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Professional Development Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

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Professional Development information

See Ohio salary details

$36.1K

$70.9K

$111.2K

How much do professional development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional development in Ohio is $70,866.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,900.00 and $97,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is professional development?

Professional development refers to the ongoing process of acquiring new skills, knowledge, and experience to enhance one's career performance and growth. It typically includes activities such as attending workshops, seminars, conferences, pursuing advanced degrees, or completing certifications. The goal of professional development is to keep professionals up-to-date with industry trends, improve job performance, and help them achieve career advancement. Many employers encourage or require professional development to ensure their workforce remains competitive and effective.

How do professionals in a Professional Development role typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Professionals in a Professional Development role often work closely with HR, department managers, and team leaders to identify training needs and design effective learning programs. They regularly consult with subject matter experts to tailor content relevant to specific teams and may facilitate cross-departmental workshops or initiatives. This collaborative approach ensures that development programs are aligned with organizational goals and that employees at all levels receive the support they need to grow and succeed.

What is the difference between Professional Development vs Training?

AspectProfessional DevelopmentTraining
PurposeEnhances overall skills, knowledge, and career growthProvides specific skills for a particular task or job
DurationOngoing, long-termShort-term, focused
CredentialsMay lead to certifications or qualificationsUsually results in a certificate of completion
Work EnvironmentApplicable across various roles and industriesSpecific to job requirements

While both Professional Development and Training aim to improve skills, Professional Development focuses on long-term growth and career advancement, whereas Training provides targeted skills for immediate job needs.

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 principles, curriculum design, and instructional strategies, often supported by a degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS), e-learning authoring tools, and relevant certifications such as CPLP or ATD are typically required. Strong communication, facilitation, and organizational skills help you effectively engage participants and manage multiple training initiatives. These skills are crucial for designing impactful development programs that enhance employee performance and support organizational growth.
What are the most commonly searched types of Development jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Development jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Professional Development jobs in Ohio? For Professional Development jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Professional Development jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Development jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Professional Development jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Professional Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Development job openings in Ohio as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,866 per year, or $34.1 per hour.
Senior Director of Development, Buckeye Connected Communities

Senior Director of Development, Buckeye Connected Communities

Ohio State University

Columbus, OH โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

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Job Title:Senior Director of Development, Buckeye Connected CommunitiesDepartment:Advancement | Alumni Association

Position Overview

The Senior Director of Development, Buckeye Connected Communities leads strategy and proactively administers the long and short-term goals for philanthropy and engagement for all Buckeye Connected Communities of the Ohio State Alumni Association. They provide strategic direction of engagement, donor relations, stewardship, advancement connections and annual giving for affinity groups. They will also be responsible for carrying a manageable portfolio of high-profile prospects, affinity groups and leaders to maximize their engagement and philanthropic impact ($50k-$250k).

This position builds strong relationships with all aspects of affinity engagement, volunteer management and unit partner strategies. The Senior Director partners with unit colleagues across Athletics, academic and health sciences colleges, as well as the Wexner Medical Center and the James. They will strategically develop, assess, message, and document meaningful opportunities that will strengthen university affinity groups, build our Buckeye Connected Communities and provide ongoing guidance and performance feedback to engagement & annual giving staff in all colleges/units. They set metrics, benchmark research, and develop best practices and tools and manage program needs including data tracking and performance.

Reporting to and assisting the Executive Director of Buckeye Connected Communities, the Senior Director will supervise a team of engagement and fundraising professionals who operate with a high degree of independence decision making capabilities judgment and discretion. This position will be proficient with MS Office programs and regularly utilize the customer relationship management system to include the timely input of prospect/donor information and will exhibit flexibility and adaptability to shifting priorities and demands to include occasional evening and weekend work.

All members of External Affairs are part of creating a culture that inspires an exceptionally multifaceted and talented team and are expected to exhibit The Ohio State University's Shared Values. The Office of External Affairs is committed to acting with kindness, respect, and integrity at all times and welcoming our colleagues' ideas, voices, and perspectives, acknowledging that we are better together.

Department Overview

The Ohio State Alumni Association's mission: Through time and change, we enrich firm friendships across our alumni and Buckeye communities to advance the university. With a vision of being the heart of the alumni community inspiring and cultivating engaged citizens throughout their Buckeye journeys, our organizational purpose is to build a community of lifelong champions. We represent the alumni association of the future and believe in elevating the alumni and Buckeye community experience.

As an association, we are a shared service across Advancement as the experts in engagement and the constituent journey. We are one team aligning engagement and philanthropy, responsible for creating advocates on behalf of Ohio State. The organization is supported by 60+ employees, a Board of Directors, and Alumni Advisory Council.

