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Professional Development Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

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Professional Development information

See Reading, PA salary details

$36.5K

$71.6K

$112.4K

How much do professional development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional development in Reading, PA is $71,585.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,400.00 and $98,000.00 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.

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 Reading, PA? The most popular types of Development jobs in Reading, PA are:
What job categories do people searching Professional Development jobs in Reading, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Development jobs in Reading, PA are:
What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Professional Development jobs? Cities near Reading, PA with the most Professional Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Development job openings in Reading, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,585 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

Manager of Learning & Development

Ballard Spahr LLP

Pennsburg, PA • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Department: Talent

About Us:

Ballard Spahr is a nationally recognized law firm with more than 750 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States. A career at Ballard Spahr means joining a team of talented mentors, colleagues, and friends, supported by strong leadership that actively encourages professional growth.

We are seeking a Manager, Learning & Development to lead the design, evaluation, and enhancement of firmwide training and professional development initiatives. This position plays a critical role in creating competency-based learning experiences that support the growth of attorneys while aligning with the firm's strategic goals. Working closely with legal and administrative leadership, Human Resources, and subject matter experts, the Manager will ensure learning programs are practical, engaging, and aligned with organizational objectives.

This hybrid position offers a work schedule of 3 days a week in the Philadelphia office. 

Why Join Us?

  • Innovative Work Environment: Become part of a forward-thinking firm that enjoys substantial support and visibility from the firm’s executive leadership.

  • Professional Development: Take advantage of continuous learning opportunities and avenues for career growth.

  • Inclusion: Join a Business Resource Group and share cultural, experiential, or job-related interests, experiences, and/or backgrounds.

  • Impactful Contributions: Play a pivotal role in developing industry-leading solutions that make a significant difference in legal practice and client service.

Your Role:

As a Learning and Development Manager within our Talent Team, you will:

  • Lead the design, development, and maintenance of learning curricula and career development pathways for attorneys.

  • Conduct training audits and needs assessments to identify skill gaps, learning priorities, and development opportunities.

  • Build competency-based learning programs, including courses, materials, and job aids.

  • Partner with firm leadership, practice groups, Human Resources, and Employee Relations to develop and deliver impactful training initiatives.

  • Facilitate training programs and serve as a learning and development resource across the firm.

  • Measure program effectiveness, track learning outcomes, and recommend continuous improvements.

  • Manage learning systems, content libraries, and related learning and development processes.

  • Drive firmwide learning initiatives that support employee growth, performance, and business objectives.

What We’re Looking For:

  • Growt h Mindset: Self-motivated with a passion for continuous learning to improve knowledge and generate innovative ideas.

  • Communication: Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.

  • Detail-Oriented: Demonstrate careful attention to detail, anticipate challenges, and effectively manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.

Required Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree required, JD or other advanced degree preferred.

  • Minimum of two years of experience in attorney professional development, learning and development, talent development, or a related function.

  • Strong project management and organizational skills.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Ballard Spahr offers an excellent benefits package. A summary of available benefits can be found here in the Careers section of the firm’s website.

Ready to Grow with Us?

If you are ready to play a vital role in the firm’s success, we encourage you to apply and be a part of our commitment to excellence.

At Ballard Spahr, we believe that our skills, perspectives, and backgrounds drive innovation and excellence, while our unique culture fosters collaboration and success. Our culture of thriving together forms the cornerstone of how we deliver exceptional service and position our firm for a strong future. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Ballard Spahr is an equal opportunity employer. We offer equal consideration to all qualified applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, handicap or disability, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, genetic information, ancestry, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law.

The firm is not accepting resumes from search firms for this position.