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What does a Program Specialist do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A Program Specialist is responsible for the development and implementation of programs and services within an organization. They work with staff and volunteers to create and deliver programs that meet the needs of the community. They also develop and maintain relationships with community partners to ensure that programs are accessible to all.

Program Specialist job duties include:

  • Plan, develop, and implement programs and activities in assigned area
  • Serve as liaison with other agencies and organizations to coordinate program activities
  • Develop budgets and grant proposals for program funding
  • Evaluate program effectiveness and make recommendations for improvement
  • Train staff and volunteers in program procedures
  • Supervise staff and volunteers working on program activities
  • Promote programs through public relations and marketing efforts
  • Recruit participants for programs
  • Develop educational materials related to programs

Program Specialist Job Requirements

A Program Specialist is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing programs and events. They may also be responsible for managing budgets, developing marketing materials, and overseeing staff. To be a Program Specialist, you will need a bachelor's degree in a field such as communications, public relations, or event management. You will also need experience working in program development or event planning. Certification in event planning or project management is also helpful.

Program Specialist Skills

  • Writing
  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Research
  • Event planning
  • Fundraising
  • Marketing
  • Public speaking
  • Graphic design
  • Website design
  • Social media

Related: Top Program Specialist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Program Specialist

A Program Specialist is a professional who designs, implements, and evaluates programs in a variety of settings. There are many different types of programs that a Program Specialist might work on, such as educational, social, or health-related programs. To become a Program Specialist, one must first have a bachelor’s degree in a field such as social work, psychology, or public health. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, many Program Specialists complete a master’s degree in program evaluation or another related field.

Program Specialists typically work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. They often work on teams with other professionals, such as program managers, evaluators, and analysts. A typical day for a Program Specialist might involve designing a new program, conducting an evaluation of an existing program, or writing reports about program results.

If you are interested in becoming a Program Specialist, you should first consider what type of programs you are interested in working on. You should also think about what type of setting you would like to work in (e.g., government agency, non-profit organization, private company). Once you have a better idea of what you want to do and where you want to work, you can begin researching the educational requirements for the position.

Related: Program Specialist Resume Example

Related: Program Specialist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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