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Professional Development Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Development Consultant

Johnston, RI ยท On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

We are committed to driving innovation and excellence through our people and are seeking a highly skilled Organizational Development and Talent Management Professional to join our team and lead ...

Development Consultant

Johnston, RI ยท On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

We are committed to driving innovation and excellence through our people and are seeking a highly skilled Organizational Development and Talent Management Professional to join our team and lead ...

Development Consultant

Johnston, RI ยท On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

We are committed to driving innovation and excellence through our people and are seeking a highly skilled Organizational Development and Talent Management Professional to join our team and lead ...

We are committed to driving innovation and excellence through our people and are seeking a highly skilled Organizational Development and Talent Management Professional to join our team and lead ...

Direct Support Professional

Cranston, RI ยท On-site

$21.50 - $22.50/hr

Join our team of Direct Support Professionals and become a vital part of a mission-driven organization that supports individuals with intellectual, emotional, and developmental disabilities in their ...

Direct Support Professional

Cranston, RI ยท On-site

$21.50 - $22.50/hr

Join our team of Direct Support Professionals and become a vital part of a mission-driven organization that supports individuals with intellectual, emotional, and developmental disabilities in their ...

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Showing results 1-20

Professional Development information

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 Rhode Island? The most popular types of Development jobs in Rhode Island are:
What are popular job titles related to Professional Development jobs in Rhode Island? For Professional Development jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Professional Development jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Development jobs in Rhode Island are:
Development and Operations Associate

Development and Operations Associate

Providence Student Union

Providence, RI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Operations and Development Associate is the operational backbone of PSUโ€™s development and administrative functions. In Year 1 of the 2026โ€“2029 Strategic Plan, the ODA owns grant compliance and reporting, internal systems, and development administration โ€” ensuring that the organizationโ€™s fundraising infrastructure is accurate, timely, and well-documented. Fundraising strategy, narrative, and donor cultivation are led by the Executive Director; the ODA executes, tracks, and supports. This role requires strong organizational skill, excellent follow-through, and comfort with detail-oriented systems work.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & TIME ALLOCATION

40% Grant Reporting, Compliance & Writing Support

The ODA is PSUโ€™s primary owner of grant compliance and the reporting pipeline for all current funders.

  • Own all grant report writing, submission, and compliance for PSUโ€™s existing funder portfolio
  • Maintain a funder communication calendar with all deadlines tracked and flagged to the ED at least 30 days in advance
  • Coordinate with ED on grant narrative content, data needs, and positioning for re-applications
  • Partner with ED on 2โ€“4 grant applications per month, contributing research, data, and draft sections
  • Manage CRM: ensure donor records, grant records, and contact data are current
  • Track all proposals and reports for foundation and corporate fundraising
  • Document all grant practices, templates, and funder-specific requirements for organizational continuity

40% Operations, Administration & Internal Systems

The ODA owns the administrative infrastructure that allows PSU to operate consistently and compliantly.

  • Support ED in maintaining PSUโ€™s annual operating budget; track actuals vs. budget monthly
  • Produce and deliver monthly fundraising tracker to EDย  each month
  • Manage financial record-keeping including grant report data, donation data, and timesheets
  • Maintain PSUโ€™s good standing with filings, nonprofit compliance, and legal requirements
  • Answer donor and staff inquiries in a timely fashion
  • Ensure volunteer and partnership opportunities are coordinated and communicated
  • Provide supervision and guidance to interns and youth on external narratives including newsletter completion, and social media contentย 

10% Fundraising Support & Board Development

The ODA provides execution and logistics support to the ED-led fundraising strategy. The ODA does not independently set fundraising strategy or lead donor cultivation.ย 

  • Support board members in their fundraising roles through logistics, tracking, and follow-up coordination
  • Coordinate donor appreciation and acknowledgment communications
  • Support and mentor PSU youth members in co-leading fundraising tasks for youth-led campaigns
  • Assist with 1โ€“2 special fundraising events per year: logistics, registration, follow-up

10% Movement & Professional Development

  • Engage in supportive professional development on leadership and organizational management practices to support growthย 
  • Stay current on nonprofit fundraising, development, and CBO operations best practices
  • Share relevant resources with PSU staff and youth as appropriate


APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON 7/13/2026