Explore Program Specialist Jobs

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.

What Does a Program Specialist Do?

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Program Specialist Salary and Career Growth

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.

Find Program Specialist Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$75K - $124K *

Join a team that's pivotal in enhancing operations for a leading research center. In this role, you'll manage processes, support diverse teams, and ensure efficient operations, all while contributing...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$75K - $124K *

Lead the charge in optimizing operations for a high-priority research center. Collaborate with teams to enhance processes, manage diverse tasks, and support strategic initiatives, ensuring efficient a...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$88K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading operations for a high-priority research center. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance processes, manage projects, and support strategic initiatives, ensuring efficient...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$75K - $124K *

Optimize operations by managing center-wide initiatives, enhancing processes, and supporting diverse teams to ensure efficient project execution and a collaborative work environment in a fast-paced re...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$88K - $145K *

Advance operations at a leading research center by managing key processes, supporting diverse teams, and enhancing organizational efficiency. Collaborate closely with leadership to drive initiatives a...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$108K - $184K *

Lead the proposal lifecycle for federal IT projects, ensuring compliance and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop compelling proposals and manage production from kickoff to subm...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $95K *

Elevate your career by leading data governance initiatives, ensuring compliance with privacy laws, and developing policies that safeguard sensitive information while enhancing transparency and account...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$193K - $289K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in navigation systems. Lead cross-functional teams to ensure program success, managing cost, schedule, and technical performance while fostering customer relation...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$193K - $289K *

Lead a diverse team in managing Mission Systems for the RQ-4 Enterprise, ensuring technical execution, budget adherence, and stakeholder engagement while driving program success across multiple contra...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Help us lead a high-visibility sensor program, driving performance and strategic partnerships in a fast-paced environment. Oversee program milestones, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement t...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$193K - $289K *

Drive cross-portfolio efforts as a leadership manager in autonomous systems, ensuring performance and compliance while managing cost and schedule across multiple program areas to deliver strategic pro...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$166K - $250K *

Join a team that's redefining space exploration by leading NASA programs. You'll manage contracts, drive business growth, and ensure program success while mentoring teams and communicating effectively...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$184K - $276K *

Drive the execution of complex engineering and logistics programs, ensuring alignment across multiple contracts and technical domains. Lead cross-functional teams to meet customer commitments while ma...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$184K - $276K *

Lead the charge in shaping strategic initiatives for a critical defense program. Oversee diverse teams, manage risk, and enhance program performance while fostering a culture of collaboration and inno...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$69K - $101K *

Provide hands-on IT support to faculty and staff, troubleshooting technology issues and maintaining equipment across multiple campuses. Engage with users to enhance their technology experience and ens...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$95K - $115K *

Develop and manage a complex portfolio of strategic programs with national significance. Lead enterprise-wide initiatives, integrate emerging technologies, and drive resource allocation through data-d...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's driving national strategic initiatives by managing complex programs. You'll lead enterprise-wide projects, integrate emerging technologies, and ensure effective resource allocation...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$78K - $101K *

Advance student engagement by managing events and operational initiatives, ensuring seamless execution from planning to follow-up. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance student experiences and supp...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of defense systems engineering. Leverage your extensive experience to manage technical processes, ensure compliance, and drive innovation in weapon systems develo...

6 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $230K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of AI-enabled assessments and workforce strategies. Lead strategic initiatives, foster innovation, and drive impactful research to position the organization as a...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$170K - $230K *

Lead the charge in advancing AI-enabled assessment and workforce strategies, driving innovation and growth while overseeing impactful research and technical initiatives to position the organization as...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$170K - $230K *

Innovate the future of assessment and workforce strategies by leading AI-enabled initiatives, driving business growth, and fostering talent development. Shape impactful research and measurement soluti...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$170K - $230K *

Drive strategic growth and innovation in AI-enabled assessment and workforce solutions. Lead high-impact projects, foster collaboration, and enhance AIR's national leadership in education and workforc...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$170K - $230K *

Drive strategic growth and innovation in AI-enabled assessment and workforce solutions, overseeing impactful research and partnerships while leading a multidisciplinary team to enhance AIR's national...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$80K - $95K *

Drive project success by coordinating planning, execution, and stakeholder communication. Leverage your expertise in construction practices to enhance program development for federal projects while en...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is a Program Specialist?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    With relevant experience, Program Specialists may move into senior specialist, program manager, project manager, operations, or strategy positions.