Program Development Specialist Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

POSITION LOCATION:  TALLAHASSEE, FL

Organizational Summary

The Institute for School-Community Partnerships, Integrated Services, and Child Mental Health and Educational Policy (ISCP), which is part of the College of Education, envisions that all schools in the state of Florida and nationally will have the capacity to provide a safe, effective, and efficient environment to continuously improve the academic, social, and emotional growth of all students and to actively engage families and communities in education. The ISCP's nearly $23 million budget is derived from grants from federal, state, and private sources. It is the mission of the ISCP to implement and evaluate research-based and innovative practices in school and community settings. This is accomplished through (a) training, technical assistance, and support to key partners; (b) community-engaged research and program evaluation to inform key partners' decision making; (c) the development of research and evidence-based documents, tools, and resources to support implementation and evaluation activities; and (d) supporting the infrastructure and capacity of key partners to implement and evaluate federal and state educational policy. 

Position Summary

The Program Development Specialist (PDS) serves as the main support and provides guidance for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) sub recipients who provide after-school time and expanded day learning opportunities for students across Florida. The PDS provides technical assistance and support to the subrecipients in an array of areas such as grant management, compliance with federal and state rules and regulations, quality instruction for students, adult family member and stakeholder engagement and program evaluation to enhance the quality of services provided to the students they serve.

Special Requirements: 

Position is located in Tallahassee, FL

This position requires in state travel up to 15% of the year.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.  

Minimum Qualifications: 

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in a field directly related to the program responsibilities and two (2) years of professional experience; or Master's degree in an area of specialization appropriate for the program.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Bachelor's degree in Communication, Education, Adult Education, or related field from accredited university and/or minimum of 3 years professional training experience, or Masters in same fields with 2 years professional training experience.

Exhibits strong problem-solving skills and able to adapt professional learning opportunities to changing

environments and sub recipient needs. Exhibits ability to collaborate with sub recipients to develop supportive relationships. Exhibits excellent writing, proofreading, organization, communication and technology skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook). 

Knowledge of, and experience with contracts and grants compliance.

Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply related Federal, State and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, related policies, processes, principles and practices. 

FLSB1310 Equivalency:  4 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for bachelor's degree. 6 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for master's degree.

Requires:  Criminal History Background Check - Level 1

Requires:  Criminal History Background Check - Level 2

Reviews 21st CCLC application including program plan, budget and other documents and provides support and guidance to 21st CCLC sub recipients to ensure the applications are in approvable form as per federal and state requirements. Assists sub recipients in achieving and maintaining compliance with federal and state rules and regulations by providing technical assistance, sample process and forms, trainings and other items as appropriate.

Assists sub recipients in other grant management activities such as amendments to the sub grant agreement, submitting documentation to support the delivery of services, reports and other as needed. Participates in planning conversations regarding the 21st CCLC administrative activities, statewide trends, sub recipient needs, success and challenges and other topics, as needed.

Travels to provide training and technical assistance, conducts site visits to gauge the quality of the programs, review their processes and provide technical assistance and guidance as needed to improve program quality and compliance including participation in meetings.

Presents professional learning courses to sub recipients, 21st CCLC staff and other stakeholders on topics such as 21st CCLC programming, quality initiatives, academic instruction, enrichment activities, grants management and others.

Uses adult learning strategies and other inquiry-based activities to ensure participant engagement, understanding of content and application of material learned in order to run successful programming.

Performs other duties as assigned.