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Student Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Utah

Development Specialist

Campus, IL · On-site

$43K - $60K/yr

The Student Engagement Specialist will work closely with student leaders and campus partners to ... fostering leadership development, nurturing a philanthropic spirit, encouraging student ...

University of Utah

Development Specialist

Campus, IL · On-site

$43K - $60K/yr

The Student Engagement Specialist will work closely with student leaders and campus partners to ... fostering leadership development, nurturing a philanthropic spirit, encouraging student ...

University of Utah

Development Specialist

Campus, IL · On-site

$43K - $60K/yr

The Student Engagement Specialist will work closely with student leaders and campus partners to ... fostering leadership development, nurturing a philanthropic spirit, encouraging student ...

University of Utah

Development Specialist

Campus, IL · On-site

$43K - $60K/yr

The Student Engagement Specialist will work closely with student leaders and campus partners to ... fostering leadership development, nurturing a philanthropic spirit, encouraging student ...

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Student Development Specialist information

See salary details

$11K

$47.9K

$66.5K

How much do student development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 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.

More about Student Development Specialist jobs
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:
What job categories do people searching Student Development Specialist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Student Development Specialist jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Student Development Specialist jobs? For Student Development Specialist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Student Development Specialist jobs near you
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.
Child Development Specialist

Child Development Specialist

Positive Development

Freehold, NJ • On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago

Positive Development rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Title: Child Development Specialist
Work Location: Freehold, NJ & Surrounding Areas
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $22-$28 per hour
Our Mission:
Make a real impact. Build real skills. Grow with us.
At Positive Development, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive and every burgeoning professional deserves meaningful work that builds real skills for the future.
We work one-on-one with autistic children, helping them build communication, social, and daily living skills through play-based, relationship-focused interactions.
Why This Role is Different:
This isn't a passive "observe and assist" job. You'll be actively coaching, connecting, and helping children grow; while gaining experience that's highly relevant for careers in:
  • Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Speech Language Pathology
  • Education and Special Education
  • Counseling
  • Medicine and Health

This work is deeply rewarding, but it requires patience, emotional maturity, and commitment. You'll be supported every step of the way by experienced clinicians and supervisors who are invested in your growth.
We're especially excited to meet candidates who are:
  • Passionate about working with children and teens
  • Curious about human development and learning
  • Patient, empathetic, and enthusiastic
  • Reliable and committed to a consistent schedule (kids depend on consistency!)
  • Comfortable working directly with families in home-based setting

Great fits include:
Education majors, psychology students, pre-meds, nursing students, OT/SLP hopefuls, behavior technicians, camp counselors, teacher's assistants, childcare providers, direct support professionals, and caregivers.
What you'll do as a Child Development Specialist:
You'll work one-on-one with children in their homes and/or center based to:
  • Build communication, social, and daily living skills through play, conversation, and shared activities
  • Create meaningful connections that help children think, create, and engage with the world
  • Follow a relationship-based intervention model designed to achieve strong outcomes with fewer session hours
  • Track progress by documenting session notes and goal outcomes
  • Collaborate closely with clinicians and supervisors to build clinical skills and confidence
  • Learn how evidence-based developmental care works in real life, not just in textbooks

Pay and Schedules:
  • Direct Pay: $22-$28/hour (based on experience and education)
  • Training / Admin Pay: $20/hour
  • Part-time schedules:
  • 3, 4, or 5 days per week M-F (most available hours are 3pm-8pm)
  • Or Saturday and Sunday (most available hours are between 9a-3pm)
  • Paid drive time + mileage reimbursement (IRS rate) between clients

This role is ideal for students balancing classes, internships, or graduate school.
Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or GED (must be 18+)
  • Valid driver's license + reliable transportation (30-40 min drive radius).
  • Ability to complete physical tasks, including:
  • Playing on the floor/ground for up to two-three hours per session
  • Lifting/carrying up to 40 lbs
  • Sitting, kneeling, crouching, or moving quickly to ensure child safety
  • Strong communication skills and professionalism with families and teammates

Training, growth, and career development:
We invest in you because strong clinicians start with strong support.
  • You don't need to be an expert- we'll train you.
  • Paid New Hire Training
  • Ongoing coaching and mentorship from expert clinicians
  • Opportunities for role progression, pay increases, and performance bonuses
  • Exposure to a cutting-edge model of autism care with measurable outcome

Benefits and Perks:
  • $1000 Referral Bonus
  • Monthly Technology Stipend
  • Paid drive time at admin rate + mileage reimbursement between clients
  • Paid training
  • Strong performers may request letters of recommendation for graduate or professional programs

Positive Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Employment is contingent upon clearing a background check and successful completion of training.

Apply