Professional Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The University of Southern Maine (USM) is seeking an experienced Director of Professional Development Programs. The ideal candidate will possess demonstrated success in driving sales and business development, a strong background in training, development and design, exemplary communication and marketing skills, and a commitment to excellence and innovation. 

The Director of Professional Development Programs will be responsible for developing and delivering a portfolio of high-impact, revenue-generating courses and experiences through the University of Southern Maine's Professional Development Programs (PDP). Through direct outreach and relationship building with internal and external stakeholders, the Director strengthens the University's regional presence through workforce development. The Director works closely with industry leaders and community partners to manage and strengthen partnerships to design and implement programs that meet market demand, generate revenue, and contribute to the University's financial and strategic goals.

The Professional Development Programs Office offers a wide spectrum of programs, including micro-credentials, CEUs, professional national or state certificates, USM certificates, general training, custom training, and workshops. In addition, the PDP Office provides strategic consultation, offering a variety of course modalities that meet the development needs of its customer base. 

Candidates should have a successful history in business development, program planning and administration and coordination, with excellent networking and relationship management skills. Successful candidates must be able to conceptualize ideas and make sound decisions. 

This is a full-time in person position located on our Portland Campus with an annual salary of up to $85,000.

The University of Southern Maine offers highly competitive benefits for full-time and eligible part-time employees that includes (but is not limited to):

• 13 paid holidays plus earned vacation time and sick time.
• Health, dental and vision insurance.
• Low-cost short-term disability insurance and employer-paid long-term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance.
• A tuition waiver program for employees and their spouse or dependent child(ren).
• A 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Free access to the METRO system, including the Husky Line with service between our Portland and Gorham campuses.

To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary.  

The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond.  USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University. 

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement.  We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.

We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with five years' experience or a Master's degree with seven years of experience in sales/business development, leadership, human resources, sociology, industrial psychology or related field.
• Ability to understand and sell the value of professional development internally and externally, translating the identified needs into instructional models.
• Demonstrated business acumen, account management and entrepreneurialism. 
• Experience managing complex budgets and demonstrated success with meeting or exceeding revenue/budget goals.
• Demonstrated strategic experience in leadership, organizational development, or professional development.
• Proven ability to bring together external consultants and internal stakeholders to achieve objectives.
• Active listening skills and the ability to translate complex business problems into actionable training modules.

To apply, click on the 'Apply Now' or visit our USM Careers Page and submit the following:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Finalist candidates will be asked to provide a list of the names and contact information for references. 

For full consideration please submit all required materials by July 16, 2026.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

Clery Act:

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. View the University's Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.