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Program Research Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Research Program Specialist is responsible for supporting and leading various functions of the program management team. This role works closely with both OneR network and site stakeholders ...

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Program Research Specialist information

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$39.5K

$80.6K

$113.5K

How much do program research specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for program research specialist in the United States is $80,571.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $98,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program research specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Research Specialist, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and typically a degree in statistics, social sciences, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis software such as SPSS, SAS, or Excel, and sometimes experience with survey platforms or database systems, is often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and organization help you present findings and collaborate effectively. These skills ensure accurate research, insightful analysis, and meaningful contributions to program evaluation and development.

What is the difference between Program Research Specialist vs Program Analyst?

AspectProgram Research SpecialistProgram Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in research, social sciences, or related field; research experienceBachelor's degree in public administration, business, or related field; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, government agencies, non-profitsGovernment agencies, policy organizations, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for roles focused on data collection, research, and analysisUsed for roles involving program evaluation, policy analysis, and reporting

While both roles involve analysis and work within government or organizational settings, the Program Research Specialist primarily focuses on conducting research and data collection, whereas the Program Analyst emphasizes evaluating programs and developing reports. The roles often overlap but differ in their core functions and daily tasks.

What is a program research specialist?

Program Research Specialists are professionals who collect, analyze, and interpret data to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs within an organization. They design research methods, gather relevant information, and prepare reports to help inform decision-making and improve program effectiveness. Program Research Specialists often work closely with program managers and policy makers to ensure that initiatives are data-driven and aligned with organizational goals.

How does a program research specialist typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Program Research Specialists frequently work cross-functionally, collaborating with teams such as program management, data analytics, and communications to gather and analyze data that supports organizational goals. They might partner with program managers to identify research needs, coordinate with data analysts to ensure accurate data interpretation, and share findings with stakeholders to inform decision-making. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as their insights often drive program improvements and strategic planning. This collaborative environment helps broaden their professional network and enhances opportunities for skill development.
What cities are hiring for Program Research Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Program Research Specialist job openings:
What states have the most Program Research Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Program Research Specialist jobs include:

Program Research Specialist 1/Trainee, NYHELPS; Central Office

New York State

Albany, NY • On-site

$53K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description The Office of Mental Health is recruiting for a Program Research Specialist 1 or Trainee to work within the Office of Planning. Under the direction of the Director of Workforce Development, as well as the coordinator of Community Mental Health Loan Repayment Program (CMHLRP), the Program Research Specialist 1 will work on the CMHLRP project in the Office of Planning within the NYS Office of Mental Health. The selected candidate will support the project by focusing on the following tasks.

Specific duties to include, but not limited to: Prepare data from multiple program-specific tracking sources for regular internal and external reporting tables, written reports, and fact sheets. Interpret and analyze loan repayment program data in conjunction with relevant internal and external data sources. Provide data analysis to inform the loan repayment program design, models for provider outreach and technical assistance, and other related workforce initiatives.

Review loan repayment applications and documentation from community mental health organizations to ensure accuracy; track applications and follow-up with applicants as necessary. Provide technical assistance to community mental health organizations supporting participation in the loan repayment program and other workforce initiatives. Conduct thematic analysis of program-specific information, identifying trends in mental health workforce-related needs to inform program requirements.

Develop and implement survey tools for internal and external input and assessment of needs. Assist in the administration and record keeping of assigned programs for the NYS Office of Mental Health. Monitor shared mailboxes for funding applications, procurement & programmatic questions, applicant and awardee updates, and any other related inquiries.

Distribute program materials, program awards, Q&A responses, and any other outreach as required by assigned programs. Collaborate with agency finance and programmatic staff to escalate and resolve inquiries from community mental health organizations. Minimum Qualifications Non-Competitive via NYHELPS: Program Research Specialist Trainee 1 ($53,764): A bachelor's degree or higher including or supplemented by nine semester credit hours in biostatistics, data analysis, or data modeling, economics, econometrics, mathematics, research methods, or statistics.

Program Research Specialist Trainee 2 ($59,994): A bachelor's degree or higher including or supplemented by nine semester credit hours in biostatistics, data analysis, or data modeling, economics, econometrics, mathematics, research methods, or statistics, and one year of professional research experience performing the collection, manipulation (e.g., data construction, merging data files, data cleaning, working with data files containing different levels of data) and evaluation of quantitative data. Program Research Specialist 1 (Journey level) ($66,951): A bachelor's degree including or supplemented by nine semester credit hours in biostatistics, data analysis, data modeling, economics, econometrics, mathematics, research methods, or statistics and two years of professional research experience performing the collection, manipulation (e.g., data construction, merging data files, data cleaning, working with data files containing different levels of data) and evaluation of quantitative data directed toward review, analysis, and presentation related to program operations. ** A master's degree or higher including or supplemented by nine semester credit hours in biostatistics, data analysis, data modeling, economics, econometrics, mathematics, research methods, or statistics may substitute for one year of experience

Transfer Opportunity: Candidates must have permanent competitive status as a Program Research Specialist 1, Grade 18, and be eligible for lateral transfer; OR be eligible to transfer via Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law to the Program Research Specialist 1 title; OR be eligible to transfer via Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law into the trainee levels (Program Research Specialist Trainee 1 or 2). Transfer candidates must also possess a bachelor's or higher degree in a qualifying degree field* listed above. Additional Comments Employment with New York State offers unmatched benefits, individual support, and career mobility for motivated individuals including: NYS pension and retirement programs; annual cost of living and performance advance increases; comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans; flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care; paid time off, including thirteen paid holidays per year, and paid personal leave, vacation leave, and sick leave

The starting salary for this position will vary based on the selected candidate's education and/or experience. Candidates appointed at a trainee level will be required to successfully complete the traineeship to advance to the full performance level title and salary. For current New York State employees, the starting salary is based on the candidate's salary at the time of hire.

Specific scheduled hours and telecommuting availability for this position will be discussed during the interview process. Please note, employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to operational needs and Agency Telecommuting Program Guidelines. The Mission of the New York State Office of Mental Health is to promote the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a focus on providing hope and supporting recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances.

Applicants with lived mental health experience are encouraged to apply. OMH is deeply committed to supporting underserved individuals, organizations, and communities. To this end, OMH is focused on implementing activities and initiatives to reduce disparities in access, quality, and treatment outcomes for underserved populations.

A critical component of these efforts is ensuring OMH is a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees' unique attributes and skills are valued and utilized to support the mission of the Agency. OMH is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).

For the duration of NY HELPS, this title maybe filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At a future date, it is expected that employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State.

While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified. Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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