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Professional Development Jobs in Mount Prospect, IL

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Professional Development information

See Mount Prospect, IL salary details

$37.8K

$74.1K

$116.2K

How much do professional development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional development in Mount Prospect, IL is $74,055.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,200.00 and $101,300.00 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.

What is an example of a professional development opportunity?

A professional development opportunity for a job involves activities such as attending workshops, earning certifications, participating in training programs, or taking courses to improve skills and knowledge relevant to the role. These opportunities help employees stay current in their field and advance their careers.

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 Mount Prospect, IL?

The most popular types of Development jobs in Mount Prospect, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Professional Development jobs in Mount Prospect, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Professional Development jobs in Mount Prospect, IL are:

What cities near Mount Prospect, IL are hiring for Professional Development jobs?

Cities near Mount Prospect, IL with the most Professional Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Development job openings in Mount Prospect, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,055 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Program Manager, Professional Development Programs

The University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

162nd of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department
UCPE Professional Development Programs
About the Department
Innovative, career-driven learning experiences define University of Chicago Professional. In our commitment to spread the University's knowledge as broadly as possible, we offer impactful and flexible programs and courses that introduce individual and corporate audiences to up-to-the-minute research, the latest standards in their field, a new professional network, and the University of Chicago's rich intellectual community. Our instructors, all seasoned professionals, deliver unparalleled expertise drawn from years of industry experience. We give our students the tools to succeed in our fast-moving, interconnected world and achieve a competitive edge at any stage of their careers.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Senior Director of Professional Development Programs and Registration, the Program Manager oversees the day-to-day operation of non-credit professional development certificates and standalone offerings. Key responsibilities include course scheduling, instructor contracting, course and student records management, student communication from onboarding through completion, academic advising, instructional communication, and Canvas course support. The Program Manager supports the growth and quality of program management services by coordinating programs, students, and instructors with a focus on student advising, strategic course management, and a strong student experience.
Responsibilities
  • Oversees the full student lifecycle from admission and onboarding through program completion, ensuring consistent academic and administrative support.
  • Maintains accurate student records in registration and information systems in compliance with institutional policies.
  • Provides academic advising and program guidance on requirements, course sequencing, and policies.
  • Monitors student engagement and progress toward certificate completion and intervenes as needed to support success.
  • Manages course enrollment and student participation and coordinates key program communications, including schedules, deadlines, and announcements.
  • Evaluates student academic records, processes final grades, and authorizes the awarding of certificates upon completion.
  • Develops and manages structured onboarding processes and communications for newly admitted students.
  • Provides orientation materials and guidance on program expectations, platforms, and available resources.
  • Establishes and refines processes that support student retention, monitors early participation, and addresses barriers to success.
  • Collaborates with leadership and enrollment teams to support recruitment and strengthen program visibility.
  • Organizes and moderates virtual information sessions and recruitment events.
  • Advises prospective students on program options and requirements, and contributes to outreach materials.
  • Establishes and maintains quarterly course schedules for certificate programs and standalone offerings in institutional systems.
  • Communicates instructional assignments and schedules to faculty and instructors and maintains related records.
  • Manages the lifecycle of Canvas course sites, including setup, enrollment, and quality review.
  • Coordinates instructional communications related to course preparation, course management, and instructional support.
  • Coordinates logistics and communications for program events, webinars, and information sessions.
  • Supports planning and implementation of professional development programming and student engagement activities.
  • Assists with program operational activities, including scheduling coordination and program communications.
  • Conducts periodic quality assurance reviews of program processes and recommends improvements to enhance efficiency and the student experience.
  • Uses moderate/solid understanding and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries.
  • Sets and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
  • Master's degree in higher education, student affairs, communication, international education, or related field.

Experience:
  • 2-4 years of experience in student affairs, academic program administration, communications, or event coordination, preferably in higher education or a globally focused organization.
  • Background working with professional or adult learners, and familiarity with the needs of non-traditional students.
  • Planning and delivering virtual events across time zones is highly desirable.
  • Proven ability to manage complex workflows, competing priorities, and high-volume processes in a deadline-driven environment.
  • Working with faculty and instructors to support instructional needs, address questions and concerns, and ensure timely resolution.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:
  • Proficient in student information systems, registration platforms, CRM tools, or learning management systems.
  • Familiarity with platforms such as Canvas, Mailchimp, LinkedIn, Slate, Zoom, and ClickUp or similar systems.

Preferred Competencies
  • Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with attention to detail and timelines.
  • Demonstrated creativity and initiative in developing content and engaging communities, particularly on LinkedIn.
  • Demonstrated commitment to student service, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and a high-quality learner experience.

Application Documents
  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)
  • References Contact Information (3) (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Administration & Management
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$60,000.00 - $75,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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