Executive Development Professional Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of business, the need for Executive Development Professionals is more critical than ever.
As businesses evolve, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can shape, cultivate, and protect the leadership pipeline of organizations.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s actually expected from an Executive Development Professional?
Whether you are:
- An aspiring executive seeking to understand the nuances of this role,
- A talent acquisition specialist looking for the perfect fit,
- Or simply interested in the complex realm of executive development,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a comprehensive Executive Development Professional job description template, devised for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s get started.
Executive Development Professional Duties and Responsibilities
Executive Development Professionals focus on enhancing the performance of the executive team by identifying and addressing their developmental needs.
They work with executives to foster leadership skills and ensure organizational success.
They have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Assess the developmental needs of executives and senior management
- Design and implement executive development programs
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the development programs and make necessary adjustments
- Collaborate with human resources and management to understand organizational goals and align development programs accordingly
- Facilitate workshops, coaching sessions, and other training activities for executives
- Identify and source external training providers as needed
- Stay abreast of the latest trends in executive education and incorporate them into the development programs
- Support the succession planning process by preparing high-potential employees for future leadership roles
Executive Development Professional Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking an experienced and driven Executive Development Professional to lead our executive education and development initiatives.
The successful candidate will be responsible for creating, implementing, and managing leadership development programs designed to support and enhance the skills of our top-level executives.
Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of executive coaching, mentorship, and talent development with a proven track record of developing effective leadership strategies.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement executive development programs
- Conduct individual assessments to identify executive development needs
- Provide one-on-one executive coaching and mentoring
- Facilitate group sessions and workshops
- Develop succession planning strategies and initiatives
- Evaluate the effectiveness of development programs and implement improvements
- Work closely with HR and management to align development programs with company goals
- Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in executive development
Qualifications
- Proven experience in a similar role or in executive coaching and leadership development
- Strong understanding of executive mentoring and coaching techniques
- Ability to design and implement effective development programs
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
- Professional certification in executive coaching or leadership development is a plus
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Continuous professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Executive Development Professional
- Work Environment: Office setting with occasional travel for leadership retreats and workshops.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Human Resources or Chief Executive Officer.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $150,000 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 Executive Development Professional Do?
Executive Development Professionals primarily work in the field of human resources and talent management, specifically focusing on the development of an organization’s executives and high-potential employees.
Their main responsibility is to identify, develop, and implement programs and strategies to enhance the skills, competencies, and capabilities of executives within an organization.
This includes leadership development, strategic thinking, decision-making, team building, and various other executive-level skills.
They assess the current skills and competencies of executives, identify areas for improvement or development, and provide or facilitate training and development opportunities.
This often involves providing one-on-one coaching, mentoring, or facilitating group training sessions.
Executive Development Professionals also work closely with other human resources personnel, as well as top management, to align development strategies with the organization’s overall goals and objectives.
They may also be responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of executive development programs and making necessary adjustments to ensure they are meeting the needs of the organization and its executives.
In addition, they may help in succession planning, by preparing potential leaders for higher positions within the organization.
They may also collaborate with educational institutions or other external resources to design and deliver executive training programs.
Overall, the role of an Executive Development Professional is crucial for fostering leadership and driving the strategic growth of an organization.
Executive Development Professional Qualifications and Skills
Executive Development Professionals require a unique blend of leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills, as well as industry-specific knowledge, such as:
- Strong leadership skills to guide, inspire, and foster growth among executives and other employees within the organization.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with executives, identify their needs, and deliver targeted development programs.
- Strategic thinking and analytical skills to assess current executive talent, identify gaps, and develop plans to enhance the skills of the organization’s leaders.
- Expertise in program development and delivery to design and implement engaging and effective executive training and development programs.
- Proficiency in various teaching methodologies to cater to diverse learning styles and facilitate effective learning experiences.
- Ability to measure and evaluate the impact of development programs on individual and organizational performance.
- Knowledge of industry trends, best practices in leadership development, and current challenges to provide relevant and future-focused training.
- High degree of emotional intelligence to understand, empathize and respond to the needs of executives.
- Project management skills to oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of development initiatives.
Executive Development Professional Experience Requirements
Executive Development Professionals generally require substantial experience, often a minimum of 5 to 7 years in a relevant field such as human resources, business administration, or management.
