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Professional Development Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JLM HR Consulting

Development Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K/yr

The Development Director will work closely with the Principal/Head of Schools and an engaged Board ... Professional Experience * 710+ years of progressive fundraising and development experience * Proven ...

JLM HR Consulting

Development Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K/yr

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

JLM HR Consulting

Development Director

Washington, DC · On-site +1

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

Houston Methodist

The Nursing Professional Development (NPD) practitioner influences the professional practice of nursing, and other healthcare learners, to create a positive impact on the patients and families served ...

North Star Initiative

Development Director

Lititz, PA · On-site

Development Director Who We Are: North Star's mission is to restore women from trafficking: for ... Ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements and regulations, standards of professional ...

A Kid Again

Development Director

Cleveland, OH

The Development Director will oversee other development professionals and work closely with the Executive Director and Senior Leadership to achieve fundraising goals and support the organization ...

Adult and Teen Challenge

Development Director

Morrow, AR · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Professional Development Opportunities * Collaborative, Values-Driven Setting * Opportunities for Spiritual Enrichment Education: * Bachelor's (Preferred) Experience: * Fundraising, Donor Relations ...

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Professional Development Director information

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$40.5K

$87.4K

$134K

How much do professional development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 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 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.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Professional Development jobs? The most popular types of Professional Development jobs are:
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Professional Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Development Director job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,425 per year, or $42 per hour.
Development Director

Development Director

JLM HR Consulting

Washington, DC • On-site

$110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA) & The Ellington Fund
Washington, DC (On-Site)

Overview

Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA), in partnership with The Ellington Fund, seeks an accomplished and entrepreneurial Development Director to lead its fundraising strategy and execution at a critical stage of institutional growth.

This is a high-visibility leadership role with direct accountability for philanthropic revenue generation, donor engagement, and long-term development infrastructure. The Development Director will work closely with the Principal/Head of Schools and an engaged Board of Directors to expand the organization's philanthropic base and advance its mission.

About the Organization

Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA) is a nationally recognized public high school that integrates rigorous academics with intensive arts training.

The Ellington Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, serves as the primary fundraising partner supporting DESA's programs, student opportunities, and institutional priorities.

Together, these entities operate in close alignment to ensure sustainable growth and continued excellence.

The Role

The Development Director will design and execute a comprehensive, integrated fundraising strategy, with a focus on:

  • Generating new philanthropic revenue
  • Expanding and diversifying the donor base
  • Strengthening major gifts and institutional funding
  • Building scalable development systems and processes

This leader will combine strategic vision with hands-on execution, operating as both a senior advisor and a frontline fundraiser.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Revenue Growth

  • Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with institutional priorities
  • Establish annual goals, KPIs, and revenue targets
  • Identify and pursue diversified funding streams

Major Gifts Leadership

  • Build and manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects
  • Lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies
  • Partner with senior leadership and Board members on key donor relationships

Institutional Funding

  • Oversee grant strategy and pipeline development
  • Secure foundation, corporate, and government funding

Board & Executive Partnership

  • Serve as a trusted advisor to the Principal/Head of Schools
  • Support Board engagement in fundraising efforts
  • Provide regular performance reporting and strategic insight

Infrastructure & Team Development

  • Strengthen development operations, systems, and data utilization
  • Build a culture of accountability and performance within the function
  • Supervise staff and external partners

Performance Expectations

This is a performance-driven role with clear accountability:

  • Deliver a minimum of $250,000 in new philanthropic revenue annually, directly attributable to individual efforts
  • Build and maintain a donor pipeline of at least 3x annual revenue targets
  • Meet defined quarterly revenue benchmarks
  • Maintain strong donor engagement and retention outcomes

Performance is evaluated on a quarterly and annual basis, with direct alignment to compensation.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be a results-oriented fundraising leader with a demonstrated ability to generate revenue, build relationships, and operate effectively in a mission-driven environment.

Professional Experience

  • 710+ years of progressive fundraising and development experience
  • Proven track record of securing major gifts and institutional funding
  • Experience working closely with executive leadership and Boards
  • Demonstrated ability to build and manage donor pipelines

Ideal Leadership Traits

Top-tier candidates will bring the following attributes:

1. Revenue Ownership & Accountability

Takes full ownership of fundraising outcomes, with a clear track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets.

2. Relationship-Driven Influence

Builds trust quickly with donors, Board members, and stakeholders; able to influence without authority and navigate complex relationships.

3. Strategic Agility

Balances long-term vision with near-term execution; able to pivot strategies based on data, feedback, and opportunity.

4. Execution Discipline

Demonstrates strong follow-through, organization, and pipeline management; consistently converts strategy into measurable outcomes.

5. Executive Presence

Communicates with confidence and clarity; represents the organization effectively with high-level donors and partners.

6. Mission Alignment

Displays a genuine commitment to arts education, youth development, and equity in access to opportunity.

7. Builder Mindset

Comfortable operating in a growth environment; able to build systems, processes, and structure where needed.

Compensation

  • Base Salary: $110,000 (aligned with and supported by new revenue generation)
  • Performance Bonus: 10%20%
  • Additional incentive opportunities for exceeding targets
  • Competitive benefits package

Work Environment

  • On-site role in Washington, DC (remote work not available)
  • Occasional evening and weekend commitments required

Equal Opportunity

Duke Ellington School of the Arts and The Ellington Fund are equal opportunity employers committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment.

Search Process

DESA and The Ellington Fund are conducting a national search for this role. Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief statement of interest outlining relevant experience and alignment with the mission.