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Program Officer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Regional Program Director

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Under the direction of the Chief Program Officer, organize and implement and direct all work related to the operation of the Program Division to include hiring, performance evaluations and appraisals ...

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Program Officer information

See Tennessee salary details

$30.4K

$91.1K

$141.1K

How much do program officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for program officer in Tennessee is $91,093.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $119,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a program officer?

A program officer works for a non-profit organization or foundation to oversee the development of programs and learning activities and seek out grants to fund these programs. In this job, you oversee projects, manage budgets, and develop proposals to grantees as some of your duties. You need experience aligning these programs with the overall mission of the foundation or non-profit. Throughout your career, you work with a variety of people and organizations. Important qualifications include strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program officer?

To thrive as a Program Officer, you need strong project management, analytical, and grant-writing skills, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with program evaluation tools, budgeting software, and donor management systems is often required. Exceptional communication, organizational abilities, and stakeholder engagement are key soft skills that distinguish top candidates. These skills are critical for effectively designing, implementing, and monitoring programs that meet organizational goals and deliver meaningful impact.

How does a program officer typically collaborate with stakeholders to ensure program success?

Program Officers work closely with a variety of stakeholders, including grantees, partner organizations, internal teams, and sometimes beneficiaries. Regular communication and relationship-building are crucial to understanding needs, monitoring progress, and addressing challenges as they arise. Program Officers often facilitate meetings, coordinate reporting, and provide technical assistance to ensure that all parties are aligned on program objectives and deliverables. This collaborative approach not only supports the successful implementation of programs but also fosters a learning environment for continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Program Officer vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProgram OfficerProject Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; often a master's in a related fieldBachelor's degree; relevant certifications optional
Work EnvironmentNonprofit, government, or international organizations managing multiple projectsProject-specific tasks within organizations, supporting project execution
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in NGOs, government agencies, and foundationsCommon in corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors

While both roles involve managing projects, a Program Officer oversees multiple projects or programs, focusing on strategic goals and stakeholder engagement. A Project Coordinator handles specific project tasks, ensuring timely execution. The Program Officer's role is broader and more strategic, whereas the Project Coordinator's role is more operational and task-focused.

How much do program officers make in the US?

Program officers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, organization, and location. Senior or specialized program officers can earn over $100,000, especially in large nonprofits or government agencies. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What are the duties of a Program Officer?

A Program Officer manages and oversees specific projects or programs within an organization, ensuring they meet goals, stay within budget, and adhere to policies. They coordinate with stakeholders, monitor progress, evaluate outcomes, and prepare reports, often using project management tools. Strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills are essential for success in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program Officer jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Program Officer jobs in Tennessee are:

What job categories do people searching Program Officer jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Officer jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Program Officer jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Program Officer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Program Officer jobs in TN?

For Program Officer jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Program Officer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,093 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Correctional Program Officer (Unit Manager)

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System

Memphis, TN โ€ข On-site, Remote

$89K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Summary
Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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The Unit Manager performs a major role in the planning, development, administration and evaluation of a unit program for incarcerated federal offenders.
Must have broad understanding of the field of criminology and corrections, must display management skills in the administration of a treatment program, and must have a comprehensive knowledge of the dynamics of human behavior.
Directs and manages a housing unit within a federal correctional institution and is responsible for the total administration of the unit as well as the planning, development and implementation of individual programs tailored to meet the particular needs of inmates in the unit.
Along with all other correctional institution employees, incumbent is charged with responsibility for maintaining security of the institution. The staff correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and are performed on a regular and recurring basis.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Career Transition Programs (CTAP): This program applies to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:
  1. Meet CTAP eligibility criteria;
  2. Be rated well-qualified for the position, scoring at least half of the total possible points for the vacancy KSAs or competencies; and
  3. Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP eligibility:
    • A copy of the agency notice (i.e., separation notice or agency RIF letter),
    • Most recent performance appraisal, and
    • Most recent SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location.
    • See USAJOBS' Career Transition Programs for more information.

EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: U.S Department of Justice - Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Key Requirements:
  • U.S. Citizenship is Required.
  • See Special Conditions of Employment Section.

Qualifications
To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements:
Education:
There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position.
OR
Experience:
You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. Specialized experience is directly related experience that included substantial involvement with a correctional program and provided a thorough knowledge of correctional techniques, or experience in meeting and dealing with people that demonstrated the ability to work effectively with inmates and associates in a correctional environment.
Experience must have also demonstrated the ability to perform supervisory or administrative duties successfully. This includes (1) understanding the problems of custody, treatment, training, and release of inmates of penal or correctional institutions; (2) a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of an institution's internal policies, programs, regulations, and procedures; and (3) training subordinates, coordinating and directing activities and functions, evaluating performance of operations and the effectiveness of programs, and maintaining high standards or work objectives. This experience must have been gained in an administrative position, or in other positions that included the successful direction, or assistance in the direction of, an entire correctional program or a major phase of such a program.
Some examples of this qualifying experience are:
  • Experience in planning, developing and implementation of programs and operations specifically designed to meet the various needs of an inmate population within a correctional environment.
  • Experience in completing and ensuring quality control of inmate related issues such as progress reports, transfer recommendations, Victim/Witness notifications, Central Inmate Monitoring packets, and various correspondence with probation officers, attorneys, judges and other law enforcement officials.
  • Experience in developing, implementing and evaluating the operations within a housing unit, such as security procedures, safety and sanitation
    procedures, recreational programming, and assignment of living quarters, security and custody level.
  • Experience and knowledge of case management, treatment theories and techniques, recreational and vocational programs related to the management of an inmate population within a correctional environment.

If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as number of hours worked per week) spent in the activities.
**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**
Education
ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.
Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
Additional information
In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3307, a maximum entry age of 36 has been established for original appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institution.
The representative rate for this position is $98,459 per annum ($47.17 per hour).
Special Conditions of Employment Section:
Initial appointment to a supervisory/managerial position requires a one-year probationary period.
The incumbent is subject to geographic relocation to meet the needs of the agency.
Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a urinalysis, physical, and background investigation.
All applicants are subject to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit checks.
All applicants not currently working in an institution will be required to complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence in order to be authorized to carry a firearm.
Successful completion of the "Introduction to Correctional Techniques," three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia is required.
The addresses listed on the USAJOBS account/resume must be the primary residence at the time of application. You may be required to provide proof of residence.
Additional selections may be made if vacancies occur within the life of the certificate.
Although competitive and non-competitive applications are being accepted, the selecting official may elect to have only one group reviewed.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.