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Professional development director vs development & program manager

The differences between professional development directors and development & program managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a professional development director, becoming a development & program manager takes usually requires 8-10 years. Additionally, a development & program manager has an average salary of $102,824, which is higher than the $100,545 average annual salary of a professional development director.

The top three skills for a professional development director include professional development, oversight and adult learning. The most important skills for a development & program manager are professional development, project management, and program management.

Professional development director vs development & program manager overview

Professional Development DirectorDevelopment & Program Manager
Yearly salary$100,545$102,824
Hourly rate$48.34$49.43
Growth rate7%10%
Number of jobs103,723186,222
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age4539
Years of experience410

What does a professional development director do?

A professional development director spearheads and develops training services and professional development programs to enhance the skills and abilities of employees in a company, paving the way for career growth. They have the responsibility to set goals and objectives, establish guidelines and timelines, coordinate teams and managers, liaise with external agencies, and oversee procedures from planning to execution. Moreover, as a professional development director, it is essential to lead staff while implementing policies and regulations, developing new ones as needed.

What does a development & program manager do?

The responsibilities of a development and program manager depend on one's place or industry of employment. Typically, they are in charge of overseeing the operations behind various projects and programs, ensuring everything is running smoothly and efficiently. They must also devise new strategies to improve workforce performance and services, identify new opportunities for profit growth, and determine the needs of clients. Furthermore, as a manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the team in the joint effort to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Professional development director vs development & program manager salary

Professional development directors and development & program managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Professional Development DirectorDevelopment & Program Manager
Average salary$100,545$102,824
Salary rangeBetween $46,000 And $216,000Between $76,000 And $137,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAMenlo Park, CA
Highest paying stateOregonCalifornia
Best paying companyBaker McKenzieFoundation Medicine
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between professional development director and development & program manager education

There are a few differences between a professional development director and a development & program manager in terms of educational background:

Professional Development DirectorDevelopment & Program Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Georgia

Professional development director vs development & program manager demographics

Here are the differences between professional development directors' and development & program managers' demographics:

Professional Development DirectorDevelopment & Program Manager
Average age4539
Gender ratioMale, 34.2% Female, 65.8%Male, 58.3% Female, 41.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 4.1% White, 62.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 8.2% White, 74.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage18%10%

Differences between professional development director and development & program manager duties and responsibilities

Professional development director example responsibilities.

  • Extend product revenue by delivering new products for managing configuration of Linux platforms.
  • Prepare powerpoint to production specifications covering research base on SLIFE learning challenges and key program components for effective instruction of SLIFE.
  • Supervise certified nursing assistants with bed placement for post-op patients and maintain paperwork require for house clinician.
  • Implement train-the-trainer programs using SMEs that save the company money by eliminating outside vendors.
  • Engage in personnel hiring decisions, interview candidates, and identify SMEs for specialize consulting work.
  • Provide executive oversight and leadership for HR/Payroll best practices driving organizational change.

Development & program manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage PLM data integrity report and PLM post launch report by project.
  • Manage a budget of $600,000 each year to maintain annual KPIs.
  • Develop, establish, and manage product families OEM in and out relationships.
  • Shape the strategic direction and implement CRM strategies to manage a corporate loyalty program.
  • Manage the vendor selection process among OEM candidates and manage requirements lock down across vendors.
  • Manage direct and indirect sales channels and strategic partners within the Americas for new development products.
  • Show more

Professional development director vs development & program manager skills

Common professional development director skills
  • Professional Development, 10%
  • Oversight, 9%
  • Adult Learning, 7%
  • K-12, 7%
  • Curriculum Development, 6%
  • Staff Development, 5%
Common development & program manager skills
  • Professional Development, 22%
  • Project Management, 10%
  • Program Management, 8%
  • Business Development, 4%
  • HR, 4%
  • Program Development, 3%

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