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Program Specialist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

The Program Specialist serves as a subject matter expert for an assigned program area, providing advanced support across document intake, customer service, and legal processes. This role ensures ...

The Program Specialist serves as a subject matter expert for an assigned program area, providing advanced support across document intake, customer service, and legal processes. This role ensures ...

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Program Specialist information

See Indiana salary details

$29K

$63.8K

$108.5K

How much do program specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for program specialist in Indiana is $63,828.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,600.00 and $75,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Program Specialist typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure program success?

Program Specialists often work closely with diverse teams, including project managers, subject matter experts, and administrative staff to coordinate and implement program activities. They facilitate communication between departments, track progress, and ensure everyone is aligned with program goals. This role frequently involves organizing meetings, synthesizing feedback, and adjusting plans based on input from various stakeholders. Effective collaboration is essential to anticipate challenges and deliver successful program outcomes.

What is the difference between function and programme?

In the context of a Program Specialist role, a function refers to a specific task or activity performed within an organization, while a programme is a coordinated set of related projects and initiatives aimed at achieving broader objectives. Functions are individual responsibilities, whereas programmes encompass multiple functions working together to meet strategic goals.

Is it a program or programme?

The term 'program' is commonly used in American English to refer to a planned series of activities or initiatives, including job roles like Program Specialist. 'Programme' is the British English spelling of the same word. In the context of a job title, 'Program Specialist' typically refers to a professional responsible for managing or coordinating specific projects or initiatives within an organization.

What Is a Program Specialist?

A program specialist is responsible for the coordination of all programming efforts for an organization. As a program specialist, your job duties are to oversee project development, team planning, organizational goals, and each budget for all programs. Your responsibilities include allocating resources and maintaining documentation to track deliverables, monitor progress, and evaluate the success of ongoing programs. You report to the program director and assist with the training and evaluation of staff and volunteers involved in your company's programs. In this career, you can work in many different industries such as education, healthcare, marketing, government, and nonprofit organizations.

What is the definition of a program?

A program, in the context of a Program Specialist role, is a planned set of activities or initiatives designed to achieve specific objectives within an organization or community. It involves coordinating resources, managing schedules, and evaluating outcomes to ensure successful implementation. Understanding program development and management is essential for effective performance in this role.

What is the difference between Program Specialist vs Program Coordinator?

AspectProgram SpecialistProgram Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; certifications vary by industryBachelor's degree typically required; certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, community programs, nonprofit organizationsOffice settings, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, nonprofits, educational institutionsNonprofits, educational institutions, government programs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding role differences, career planningJob responsibilities, career progression

The Program Specialist focuses on developing and implementing programs, often with specialized expertise, while the Program Coordinator handles daily operations, logistics, and coordination tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are used across similar industries, but their core responsibilities differ, making them distinct career paths within program management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Specialist, you need strong project management abilities, analytical skills, and typically a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as public administration or business. Familiarity with data analysis tools, project management software (like MS Project or Asana), and sometimes certifications like PMP are often required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help Program Specialists coordinate teams and manage multiple priorities effectively. These competencies are crucial for ensuring programs are delivered efficiently, objectives are met, and stakeholders are satisfied.

What are Program Specialists?

Program Specialists are professionals who coordinate, implement, and oversee specific programs within organizations, such as educational institutions, government agencies, or non-profits. Their duties often include planning events, managing budgets, assessing program effectiveness, and ensuring compliance with organizational goals and regulations. They may also serve as a point of contact for participants, stakeholders, and other staff, providing support and troubleshooting issues as they arise. Program Specialists typically possess strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, and their exact responsibilities can vary depending on the field and employer.

What is the best definition for program?

A program is a planned set of activities or initiatives designed to achieve specific goals, often within a structured framework. In a job context, a program specialist manages, develops, and evaluates these initiatives, requiring organizational and communication skills. Understanding program objectives and processes is essential for effective implementation and oversight.
What are the most commonly searched types of Program Specialist jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Program Specialist jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Program Specialist jobs in Indiana? For Program Specialist jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Program Specialist job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,828 per year, or $30.7 per hour.
Program Specialist

$39K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


State Of Indiana rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 183 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 50 rated states


Job description

 Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD):
Our mission is to develop a premier workforce that will allow Indiana employers to flourish and entice businesses from outside our state to relocate to Indiana. Everyone at DWD will be required to think outside-the-box; to determine metrics that will allow for measurement and improvement and efficiencies to be made along the way. Cutting edge technologies will be utilized to help assess Indiana’s employment future. If managed properly, Indiana’s workforce will be second to none and completely prepared for the next phase of the state and country’s economic growth. 

Role Overview: 

The Program Specialist serves as a subject matter expert for an assigned program area, providing advanced support across document intake, customer service, and legal processes. This role ensures accurate case management, timely coordination of Review Board and Court of Appeals activities, and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders. The position also supports the Legal Division through special projects and high-level administrative tasks as needed.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $39,000.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

Based upon specific program area and needs, the essential functions of this role could include:

  • Serves as a claims specialist and subject matter expert for specific program area.
  • Data Capture: Accurately processes faxed and scanned hardcopy reports, forms, correspondence, and other documents.  Assigns the correct Form ID to create the appropriate work item, researches missing critical information needed to index incoming documentation, and accurately indexes the critical information to ensure it is associated with the correct customer.  Formats and assigns required tracking data to the imaged documents which become reference tools and work items in the database for the appropriate agency unit.
  • Appeals: Provides administrative and clerical support to the Administrative Law Judges within the department.  Provides hearing parties with specific information about their cases, prepares correspondence, maintains reference and resource materials, updates files, forms, and reports.
  • Compliance: Performs various daily administrative duties, responds to subpoenas sent to the Fraud unit, sets up potential fraud cases, assist and/or completes the appeals for the unit. Handles all requests for corrections, non-issue, and requalifications before being processed for appeals. 

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.  

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

  • Working knowledge of state governmental administrative structure
  • Working knowledge of assigned program area
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Attention to detail and proofreading skills
  • Organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively and multitask
  • Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Ability to work with sensitive documents and information, and be privy to sensitive agency information without divulging information to internal or external parties
  • Ability to work independently
  • Ability to provide effective and professional customer service to internal and external parties.

A degree is not required. However, a High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE) and at least 4 years of experience in administrative support, business administration, program support, public administration or related area, applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.  

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.


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