Employee Development Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving landscape of business, the role of an Employee Development Specialist has become more crucial than ever.

As businesses strive to improve performance and productivity, the demand for professionals who can nurture, develop, and maintain their human capital intensifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from an Employee Development Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of employee development,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Employee Development Specialist job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Employee Development Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Employee Development Specialists are primarily responsible for assessing, designing, and implementing development programs within a company to maximize and enhance employee performance, productivity, and skill sets.

They play an essential role in ensuring that employees are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their roles effectively and evolve with the company’s changing needs.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing the skills, performance and productivity of employees
• Identifying training and development needs within the organization through regular consultation with business managers and human resources departments
• Designing and implementing effective training programs
• Developing coaching and mentoring programs
• Coordinating and facilitating leadership and soft skills training workshops
• Creating individual learning plans based on job roles and performance gaps
• Evaluating the effectiveness of training programs and making necessary improvements
• Maintaining records of employee participation in all training and development programs
• Staying abreast with the latest trends in training and development
• Collaborating with management to identify company training needs and align them with business objectives

 

Employee Development Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Employee Development Specialist to assist us in creating and implementing employee development plans and programs.

The specialist will identify training needs, design educational material, and ensure staff members get the training and development opportunities they need to improve their skills and achieve their career goals.

Our ideal candidate is experienced in designing training programs, knowledgeable about learning management systems, and has a passion for talent development.

The successful candidate should be committed to keeping abreast of the new trends and techniques in employee development.

 

Responsibilities

• Design and implement effective training and development programs.
• Conduct skills gap analysis to identify areas of improvement.
• Monitor employee performance and response to training.
• Coordinate and manage training sessions, workshops, and seminars.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and recommend improvements.
• Collaborate with management to identify company training needs.
• Oversee and maintain in-house training facilities and equipment.
• Develop and maintain a learning management system and other training tools.
• Prepare and present reports on training activities and results.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest employee development programs and trends.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Employee Development Specialist or similar role.
• Experience in course design and techniques for adult learning.
• Knowledge of learning management software.
• Familiarity with traditional and modern training methods and techniques.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to conduct cost-benefit analysis and calculate training ROI.
• Track record in designing and executing successful training programs.
• BSc degree in Education, Human Resources or relevant field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuous professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Employee Development Specialist
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional travel for training workshops and seminars.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Human Resources Manager or Training and Development Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $58,600 minimum to $98,500 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Employee Development Specialist Do?

Employee Development Specialists typically work for corporations across industries, particularly in human resources departments or as independent consultants.

Their primary role is to create, implement, and evaluate employee training and development programs to improve the skills and knowledge of the company’s workforce.

They work closely with management and human resources to identify the company’s training needs and develop appropriate learning solutions.

They may also be responsible for conducting employee training sessions, seminars, workshops, individual training sessions, and educational programs.

In addition, they monitor the effectiveness of these programs and make necessary adjustments to ensure they meet company goals and employees’ professional development needs.

The Employee Development Specialist also tracks the progress of individuals and teams, providing feedback and guidance to help employees develop their skills and careers.

They may also help in talent management and succession planning, helping the company identify and nurture future leaders.

Overall, the Employee Development Specialist plays a critical role in enhancing the skills and competencies of employees, thus improving the overall productivity and performance of the organization.

 

Employee Development Specialist Qualifications and Skills

An Employee Development Specialist should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Strong knowledge and understanding of training and development principles and ability to devise and implement effective training programs.
• Exceptional communication skills to effectively disseminate training material and concepts to employees, and to listen and understand their development needs.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for building relationships with all levels of employees and management, as well as facilitating communication between them.
• Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and modify them as necessary using analytical skills.
• Organization skills to manage multiple training programs, schedules, and other duties simultaneously.
• Adaptability to adjust training methods and strategies based on the specific needs and learning styles of different employees.
• Proficiency in using technology for creating, delivering, and tracking training programs.
• Problem-solving skills to find effective solutions for potential obstacles to employee development.
• A degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field. Relevant certifications in training or organizational development may be preferred.

