Professional Development Educator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving landscape of the professional world, the demand for Professional Development Educators is continually growing.

As industries progress and job roles evolve, the need for skilled educators who can guide, enhance, and secure our professional development journey escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from a Professional Development Educator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to comprehend the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the intricacies of professional development education,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable Professional Development Educator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Professional Development Educator Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Development Educators are primarily responsible for the training and development of an organization’s employees or members.

They create, implement, and manage programs designed to enhance employees’ skills and knowledge, helping them grow professionally.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing the training needs of the organization or the individual employees through job analysis, career paths, and consultation with managers
• Developing and implementing learning strategies and programs
• Designing and creating training manuals, online learning modules, and course materials
• Reviewing and selecting training materials from a variety of vendors
• Conducting seminars, workshops, individual training sessions etc.
• Planning and implementing specific training programs for staff development, and onboarding process
• Monitoring and evaluating training program’s effectiveness and making necessary changes
• Managing the annual training budget
• Maintaining a database of all training materials
• Keeping abreast of training trends, developments and best practices

 

Professional Development Educator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced Professional Development Educator to facilitate continuous learning and professional growth within our organization.

The role involves developing and implementing training programs, creating educational materials, and providing guidance to staff members.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of adult learning theories, instructional design, and training methodologies.

They will be dedicated to fostering an environment of continuous improvement and innovation.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess training needs and skill gaps within the organization
• Design and implement professional development programs
• Create engaging learning materials and resources
• Facilitate training sessions, workshops, and other learning opportunities
• Track employee performance and feedback to adjust training programs as needed
• Stay current with the latest trends and advancements in professional development
• Collaborate with management to identify long-term training needs
• Measure the effectiveness of training programs and courses
• Mentor and coach employees to help them develop their skills
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, standards, and laws

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Professional Development Educator or similar role
• Knowledge of instructional design theory and implementation
• Experience designing and implementing curriculum plans
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Ability to assess training needs and create programs that meet these needs
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency in MS Office and Learning Management Systems (LMS)
• BSc/BA degree in Education, Training, HR or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professional Development Educator
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional travel for conferences or workshops
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Human Resources or Learning and Development Manager
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $85,000 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 a Professional Development Educator Do?

A Professional Development Educator, also known as a training and development specialist, works across various industries to enhance the skills and knowledge of employees.

They assess the needs of an organization and develop training programs accordingly to improve the productivity and efficiency of its employees.

They design and implement educational and training programs, which can be delivered through workshops, seminars, individual coaching, online courses, or on-the-job training.

These programs may cover a wide range of topics, including industry-specific knowledge, general business principles, leadership skills, communication techniques, and software proficiency.

They also evaluate the effectiveness of these training sessions, taking into account participant feedback, observing job performance, and conducting tests or assessments to measure learning outcomes.

Professional Development Educators often collaborate with managers and supervisors to identify the individual training needs of employees and create personalized development plans.

They also keep up-to-date with the latest trends and advances in educational methods and technology to ensure that their training programs remain relevant and effective.

Moreover, they are responsible for managing training budgets, sourcing and liaising with external training providers, and ensuring that all training activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations.

 

Professional Development Educator Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Professional Development Educator should have the skills and qualifications that meet your job requirements, such as:

• Understanding of adult learning principles and ability to apply them in training sessions and educational materials to meet the diverse needs of learners.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills to deliver complex information in an engaging, easy-to-understand manner.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills to interact with people at all levels of an organization and foster a culture of continuous learning.
• Ability to design, develop and implement learning programs that meet organizational goals and individual career development objectives.
• Research skills to stay updated on the latest developments in the field of education and to incorporate these into professional development programs.
• Experience with instructional design and e-learning platforms to make learning accessible and engaging.
• Problem-solving skills to address any barriers to learning and to adapt programs as necessary based on feedback.
• Organizational and project management skills to coordinate multiple training programs simultaneously.

 

Professional Development Educator Experience Requirements

Professional Development Educators typically need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field.

Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree or higher, especially in adult education or instructional design.

Entry-level candidates usually need about 1 to 2 years of relevant experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in educational settings.

This could include roles as a teacher, instructional designer, curriculum developer, or learning consultant.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are often sought after for their more advanced skills and knowledge.

They may have started their careers in teaching or other educational roles and transitioned into professional development, gaining valuable experience in designing and implementing training programs.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field are often considered experts.

They may have extensive experience with various training methods and technologies, as well as a proven track record of improving learning outcomes.

At this stage, educators could be ready for a leadership or managerial role in a professional development department.

In addition, successful Professional Development Educators often have experience with project management, strategic planning, and evaluation, as these skills are essential for developing and implementing effective professional learning programs.

 

Professional Development Educator Education and Training Requirements

Professional Development Educators typically hold a bachelor’s degree in education, human resources, business, or a related field.

In addition to this, they often have a strong foundation in adult education, instructional design, and employee training.

Some roles may require a master’s degree in education, specifically in areas such as adult education or organizational development.

Certain roles may also require certification from professional bodies like the Association for Talent Development (ATD) or the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).

Experience in teaching or training is usually necessary for these roles.

This experience allows Professional Development Educators to understand how to design and deliver effective training programs.

Professional Development Educators are expected to engage in continuous learning to stay updated with the latest educational theories, technologies, and methodologies.

Advanced training or certification in areas such as technology integration, online learning, or specific professional or industry trends can enhance a Professional Development Educator’s skills and career prospects.

Finally, in some cases, Professional Development Educators may be required to be licensed teachers or educators, especially if they are working within a school system or other educational institution.

 

Professional Development Educator Salary Expectations

A Professional Development Educator can expect to earn an average salary of $63,914 (USD) per year.

This salary can fluctuate based on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, the size and type of the employing organization, and the geographical location of the job.

 

Professional Development Educator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Professional Development Educator need?

A Professional Development Educator should have strong communication and presentation skills, as they have to deliver complex information in an understandable manner.

They should also have the ability to assess the needs of their audience and tailor their training programs accordingly.

In addition, good interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to motivate others are also crucial.

 

Do Professional Development Educators need a specific degree?

While a specific degree may not be necessary, a Professional Development Educator usually holds a bachelor’s degree, often in a field related to education or human resources.

However, in many cases, they also have a master’s degree in adult education or a related field.

Additionally, experience in teaching or training can be highly beneficial for this role.

 

What should you look for in a Professional Development Educator resume?

When reviewing a Professional Development Educator’s resume, look for evidence of a strong background in teaching or training, ideally in the industry relevant to your organization.

It’s also essential to look for excellent communication and presentation skills, and the ability to create and deliver engaging training programs.

Certifications in adult education or related fields can also be an asset.

 

What qualities make a good Professional Development Educator?

A good Professional Development Educator is highly organized, patient, and has a genuine passion for education.

They should be able to easily connect with their audience, motivate them, and create an engaging learning environment.

Furthermore, they should be innovative and able to adapt their teaching methods to the needs and learning styles of their trainees.

 

How can a Professional Development Educator stay up-to-date in their field?

Professional Development Educators can stay current in their field through continuous learning and development.

This may include attending relevant workshops, seminars, and conferences, reading industry-related publications, and participating in professional associations.

They should also seek feedback from their trainees and peers to continuously improve their teaching methods and training programs.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed some light on the real essence of being a Professional Development Educator.

And guess what?

It’s not just about educating professionals.

It’s about shaping the future of professional growth, one lesson at a time.

Equipped with our comprehensive Professional Development Educator job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Go the extra mile with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every lesson you impart is a piece of the larger professional development puzzle.

Let’s shape that future. Together.