Program specialists help organizations plan, coordinate, and improve programs that serve business, community, or customer needs. Depending on the employer and industry, the role may involve managing program operations, tracking budgets and outcomes, coordinating stakeholders, and ensuring work meets organizational goals. Explore vetted Program Specialist opportunities on Ladders, including professional roles paying $100,000 or more.
Responsibilities vary by organization and program. Common duties include developing work plans, coordinating schedules and resources, monitoring milestones, preparing reports, supporting compliance, and communicating with internal teams and external partners. Some specialists focus on a particular area, such as healthcare, education, technology, public policy, or business operations.
Employers often seek strong organization, communication, and problem-solving skills, along with experience coordinating projects or programs. Depending on the position, qualifications may include a relevant degree, industry knowledge, data analysis, budget tracking, process improvement, or familiarity with project management tools. Senior roles may require leadership experience and a record of delivering measurable results.
Pay depends on factors such as industry, location, scope, and experience. Program specialists may advance into senior program, program management, operations, or strategy roles. Ladders focuses on vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more, helping experienced candidates discover roles aligned with their career goals.
Browse Program Specialist openings and review each listing for responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation details. Use Ladders to identify opportunities that match your experience and explore your next professional step.
$138K - $169K *
Drive program execution and compliance while leading a multidisciplinary team to meet DoD acquisition goals. Engage with government leadership to align priorities and ensure quality management across...
1 week ago
Project Manager, Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs
$95K - $145K *
Lead contract operations to ensure effective evaluation services for international labor initiatives. Manage personnel, budgets, and deliverables while serving as primary liaison to stakeholders and c...
Reposted 1 week ago
Manager II GBD Special Programs (US)
$88K - $105K *
Shape impactful health care programs by leading operations, collaborating across teams, and enhancing service delivery for diverse member needs. Drive efficiency and resource management while mentorin...
Today
$150K - $175K *
Drive impactful project controls for advanced weapons development programs, ensuring effective cost management and scheduling. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative solutions and maintain proje...
1 week ago
Professional Practice Evaluation Specialist
$74K - $88K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing patient safety and quality by coordinating evaluations, facilitating peer reviews, and driving continuous improvement in healthcare practices. Your role will...
3 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Lead strategic planning and execution of complex programs, providing expert guidance on engineering and scientific initiatives. Collaborate across functions to meet mission-critical objectives and dri...
Yesterday
$150K - $220K *
Oversee a specialized team to ensure AI safety in biological research, addressing dual-use risks and providing expert guidance on complex cases while mentoring junior specialists and advising clients...
Yesterday
$93K - $95K *
Manage and coordinate regional trauma care initiatives, ensuring effective project execution and collaboration among medical centers. Lead activities in preparedness, education, and data collection to...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Pioneer impactful solutions as a Program Manager, leading acquisition and advisory services for cutting-edge defense programs. Collaborate closely with stakeholders to ensure project success and strat...
3 weeks ago
Human Resources Specialist (Classification)
$80K - $95K *
Help us shape effective position classification policies and provide agency-wide support. Collaborate with management on workforce management issues and ensure consistency in classification across div...
4 days ago
$83K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring regulatory compliance by preparing and tracking submissions for drug and biologic applications, while staying current with developments in infectious diseases...
Today
$108K - $130K *
Transform IT service delivery by leading a dynamic team, enhancing self-service capabilities, and driving process improvements to support mission-critical operations and foster innovation across the o...
4 days ago
Archaeology Project/Program Manager
$108K - $183K *
Shape the future of cultural resource management by leading complex projects, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering client relationships. Leverage your expertise to enhance our services and me...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Drive excellence by managing contractor teams to ensure timely, budget-compliant project delivery while adhering to ISO 9001 standards. Collaborate with stakeholders to foster innovation and continuou...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform operational leadership by overseeing contractor teams, managing budgets, and ensuring quality control. Collaborate with government stakeholders to enhance public-facing programs and drive pe...
2 weeks ago
Publication Specialist Lead (California)
$69K - $98K *
Lead the development and publication of provider communications, ensuring accuracy and quality. Serve as a subject matter expert, guiding the Publications team and managing complex documentation proje...
2 weeks ago
$94K - $198K *
Lead the charge in advancing Cybersecurity initiatives by managing cross-functional teams, coordinating project requirements, and driving innovative solutions to meet evolving customer needs and enhan...
Yesterday
$145K - $160K *
Shape the future of democracy by identifying and funding innovative projects. Collaborate with experts, manage grant portfolios, and drive strategic initiatives to enhance electoral reforms and streng...
1 week ago
Program Manager, Workforce Development
$96K - $125K *
Empower workforce development initiatives by designing and executing programs that connect students with employers through experiential learning and internships, enhancing career readiness in cybersec...
1 week ago
Professional Practice Evaluation Specialist
$74K - $88K *
Drive patient safety and quality initiatives by coordinating evaluations, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Collaborate with medical staff and operational teams t...
1 week ago
$115K - $145K *
Optimize statewide Integrated Facilities Management for 13 federal buildings and 150 leased sites. Lead budget management, quality control, and staffing strategies while ensuring compliance with contr...
1 week ago
$130K - $170K *
Unlock potential by spearheading technical support services for Department of the Air Force. Manage diverse project streams, ensuring quality delivery and responsiveness as the key point of contact fo...
Reposted 5 days ago
Quality Assurance Specialist (Aerospace)
$95K - $115K *
Lead a dynamic team to ensure the safety and reliability of NASA aircraft through effective maintenance planning, technical oversight, and cross-functional collaboration, driving mission readiness and...
2 days ago
$105K - $175K *
Analyze and optimize procurement processes while coordinating with technical leads to ensure compliance and efficiency in contract management. Play a key role in supporting pre and post-acquisition st...
1 week ago
IT Specialist (Data Protection)
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to safeguarding data integrity and security. In this role, you'll lead cybersecurity initiatives, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure compliance with federal regulat...
1 week ago
What is a Program Specialist?
A Program Specialist supports the planning, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of programs. The role can include managing schedules and resources, tracking progress, preparing reports, and coordinating with stakeholders.
What qualifications do Program Specialist jobs require?
Requirements vary by employer and industry. Common qualifications include program or project coordination experience, strong communication and organizational skills, and relevant subject-matter knowledge. Some roles require a degree, data analysis skills, or experience with budgets and compliance.
How much do Program Specialists earn?
Program Specialist salaries vary based on experience, location, industry, and responsibilities. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more; check individual listings for salary information and requirements.
Where can Program Specialists work?
Program Specialists work across industries such as healthcare, education, technology, government, nonprofits, and business operations. Their focus may be shaped by the organization’s programs and goals.
What career paths can follow a Program Specialist role?
With relevant experience, Program Specialists may move into senior specialist, program manager, project manager, operations, or strategy positions.