Early Education is funding the new part-time post for the next three years with an 80,000 grant from the Scottish Community Fund.
Shona Foulis, who takes up the job on 1 September, brings with her more than 30 years of childcare experience.
Ms Foulis' background includes teaching posts in primary and nursery schools in Scotland, 19 years as a headteacher at a Glasgow nursery school, the post of principal early years officer on East Dunbartonshire Council, and work on Learning and Teaching Scotland's early years website.
She said, 'The skills gained from my background will fit very neatly into the development officer role.
'The fundamental aim of Early Education is to promote high-quality early education, and I hope to support that.'
It is hoped the development officer will be able to address the localised needs of early years professionals in Scotland, help increase Early Education membership across the country and establish greater links with the Scottish Executive.
Anne Rae, member of the Scottish Early Education committee, said, 'We wanted someone who will respond to consultation processes in Scotland and will make contact with other agencies in Scotland and potential users of Early Education services.
'The development officer is there to support members and branches, co-ordinate branch programmes, set up a database of speakers and contribute to the Scottish division of the Early Education website. The particular needs of education and early years workers in Scotland will be met through this new position.'