and it seeks to cultivate knowledgeable, thoughtful, and ethical leaders. The university’s mission is to empower students to ignite change, with a vision for a just and peaceful world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Villanova, PA, US

Year founded

1842

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