Training and Development Specialists
Overview
Training and Development Specialists help employees learn new skills and grow in their careers by creating engaging learning experiences. They design online courses, training manuals, and interactive workshops using modern learning platforms and digital tools. These professionals work closely with managers to identify what skills teams need, then deliver training through virtual sessions, in-person workshops, or hybrid formats. They also evaluate how well training programs work and handle the behind-the-scenes coordination to make learning opportunities successful.
Did you know?
Most Development Specialist positions in the US require advanced degrees and face intense competition from highly qualified candidates with international experience.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$66,603.92 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Coordination
Key Responsibilities
- Obtain, organize, or develop training procedure manuals, guides, or course materials, such as handouts or visual materials.
- Refer trainees to employer relations representatives, to locations offering job placement assistance, or to appropriate social services agencies, if warranted.
- Schedule classes based on availability of classrooms, equipment, or instructors.
- Evaluate training materials prepared by instructors, such as outlines, text, or handouts.
- Attend meetings or seminars to obtain information for use in training programs or to inform management of training program status.
- Develop or implement training programs related to efficiency, recycling, or other issues with environmental impacts.
- Monitor training costs and prepare budget reports to justify expenditures.
- Assess training needs through surveys, interviews with employees, focus groups, or consultation with managers, instructors, or customer representatives.
- Design, plan, organize, or direct orientation and training programs for employees or customers.
- Present information with a variety of instructional techniques or formats, such as role playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, or lectures.
- Select and assign instructors to conduct training.
- Offer specific training programs to help workers maintain or improve job skills.
- Evaluate modes of training delivery, such as in-person or virtual, to optimize training effectiveness, training costs, or environmental impacts.
- Negotiate contracts with clients for desired training outcomes, fees, or expenses.
- Supervise, evaluate, or refer instructors to skill development classes.
- Coordinate recruitment and placement of training program participants.
- Keep up with developments in area of expertise by reading current journals, books, or magazine articles.
- Develop alternative training methods if expected improvements are not seen.
- Devise programs to develop executive potential among employees in lower-level positions.
- Monitor, evaluate, or record training activities or program effectiveness.
Career Considerations
Educational Requirements and Competition
Most Development Specialist positions in the US require advanced degrees and face intense competition from highly qualified candidates with international experience.
Funding Dependency and Job Security
Many development roles rely heavily on grant funding and government contracts, creating potential job instability and requiring ongoing fundraising skills.
Networking and Relationship Building
Success in the American development sector heavily depends on building strong professional networks and maintaining relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders.