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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 ...

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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 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:
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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.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Family Service League Inc.

Huntington Station, NY • On-site

$40K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Established in 1926, Family Service League is a social services agency transforming lives and communities through mental health, addiction, housing, and essential human services with more than 60 social service programs in over 20 locations.


SCHEDULE:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10am-6pm

Wednesday 12pm-8pm

At least one weekend activity per month for program activities

* Flexibility with schedule is required.


SUMMARY:

Family Service League is seeking a full-time Youth Development Specialist for our Huntington Family Center. The Youth Development Specialist will engage school aged youth and families in planned recreational and enrichment activities. The candidate will also engage in community outreach to promote program growth and community partnerships.


We offer a generous benefits package including the following:

  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Retirement Savings Plan with a 5% employer contribution
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Generous PTO (paid time off)
  • Up to 11 paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Student Tuition Remission Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Employee Discounts and more!


RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • The Youth Development Specialist will be responsible for assessing needs of the community that will impact school aged youth and their families.
  • Coordinate and facilitate all recreation and education activities for school aged youth and their families.
  • Collaborate with the Director to develop community partnerships to grow and enhance programs for youth and families.
  • The Youth Development Specialist will accurately and timely enter and update documentation into client record in the database.
  • Work collaboratively with parents, school personnel and other community resources.
  • Represent the agency in community-based initiatives.
  • Provide training, oversight and guidance to volunteers.
  • The Youth Development Specialist will complete program trainings as assigned.
  • Co-facilitate/participate in other center sponsored activities.
  • Understand and support FSL’s mission, organization-wide goals and program objectives.
  • All other duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate Degree required.

At least two years working with children in a recreational or educational setting required.

Knowledge of child development required.

Excellent organizational, time management and verbal and written communication skills required.

Ability to multitask and work in a high-volume community based family center.

Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office required.

Valid and clean NYS Driver’s License required.

Spanish Bilingual preferred.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position often requires sitting and working at a computer for extended periods of time, traveling to different FSL offices, community events, home visits, etc.