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How to Become a Development Officer: Australian Careers in Business

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What is a Development Officer?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Development Officer?

A Development Officer plans and runs programs that build community strength and improve people’s lives. They work with local groups, councils, and non-profit organisations to find needs and create real solutions. The role spans health, sport, housing, education, and welfare.

Day to day, a Development Officer runs workshops, writes grant proposals, and coordinates events. They build links with local groups and help communities take part in decisions. Their goal is to make programs that meet real needs and last.

Monitoring programs is a key part of the job. A Development Officer tracks how well work goes, collects feedback, and adjusts plans to improve results. This data helps show funders and stakeholders the value of each program.

The role suits people who enjoy working with others and care about change. With experience, Development Officers can move into program management or senior leadership. Find community services courses on CourseFinder to get started.

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Career snapshots For Development Officers

Development Officers work across local councils, non-profit groups, sporting bodies, and community services. Your Career (2024) shows strong future demand for community-focused roles, with 28,400 community workers employed across Australia.

Most Development Officers work full-time, averaging 39 to 40 hours per week. Median weekly earnings range from $1,286 for sports roles to $1,688 for broader community roles (Your Career, 2024). The average yearly salary is around $85,000 (Glassdoor, 2024).

The field draws people of all ages, with many workers aged 25 to 44. Roles are spread across all states, with the most in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. More investment in community wellbeing is driving demand for skilled Development Officers.

What will I do?

A Development Officer builds and runs programs that create real change. The role covers needs checks, event planning, and reporting to stakeholders.

  • Plan and run programs that meet local needs and build community strength.
  • Do needs checks to find gaps in services and chances for growth.
  • Build links with local groups, councils, and community organisations.
  • Run workshops and events to boost skills and get people involved.
  • Track and review program results, using data to improve outcomes.
  • Write reports and share findings with stakeholders and funding bodies.
  • Manage budgets and make sure resources are used well.
  • Speak up for community needs in talks with government and other agencies.
  • Support volunteers and community members involved in programs.
  • Stay up to date with new trends and best practice in community services.

What skills do I need?

A career as a Development Officer calls for a mix of people skills and practical know-how. Strong communication is key, as officers must engage clearly with community members, councils, and funding bodies. Project management skills help them plan and run programs on time and on budget.

Data skills are also vital. Development Officers collect and use data to judge what is working and what needs to change. Grant writing, budget management, and knowledge of community work round out the core skill set. Adaptability and a genuine care for people set the best officers apart.

Skills/attributes

  • Strong communication and active listening
  • Community engagement and relationship building
  • Project planning and management
  • Grant writing and funding applications
  • Data collection and program evaluation
  • Budget management and resource allocation
  • Event planning and coordination
  • Leadership and teamwork
  • Cultural awareness and inclusivity
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Knowledge of community development principles
  • Adaptability in changing environments
  • Understanding of relevant legislation and policy
  • Report writing and presentation skills
  • Passion for sport, community, and social outcomes

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.