They should have a strong background in training and development, organizational development, or a related field.
Entry-level professionals in this field often start their career journey in roles such as Human Resources Assistant, Training Specialist, or Organizational Development Consultant.
They can gain hands-on experience in designing, facilitating, and managing training programs.
With more than 3 years of experience, these professionals often progress to roles such as Learning and Development Specialist or Training Manager, where they take on increased responsibility for developing and implementing training strategies.
Executive Development Professionals with more than 5 years of experience often have significant leadership experience.
They may have experience managing a team of trainers, overseeing strategic initiatives, or developing executive-level training programs.
Those with more than 7 years of experience are typically ready for high-level roles such as Director of Learning and Development or Chief Learning Officer, where they lead and manage all aspects of a company’s executive development strategy.
In addition, these professionals often hold advanced degrees in human resources, business administration, or a related field, which provide them with the theoretical knowledge to complement their practical experience.
Executive Development Professional Education and Training Requirements
Executive Development Professionals typically possess a bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, organizational development, or a related field.
Their education often focuses on areas such as business strategy, leadership, organizational behavior, and human resources, providing them with the foundational knowledge required to develop and implement effective executive training programs.
Advanced roles often require a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a related field, with a focus on leadership and organizational development.
This advanced education can equip professionals with the strategic thinking and leadership skills needed for executive-level roles.
In addition to formal education, practical experience in a leadership role or in executive development is often required.
This allows professionals to gain a solid understanding of the challenges and needs of executives in a business setting.
Professional certification, such as the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) from the Association for Talent Development (ATD), can also be beneficial.
These certifications showcase a professional’s expertise in areas such as learning program design, coaching, and talent management.
Continuous professional development is also essential in this role, as it allows Executive Development Professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest theories, tools, and strategies for executive education and leadership development.
Executive Development Professional Salary Expectations
An Executive Development Professional earns an average salary of $105,000 (USD) per year.
However, the actual salary may vary based on factors such as individual experience, education, the size and sector of the company, and the geographical location.
Executive Development Professional Job Description FAQs
What skills does an Executive Development Professional need?
An Executive Development Professional needs strong communication skills, leadership abilities, and strategic thinking.
They need to be able to analyze data and identify areas of improvement.
They should also have a strong understanding of business operations and management practices.
They need to be skilled at coaching and mentoring, and have the ability to develop and implement effective training programs.
Do Executive Development Professionals need a degree?
While it’s not always required, most Executive Development Professionals hold at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, organizational psychology, or a related field.
Many also have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or related field.
Further education or certification in executive coaching or leadership development can be advantageous.
What should you look for in an Executive Development Professional’s resume?
Look for a strong background in business management, human resources, or executive coaching.
They should have experience in developing and implementing executive training programs.
Check for any certifications in executive coaching or leadership development.
Also, look for any indications of their ability to influence and persuade, as this is crucial in effectively helping executives improve their skills and performance.
What qualities make a good Executive Development Professional?
A good Executive Development Professional is a strategic thinker, able to identify areas of improvement and create effective training programs to address those areas.
They are influential and persuasive, capable of encouraging executives to make necessary changes.
They also demonstrate empathy and strong interpersonal skills, as they often work closely with individuals in high-stress, high-stakes situations.
Finally, they are lifelong learners, committed to staying current with the latest trends and best practices in executive leadership.
What is the role of an Executive Development Professional in an organization?
The role of an Executive Development Professional in an organization is to identify the development needs of the company’s executives and senior management and to design and deliver training programs to meet those needs.
They play a crucial role in ensuring that the company’s leaders are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to drive the organization towards its strategic goals.
They may also provide one-on-one coaching to executives, helping them to improve their leadership skills and performance.
Conclusion
So there you have it.
Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of what it really means to be an Executive Development Professional.
And guess what?
It’s not just about managing teams and achieving objectives.
It’s about shaping the corporate world, one decision at a time.
With our definitive Executive Development Professional job description template and real-world examples, you’re well equipped to make that leap.
But why stop there?
Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precision-crafted listings or sculpting your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every strategic decision forms a part of a larger vision.
Let’s shape that future. Together.
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