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Overview
Program development describes positions in global health that work towards sustaining the financial stability of a project. For example, many organizations are funded through grants and contracts and they will require a grant writer or manager to put together the winning proposals so that they can continue to run their programs and fund their staff . Development officers, often working as the principal fundraisers for foundations or academic institutions, are another position available in program development. Working as grant-writer or development officer requires an understanding of the technical concepts of the project, but more importantly, strong communication skills to persuasively convey those technical aspects to a mixed audience of experts and nonspecialists.
Outside of grant writing and fundraising, program development also encompasses a number of operational positions. These jobs, including coordinating communications and managing business activities, often require less of a background in global health and more of a focus on general skill areas, such as written communication, management, finance and accounting.
Education Requirements
Finding work in program development will require proof of your ability to communicate well. BA/BS degrees in communications, journalism, english can open up doors to grant or technical writing jobs; however, there are rarely strict degree requirements and often experience will take precedence. A Masters degree, such as in public or global health, public policy or administration, is commonplace for program development positions and can provide more a more technical focus to a career path.
Hear from a Duke Alumna
Rebecca Kohler. B.S. Psychology, ’87
Vice President for Strategic Development and Communications
IntraHealth International
Example Employers
Program development positions are available in organizations across many different sectors. Below, please find a list of foundations where development positions are common:
Foundations
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