Duties and Responsibilities

45%

Serves as a senior fundraiser for the Alumni Association by managing a portfolio of prospects, affinity groups, and volunteer leaders, with an emphasis on gifts of $100,000 and above. Strategically collaborates with unitbased fundraisers and engagement teams to align engagement strategies with fundraising priorities. Identifies, qualifies, and cultivates highpotential affinity groups and individual leaders by developing a strong understanding of donor values, capacity, interests, and philanthropic motivations. Actively manages portfolio momentum to advance prospects to solicitation and commitment. Designs and executes targeted solicitation, engagement, and stewardship strategies to strengthen relationships and maximize philanthropic impact. Partners closely with university colleagues to guide alumni engagement at both the universitywide and collegespecific levels and serves as a subject matter expert on the OSU Alumni Association, providing insight into alumni populations.

25%

Provides direction and leadership and administers the long and short-term strategies for Buckeye Connected Communities focused on the university. Sets metrics and benchmarks, monitors giving trends, manages program needs including data tracking and performance, and ensures all relative data is captured in TAS. Researches and develops best practices and tools. Collaborates with colleagues across Advancement colleges/units and Wexner Medical Center to develop, assess, message, and document meaningful opportunities that will strengthen university affinity groups and provides ongoing guidance and performance feedback to engagement & annual giving staff in other colleges/units.

25%

Oversees a team of advancement consultants who serve as a conduit of information and strategy between unit leadership, fundraisers, stewardship, and engagement staff to advance the collaborative effort of moving philanthropic gifts forward. Recruits, trains, evaluates, motivates, and coaches employees of various backgrounds and identities; establishes and monitors goals, provides performance feedback and coaching, and supports professional development; completes annual performance management procedures; manages performance issues; is responsible for using independent, consistent, and fair judgment in exercising authority; develops procedures, assigns and prioritizes work, and ensures that the resources needed to accomplish work are provided.
5% Works closely with University Marketing and Advancement Communications to develop communications and activities in support of strategies. Completes special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Metrics and Collaboration

The annual performance of all fundraisers at Ohio State is measured by the number of qualifications, cultivations, solicitations and commitments/dollars raised the individual accrues over each fiscal year. Each fundraiser may have different expectations regarding these figures based upon, but not limited to, their experience level, unit size, prospect portfolio, past performance, etc. Goal setting is done with the individual's manager prior to each fiscal year to assure transparency, consistency and alignment.

All fundraisers at Ohio State are encouraged and expected to collaborate with their colleagues across the institution and can be counted as 'Secondary' on a gift in the solicitation, commitment and dollars raised phases of the development cycle. A secondary fundraiser can be considered when a team is working on a multi-unit gift, the fundraiser is a subject matter expert in an area critical to the solicitation or a fundraiser has a pre-existing, meaningful relationship with the donor and their participation helps move the gift forward.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Six (6) years of relevant experience with at least four (4) years of professional fundraising experience (building relationships towards philanthropic end through making calls, conducting face-to-face appointments, creating and presenting proposals, closing gifts) and two years of related experience in marketing, sales, public relations, financial advisement, account management or related field with emphasis on donor cultivation, solicitation and relationship cultivation of individuals/businesses.

  • Two (2) years of management experience.

Desired Qualifications (We're committed to building a team that reflects a variety of skills and experiences and encourage you to apply even if your experience does not align perfectly)

  • Master's degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Eight (8) years of relevant experience At least one year of professional fundraising experience in higher education or a hospital/health care environment.

  • Experience in a variety of advancement functions such as donor relations and stewardship, donor communications and/or alumni relations.

The Office of External Affairs is committed to providing tools and resources for you to learn our business, proprietary databases, university-specific processes, and advancement practices.

In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy 6.17 this position has been designated as a standby position.

You Need to Know

Aside from the unparalleled benefits of working for The Ohio State University and working in the vibrant, smart, enjoyable, and growing city of Columbus, Ohio, this opportunity will provide exceptional rewards that arise from working for an institution doing worldwide life-changing teaching and research. Learn more here: Careers at Ohio State.

Additional Information:

Additional Information

To learn more about the Office of External Affairs, please visit Advancement Careers.

The budget for this position is up to $115,750.00. The offer for this position will be based on internal equity and the candidate's qualifications.

Function: Development and Engagement

Sub-function: Development

Career Band: Individual Contributor - Specialized

Career Level: S4 Consultant

Location:Longaberger Alumni House (0022)Position Type:RegularScheduled Hours:40Shift:First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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