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Professional Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Professional Development Specialist information

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$33.5K

$81.6K

$141K

How much do professional development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional development specialist in the United States is $81,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $99,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a professional development specialist typically collaborate with educators and administrative staff to design effective training programs?

Professional Development Specialists regularly work alongside teachers, school leaders, and district administrators to assess professional learning needs and co-create tailored training initiatives. This collaboration often involves conducting needs assessments, gathering feedback on past sessions, and facilitating interactive workshops or coaching cycles. By maintaining open communication and aligning training goals with institutional priorities, specialists help ensure that professional development programs are relevant, practical, and lead to measurable improvements in teaching practices.

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

To thrive as a Professional Development Specialist, you need expertise in adult learning theory, curriculum design, and facilitation, often supported by a degree in education, human resources, or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), e-learning software, and relevant certifications such as CPLP or ATD are commonly required. Strong communication, collaboration, and analytical skills help you engage participants and tailor programs effectively. These skills ensure the delivery of impactful training initiatives that drive organizational growth and employee success.

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

AspectProfessional Development SpecialistTraining Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in education, HR, or related field; certifications like CPTD or SHRM-CP are commonUsually requires a bachelor’s degree; certifications are less common but may include training or HR certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks in corporate, educational, or nonprofit settings focusing on employee growth and skill enhancementWorks in similar environments, organizing and coordinating training sessions and workshops
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations aiming to develop employee skills and career pathsUsed by HR departments to manage training logistics and program delivery

While both roles focus on employee learning, a Professional Development Specialist designs and implements comprehensive development programs, whereas a Training Coordinator manages the logistics and delivery of specific training sessions.

What does a professional development specialist do?

A Professional Development Specialist designs, implements, and evaluates training programs to help employees and organizations improve their skills and performance. They assess training needs, develop educational materials, lead workshops or seminars, and track the effectiveness of professional development initiatives. These specialists work in a variety of settings, including schools, corporations, and non-profit organizations, and play a key role in supporting ongoing learning and career growth.
More about Professional Development Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Professional Development Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Professional Development Specialist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Development Specialist jobs? The most popular types of Development Specialist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Professional Development Specialist jobs? The top employers for Professional Development Specialist jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Development Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Development Specialist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Professional Development Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,632 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Nursing Professional Development Specialist

Akron Children's Hospital

Akron, OH

Full-time

Re-posted 19 hours ago


Akron Children's Hospital rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 1,056 rated hospitals


Job description

Inpatient Pediatric Behavioral Health experience required
one (1) year of NPD experience preferred 
Summary:

The Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Specialist is responsible for enhancing the professional growth and development of nursing staff through educational programs, training sessions, and continuous learning opportunities. The NPD Specialist will collaborate with nursing leadership to identify educational needs, develop curricula, and implement strategies to improve nursing practice and patient care outcomes.

Responsibilities:

• The NPD specialist advances the profession by contributing to the professional development of others, supporting collaborative relationships and supporting life-long learning. 

• Uses the educational design process to bridge the knowledge, skills and practice gaps identified through needs assessment. 

• Influences the inter-professional practice and learning environments, the NPD specialty, and the profession of nursing and healthcare through collaboration with leadership in planning and decision making to achieve desired results. 

• Actively works to transform processes at all levels through inspiration, initiation, adoption and sustainment of and adaptation to change using project management and improvement processes. 

• Promotes the generation and dissemination of new knowledge and the use of evidence to advance NPD practice, guide clinical practice and improve patient care. 

• Actively supports, promotes, and demonstrates nursing professional development as a nursing practice specialty through promotion of research, EBP, and QI. 

• Supports the transitions of nurses and other healthcare team members across learning and practice environments, roles and professional stages. 

• Other duties as required. 

Other information:

Technical Expertise

  1. Experience in project management with interdisciplinary team is preferred.
  2. Experience in data analysis and presentations is preferred.
  3. Experience working with all levels within an organization is required.
  4. Experience in healthcare is required.
  5. Proficiency in MS Office [Outlook, Excel, Word] or similar software is required.

Education and Experience

  1. Education: Master's degree in nursing or related field or BSN and in process of attaining master's degree in nursing or related field. Completion of Nurse Education track of MSN program is preferred.
  2. Certification: Registered Nurse licensure is required; BLS certification is required; PALS certification may be required by area of service. Professional Nursing certification preferred.
  3. Years of relevant experience: Minimum 3 years required.
  4. Years of experience supervising: None.

Full Time

FTE: 1.000000


Status: Onsite



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About Akron Children's Hospital

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Akron Children's Hospital has been caring for children since 1890, and our pediatric specialties are ranked among the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report. With two hospital campuses, regional health centers and more than 50 primary and specialty care locations throughout Ohio, we're making it easier for today's busy families to find the high-quality care they need. In 2020, our health care system provided more than 1.1 million patient encounters. We also operate neonatal and pediatric units in the hospitals of our regional health care partners. Every year, our Children's Home Care Group nurses provide thousands of in-home visits, and our School Health nurses manage clinic visits for students from preschool through high school. With our Quick Care Online virtual visits and Akron Children's Anywhere app, we're here for families whenever and wherever they need us. Learn more at akronchildrens.org.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Akron, OH, US

Year founded

1890