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Professional Development Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Professional Development information

See Portland, OR salary details

$40.3K

$79.1K

$124.1K

How much do professional development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional development in Portland, OR is $79,051.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,700.00 and $108,200.00 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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Development jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Professional Development jobs in Portland, OR? For Professional Development jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Professional Development jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Development jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Professional Development jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Professional Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Development job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,051 per year, or $38 per hour.
Nursing Professional Development Specialist (Simulation Team)

Nursing Professional Development Specialist (Simulation Team)

Legacy Health

Portland, OR

$57.75 - $86.05/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

The Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Specialist advances professional role competency and growth of learners across the healthcare system, ensuring alignment with strategic organizational initiatives. Activities may include education, competency, orientation and evidence-based practice initiatives focused on optimal patient care and population health. Using a systems-thinking approach, the NPD Specialist conducts learning needs assessments, analyzes trends and data to support practice change initiatives; and partners across disciplines to improve patient outcomes. Specific responsibilities and activities are determined by nursing leadership.

Responsibilities

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The NPD Specialist functions within the roles and responsibilities of the NPD Practice Model and Scope and Standards of Practice.

ROLES:

 

Learning facilitator - applies the educational design process and adult learning principles to bridge knowledge, skills and/or practice gaps, conducts learning needs assessments and evaluates outcomes.

Change agent - drives transformation by applying change management strategies to improve processes and achieve desired outcomes.

Mentor - supports the ongoing professional development of others across clinical, professional and educational settings.  

Leader - influences interprofessional practice, learning environments, and broader nursing and healthcare professions through strategic leadership.

Champion for inquiry - cultivates and encourages a spirit of inquiry by promoting evidence-based practice, quality improvement and disseminates knowledge to advance nursing excellence.

Partner for practice transitions - supports the role transition of nurses across diverse practice learning environments to ensure smooth integration and support, including support for prelicensure nursing programs and continuing education.

Advocate for NPD specialty - engages in professional development activities both within and beyond the organization. This may include participation in community advisory boards or speaking engagements focused on advancing professional nursing practice.  

 

Responsibilities:

 

Onboarding/Orientation - designs, coordinates, manages and evaluates onboarding and orientation programs to support the successful integration of nursing staff.

Competency management - develops, implements and oversees competency programs to ensure clinical proficiency and regulatory compliance.  

Education - leads the design, delivery and evaluation of nursing education initiatives that promote evidence-based practice and continuous learning.

Role development - identifies and applies strategies to support ongoing professional growth, role integration and skill acquisition. This may include preceptor development, leadership training and transition to practice programs.

Collaborative partnerships - acts as a liaison to interprofessional teams, coordinating and supporting system-wide education initiatives. This may include active participation in academic partnerships and community-based advisory councils focused on the professional development of nursing students and continuing education programs.

Inquiry - initiates, promotes and integrates quality improvement and evidence-based practice initiatives, including dissemination of findings to advance nursing excellence and optimize patient outcomes.

Skills:

Demonstrated knowledge of adult learning principles.

Effective teaching, communication and meeting facilitation skills.

Partner effectively with interprofessional teams to influence practice change.

Ability to work effectively in teams, and independently.

Experience using Microsoft Office Suite applications.

Qualifications

Education:

An academic degree in nursing is required (BSN or MSN/MN).

Master's degree in nursing or healthcare-related field (e.g. Healthcare Management, Public Health) (preferred).

 

Experience:

Four years relevant clinical experience at a proficient level of practice required.

Previous precepting, teaching, education design, simulation or project management experience is preferred.

Licensure

Current applicable state RN license required.

AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers, required.

Nursing Professional Development Board Certification (preferred).

Practice/Education specialty certification, as applicable (preferred).

Pay RangeUSD $57.75 - USD $86.05 /Hr.Our Commitment to Health and Equal Opportunity

Our Legacy is good for health for Our People, Our Patients, Our Communities, Our World. Above all, we will do the right thing.

If you are passionate about our mission and believe you can contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply-even if you don't meet every qualification listed. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can grow and succeed.

Legacy Health is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion or creed, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To learn more about our employee benefits click here: www.legacyhealth.org/For-Health-Professionals/careers/benefiting-you

Employment Type: FULL_TIME