 

Employee Development Specialist Experience Requirements

Employee Development Specialists usually have a Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, psychology, or a related field.

They are required to have a substantial amount of experience, often around 3 to 5 years, in human resources, training, or related areas.

Entry-level Employee Development Specialists may have acquired experience through internships or part-time roles in human resource departments or training and development organizations.

They might have experience in roles such as HR Assistant, Training Coordinator, or Employee Relations Specialist.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have generally honed their skills in areas such as employee training, program development, performance management, and employee engagement strategies.

They are typically familiar with a variety of training methods, including on-the-job training, mentoring programs, e-learning, and workshops.

Those with over 5 years of experience often have a track record of designing and implementing successful development programs, and they have likely managed teams or projects.

They may have a deeper understanding of organizational development, change management, and leadership development.

Such professionals may be ready for a leadership or managerial position within the employee development field.

In addition, certifications such as Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) or SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) can be an added advantage, showcasing a specialist’s commitment to their professional development and keeping up-to-date with industry standards.

 

Employee Development Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Employee Development Specialists typically require a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, psychology, or a related field.

In addition to their formal education, they need a comprehensive understanding of organizational development principles, adult learning theories, and instructional design methodologies.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in organizational development, human resources, or a related field.

This is more common for senior or strategic roles within larger organizations.

Certifications, such as the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) or the Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), although not always required, can help demonstrate the specialist’s professional competence and commitment to the field.

Employee Development Specialists are also expected to continually update their skills and knowledge through professional development courses, workshops, and seminars, reflecting their dedication to learning and staying updated with the latest trends in employee development and training.

 

Employee Development Specialist Salary Expectations

An Employee Development Specialist earns an average salary of $62,460 (USD) per year.

The actual income can fluctuate depending on factors such as the specialist’s level of experience, educational background, the location of work, and the specific company that employs them.

 

Employee Development Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Employee Development Specialist need?

Employee Development Specialists should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they will be interacting with individuals at all levels of an organization.

They should possess strong analytical skills to assess the training needs of a company and to evaluate the effectiveness of training programs.

They should also have good presentation skills to deliver training programs and a background in human resources or business management can be beneficial.

 

Do Employee Development Specialists need a degree?

Most Employee Development Specialists have a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, psychology, or a related field.

Some positions may also require a master’s degree.

In addition to formal education, they should have several years of experience in training and development or human resources.

Certifications in training and development can also be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in an Employee Development Specialist resume?

Look for a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and several years of experience in training and development or human resources.

Check for experience in developing and implementing training programs, evaluating their effectiveness, and managing training budgets.

Also, look for skills such as communication, presentation, and analytical skills.

Certifications in training and development can be an added advantage.

 

What qualities make a good Employee Development Specialist?

A good Employee Development Specialist is a strong communicator, able to interact effectively with individuals at all levels of an organization.

They should be good at problem-solving and have the ability to think strategically about the training needs of a company.

They should also be organized, able to manage multiple projects at once, and have a strong understanding of the business and its goals.

 

What are the daily duties of an Employee Development Specialist?

On a typical day, an Employee Development Specialist may meet with managers to identify training needs, develop and implement training programs, evaluate the effectiveness of these programs, and make adjustments as necessary.

They may also spend time researching the latest training methods and technologies, managing training budgets, and providing coaching or mentoring to employees.

They also often play a role in succession planning and leadership development within the company.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve pulled back the veil to reveal what it truly means to be an Employee Development Specialist.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about conducting training sessions.

It’s about sculpting the workforce of the future, one employee at a time.

Armed with our definitive Employee Development Specialist job description template and concrete examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why limit yourself?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards laser-focused job listings or polishing your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every employee development strategy is a piece of the larger corporate puzzle.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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