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What is an organizational development specialist and how to become one
Organizational development specialists are in charge of ensuring continuous organizational improvements for all departments in their company. They are responsible for planning, coaching and consulting with teams and individuals who need assistance solving organizational challenges. Not only do they plan, coach and consult but also design and implement training and performance programs. Collaboration and communication is also a key part of the position.
Their main responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to researching and analyzing data, creating and conducting surveys, tracking and reporting progress and designing and implementing training materials. Essential skills required for the position include organizational, analytical thinking, problem-solving, attentional to detail, interpersonal and collaborative. They should also know how to use basic computer software. To become an organizational development specialist, a bachelor's degree in training and development, organizational development, industrial and organizational psychology is required. Employer's prefer applicants who possess a master's degree in one of the mentioned areas and who have relevant certifications.
The median annual salary for organizational development specialist is estimated to be $60,360. The career is likely to experience growth of 11% in the following years to come.
What general advice would you give to an organizational development specialist?
Ali Fatemi
Ring Companies Professor and Chair of Mechanical Engineering, University of Memphis
Avg. Salary $71,788
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 8%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%
Asian 5.99%
Black or African American 10.89%
Hispanic or Latino 16.53%
Unknown 6.35%
White 59.74%
Genderfemale 63.64%
male 36.36%
Age - 44American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 44Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Organizational development specialist career paths
Key steps to become an organizational development specialist
Explore organizational development specialist education requirements
Start to develop specific organizational development specialist skills
Skills Percentages Organizational Development 12.61% Project Management 6.84% Human Resources 6.66% Organizational Effectiveness 5.04% Employee Engagement 5.00% Complete relevant organizational development specialist training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New organizational development specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an organizational development specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real organizational development specialist resumes.Research organizational development specialist duties and responsibilities
- Lead experiential learning in supervisory skills, conflict management, leadership, team building and organization process effectiveness.
- Perform ADDIE model on management courses (change management, coaching, etc.
- Create and implement training modules on PowerPoint presentations to impart state regulations to both new and season staff members.
- Prepare statistical information in form of PowerPoint to management and board.
Prepare your organizational development specialist resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your organizational development specialist resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an organizational development specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable organizational development specialist resume templates
Build a professional organizational development specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your organizational development specialist resume.
Apply for organizational development specialist jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an organizational development specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first organizational development specialist job
Are you an organizational development specialist?
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Average organizational development specialist salary
The average organizational development specialist salary in the United States is $71,788 per year or $35 per hour. Organizational development specialist salaries range between $49,000 and $104,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do organizational development specialists rate their job?
Organizational development specialist reviews
First of all, i'll say that i like the routine. I have had amazing health benefits because of waking up early and go to school because i live quite far. In the school, i like the working mechanism and how everyone is committed and dedicated for the job. The most important thing i like is that how i am able to make my place in the room of young, enthusiast children who see me as their mentor. I love being the change maker and i's always love to be a professional learning specialist because this is what angels would do.
Sharing your experience for the benefit of others. Making the learners feel enriched with their take always from your session. Are able to execute and apply their learnings, successfully.
OD careers allow for a multitude of projects that go beyond training and development.
Skills that are helpful in this field include change management, an understanding of HR processes, talent development, and many others.
Updated January 8, 2025
