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Student Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Student Development Specialist The Student Engagement Specialist serves alongside LYTE staff to support middle and high school students in their academic, social, and personal growth. This role ...

The Student Development Specialist will oversee the initial advising of students in undergraduate programs for the College of Business, Health, and Human Services (CBHHS) and will be responsible for ...

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Student Development Specialist information

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$11K

$47.9K

$66.5K

How much do student development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for student development specialist in the United States is $47,901.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $53,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Student Development Specialist?

A Student Development Specialist is a professional who supports students’ personal, academic, and social growth within educational institutions, such as colleges or universities. They design and implement programs, advise students, and help create a positive campus environment. Their work often includes mentoring, organizing workshops, and collaborating with faculty to address student needs. The goal is to enhance student engagement, retention, and overall success throughout their educational journey.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Student Development Specialist, and why are they important?

To excel as a Student Development Specialist, you need a background in education, counseling, or student affairs, often supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with student information systems, career assessment tools, and event management software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication are crucial for supporting diverse student populations and fostering growth. These competencies enable specialists to create impactful programs, guide student success, and build inclusive campus communities.

How does a Student Development Specialist typically collaborate with faculty and other campus departments to support student success?

Student Development Specialists often work closely with faculty members, academic advisors, and campus support services to create a holistic support system for students. They may coordinate workshops, facilitate communication between departments, and participate in committees focused on student retention and engagement. By collaborating across campus, these specialists help identify student needs early and connect individuals with appropriate resources, ensuring a supportive and cohesive environment that promotes academic and personal growth.

What is the difference between Student Development Specialist vs Academic Advisor?

AspectStudent Development SpecialistAcademic Advisor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often in education, counseling, or related fieldsBachelor's degree in education, counseling, or related fields
Work EnvironmentHigher education institutions, student support centersColleges, universities, academic departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in colleges and universities to support student growthCommonly employed in academic settings to guide students' course choices
Primary FocusHolistic student development, life skills, career readinessAcademic planning, course registration, degree progress

While both roles support students, Student Development Specialists focus on overall personal and professional growth, whereas Academic Advisors primarily assist with academic planning and course selection. Understanding these differences helps students find the right support for their needs.

What Does a Student Development Specialist Do?

As a student development specialist, your responsibilities include providing counseling to a group of students to ensure successful academic performance, retention, and graduation. You also offer intervention programs and services to help students develop self-esteem and relationships, set goals, and contribute to the overall quality of student life. You are also expected to help coordinate large group activities, cultural enrichment programs, and events. Other duties include monitoring academic progress, assisting in the financial aid process, maintaining student and administrative records, entering data into a database, and helping plan in-service training programs.

What cities are hiring for Student Development Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Student Development Specialist job openings:
What states have the most Student Development Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Student Development Specialist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Student Development Specialist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,901 per year, or $23 per hour.
Student Development Specialist

Student Development Specialist

AmeriCorps

On-site

Part-time

Posted yesterday


AmeriCorps rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

448th of 645 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Student Development Specialist
The Student Engagement Specialist serves alongside LYTE staff to support middle and high school students in their academic, social, and personal growth. This role ensures students stay engaged in programming, encourages their readiness for high school, college, and careers, and supports families in navigating opportunities. The Specialist helps implement curricula, maintains systems for tracking student progress, and creates a positive, structured learning environment where students feel connected, empowered, and valued.
Member Duties : Support the design and delivery of academic, enrichment, and leadership programming throughout the year, including summer sessions. Provide guidance to students as they explore high school, college, and career pathways. Build strong connections with families, schools, and community partners to support student success. Plan and help lead student events and enrichment activities that foster growth and engagement. Track and use data to inform instruction, monitor progress, and strengthen program outcomes. Collaborate with teammates to share updates, problem-solve, and continually improve programming.
Program Benefits : Education award upon successful completion of service , Stipend .
Terms :
Car recommended .
Service Areas :
Children/Youth , Education .
Skills :
Community Organization , Team Work , General Skills , Youth Development , Writing/Editing , Education , Teaching/Tutoring , Communications

What AmeriCorps employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


AmeriCorps logo

About AmeriCorps

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities.

Industry

Charitable organizations

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

1993