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$33.5K

$81.6K

$141K

How much do rural development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for rural development specialist in the United States is $81,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $99,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does rural development pay?

Rural Development Specialists typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can vary based on government agency, nonprofit organization, or consulting firm, and the role often requires knowledge of community planning, grants, and policy analysis.

What is a Rural Development Specialist job?

A Rural Development Specialist works to improve the economic, social, and environmental conditions of rural communities. They assess community needs, develop programs, and collaborate with local governments, nonprofits, and businesses to promote sustainable growth. Their responsibilities may include project management, policy advocacy, and securing funding for development initiatives. This role often requires knowledge of agriculture, infrastructure, and economic development strategies.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

A Rural Development Specialist typically requires relevant experience and knowledge of rural communities, but high-paying roles in this field are uncommon without a degree. Generally, jobs that pay $10,000 a month without a degree include skilled trades like commercial pilot, real estate broker, or sales manager, which often rely on experience, certifications, or licensing rather than formal education. These roles may involve self-employment or commission-based income, and success depends on skills, network, and market conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Rural Development Specialist position, and why are they important?

A Rural Development Specialist requires expertise in community development, project management, and socioeconomic analysis, typically supported by a relevant degree such as rural development, agriculture, or social sciences. Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), data analysis software, and development grant management platforms is often necessary, as is knowledge of local government procedures. Excellent communication, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving skills help build stakeholder trust and adapt solutions to diverse rural contexts. These competencies are essential for designing effective development programs and ensuring sustainable positive change in rural communities.

What are some typical projects that Rural Development Specialists work on, and how do they collaborate with local communities?

Rural Development Specialists often work on projects such as infrastructure improvements, agricultural extension programs, economic diversification initiatives, and capacity-building workshops. They typically collaborate closely with local community leaders, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to assess needs, design solutions, and implement programs tailored to the area's unique challenges. Open communication and active stakeholder engagement are key aspects of the role, as specialists facilitate meetings, gather feedback, and ensure that initiatives are both sustainable and community-driven. This collaborative approach not only strengthens project outcomes but also builds lasting relationships that support ongoing rural development.

What is the role of a rural development specialist?

A rural development specialist plans and implements programs to improve economic opportunities, infrastructure, and quality of life in rural areas. They analyze community needs, collaborate with local stakeholders, and often use data analysis and project management skills to promote sustainable growth.

How to make 80000 a year without a degree?

A Rural Development Specialist can potentially earn $80,000 annually through experience, specialized skills, and certifications in areas like project management, grant writing, or community planning. Many roles in rural development offer competitive salaries without requiring a college degree, especially with proven expertise and a strong track record in the field.
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Rural Development Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rural Development Specialist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,632 per year, or $39.2 per hour.
Nonprofit Leadership Program Development Specialist

Nonprofit Leadership Program Development Specialist

North Park University

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$117K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Nonprofit Leadership Program Development Specialist
_______________________________________________

About North Park University
Founded in 1891, North Park University is a Christian university affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church of over 3,200 students from around the country and the world. Located for over 125 years on the land of the Miami and Potawatomi tribes in what is today Chicago's northside, NPU has recently been designated a Hispanic Serving Institution and is committed to serving diverse populations. Elevating North Park University's core distinctives of Christian, city-centered, and intercultural, NPU values diversity among its Faculty and is committed to building a racially and culturally diverse intellectual community, and strongly encourages the nomination and candidacies of persons who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color regardless of gender.

North Park University is located in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago, one of the most ethnically diverse zip codes in the United States. It is nine miles from downtown Chicago. The North Park campus has often been referred to as an oasis in the heart of the city - a place where students from urban, rural, and suburban backgrounds alike can call home. And all of this within the major metropolitan backdrop of Chicago: one of the world's largest and most diversified economies, renowned for its museums and music, and voted best large city in the U.S. for four years in a row by Conde Nast Traveler.

Mission

The mission of North Park University is to prepare students for lives of significance and service through education in the liberal arts, professional studies, and theology.

Vision

Building on our core institutional identity-Christian, city-centered, intercultural-our vision is to create a university of uncommon character and enduring excellence, where faith, learning, and service meet.

About North Park Seminary

North Park Theological Seminary is the denominational seminary of the Evangelical Covenant Church and is part of North Park University. Located for over 125 years on the tribal land of the Miami and Potawatomi tribes in what is today's Chicago's northside, North Park is committed to excellence in both ministerial and academic formation. NPTS offers the following degrees: Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Christian Formation, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Master of Arts in Restorative Justice Ministries (through the School of Restorative Arts at Illinois River Correctional Center). Learn more about the commitments of the Evangelical Covenant Church through these denominational documents: Covenant Affirmations, The Covenant Church and the Bible; The Evangelical Covenant Church and the Ministry of Compassion, Mercy, and Justice; Baptism in the Evangelical Covenant Church; Called and

Gifted; Human Sexuality and the Ethic of Marriage and Singleness.

Position Summary

The Program Development Specialist will play a key role in the grant-funded One Covenant Community project, aimed to strengthen the ecosystem of pastoral leadership, by designing and delivering nonprot leadership training and capacity-building resources for partner organizations across the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). This position will leverage the expertise and networks of NPU's Axelson Center for Nonprot Management to strengthen institutional sustainability and leadership effectiveness within the Covenant ecosystem. This is a, 80% FTE, benets-eligible 5-year (2026-2030), grant-funded position, which will report to the Project Director.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Program Design & Development

  • Create and adapt nonprot leadership training modules tailored to ECC conferences, camps, and affiliated organizations.
  • Develop curricula focused on fundraising, governance, nancial management, and organizational leadership.
  • Ensure programs are accessible and relevant for diverse contexts, including small and mid-sized ministries.

2.ย  Training & Facilitation

  • Identify and secure content experts to offer capacity-building workshops, webinars, and learning cohorts for partner organizations
  • Coordinate with ECC leaders and NPTS faculty to integrate nonprot competencies into continuing education offerings.
  • Provide coaching and consultation to partner institutions on capacity-building strategies.

3. Collaboration & Integration

  • Work closely with the One Covenant Community project team to align training with broader grant objectives.
  • Partner with denominational leaders to identify common needs and design scalable solutions.
  • Contribute to shared resource development for the centralized continuing education hub.

4. Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

  • Collect feedback from participants and assess program effectiveness.
  • Adjust content and delivery methods based on evaluation data and emerging needs.
  • Support reporting requirements for grant evaluation and sustainability planning.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's in Nonprot Management, Business, or related eld preferred.
  • Experience in nonprot leadership, training, or capacity-building programs.
  • Strong facilitation and communication skills.
  • Ability to design curriculum and deliver training in both in-person and virtual formats.
  • Ability to work across diverse settings and groups.
  • Familiarity with faith-based or denominational contexts preferred.

Salary Range for this position is $47,000 to $55,000, depending on experience.


Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Training & Development

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