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Program Specialist Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

MRCI

CDS Program Specialist, CDCS

Burnsville, MN · On-site

$21.23 - $26.54/hr

CDS Program Specialist - CDCS ???? Mankato or Burnsville, MN | ???? Full-Time | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM ???? Starting at $21.23-26.54/hour (commensurate with experience) Are you dependable ...

New

MRCI

CDS Program Specialist, CDCS

Mankato, MN · On-site

$21.23 - $26.54/hr

CDS Program Specialist - CDCS ???? Mankato or Burnsville, MN | ???? Full-Time | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM ???? Starting at $21.23-26.54/hour (commensurate with experience) Are you dependable ...

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All JobsProgram Specialist JobsProgram Specialist Jobs in Minnesota

Program Specialist information

See Minnesota salary details

$29.9K

$65.7K

$111.7K

How much do program specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for program specialist in Minnesota is $65,696.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $77,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

How much does a program specialist make?

The average salary for a program specialist in North Carolina is approximately $50,000 to $65,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and the specific industry. Salaries can vary based on location, certifications, and organizational size, with some roles offering additional benefits or bonuses.

Where do program specialists typically work?

Program specialists typically work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or corporate settings. They often operate in office environments and may need to use project management tools or data analysis software as part of their role.
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Program Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Specialist job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,696 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Program Specialist

Northwest Minnesota Foundation

Bemidji, MN • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Program Specialist
Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Bemidji, MN
The Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) is one of the six Minnesota Initiative Foundations (MIFs) established by the McKnight Foundation in 1986 to assist Minnesota’s rural regions during the farm crisis in the 1980s. As the region’s MIF and the only community foundation in the region, NMF has been serving the vast nonprofit community in northwest Minnesota for more than 30 years.
NMF provides grants and loans to organizations and small businesses and scholarships to individuals within the 12-county region and the two tribal nations. Since its founding, NMF has invested millions to help make the region a better place to live and work.
Position Description
The Program Specialist plays a dynamic, and highly collaborative support role within the Programs Division. This position contributes to meaningful regional work every day—helping communities access resources, supporting projects that strengthen northwest Minnesota, and amplifying program impact through thoughtful communication and data practices.
The Program Specialist organizes, coordinates, communicates, and supports a variety of Foundation initiatives and program activities. This position helps keep projects moving forward, maintains strong organizational systems, and ensures programs, partners, and staff remain well supported and connected.
Duties amp; Responsibilities
You will assist, collaborate, support, prepare, organize, update, and communicate across the following areas:
Program amp; Project Coordination
  • Assist and support implementation of program activities, projects, and initiatives across assigned program areas.
  • Assist Program Officers and Program Managers with planning, scheduling, tracking deliverables, and maintaining project timelines.
  • Coordinate follow-up activities to ensure projects remain organized, documented, and progressing toward established timelines.
Meeting amp; Event Support
  • Assist with coordination of logistics for meetings, trainings, convenings, and community engagement activities.
  • Prepare meeting materials, support virtual and in-person event administration, document meeting outcomes, and assist with follow-up activities and task tracking
Community amp; Partner Relations
  • Serve as a professional and welcoming point of contact for community members, partners, advisory groups, vendors, consultants, and other stakeholders.
  • Respond to inquiries, provide information and referrals, and help connect partners with appropriate Foundation resources and opportunities.
Communications amp; Outreach
  • Support program communications, outreach, and engagement efforts through maintenance of contact lists, preparation of communication materials, coordination of mailings, and assistance with surveys, events, and outreach campaigns.
  • Assist with creation, editing, and distribution of program and partner communications
Data amp; Records Management
  • Maintain accurate program records, files, databases, and documentation in accordance with Foundation policies and funding requirements.
  • Assist with data collection, reporting, survey administration, record retention, and quality assurance activities.
  • Compile and maintain routine reports, tracking tools, and program data to support program management and decision-making.
Grants, Contracts amp; Financial Support
  • Assist with administrative processes related to grants, contracts, consultant agreements, invoices, reimbursements, and other program transactions.
  • Support documentation collection, routing, approvals, and record maintenance to ensure compliance with Foundation procedures and funding requirements.
Shared Organizational Support
  • Contribute to Foundation-wide operations through shared administrative responsibilities, including reception coverage, mail processing, phone support, and other organizational support activities as assigned.
  • Responsibilities may vary based on assigned program area, organizational priorities, and Foundation initiatives. The Program Specialist is expected to adapt to changing needs and contribute to a wide range of programmatic, administrative, communication, and operational activities.
  • Provide administrative support to the Community Health amp; Wellness Senior Program Manager, including scheduling assistance, calendar coordination, meeting preparation, note-taking, follow-up tracking, and other administrative support activities necessary to support program operations and priorities.
  • Other duties as assigned.
What success looks like:
  • You bring warmth, curiosity, and enthusiasm to your work.
  • You communicate clearly, kindly, and professionally with colleagues and community members.
  • You maintain exceptional accuracy in documentation, data entry, and record management.
  • You help create smooth, well‑coordinated workflows across projects, partners, and teams.
  • You strengthen the Programs Division through positivity, reliability, and proactive follow‑through.
  • The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. You actively seek opportunities to grow your skills and strengthen our work across the region.
Obligations
Ownership of:
  • Accurate and well-organized program records and documentation.
  • Timely coordination of contracts, invoices, and required program paperwork.
  • Data quality within designated program databases and information systems.
  • Maintenance of program files and compliance documentation.
Will collaborate in:
  • Program outreach and community‑focused communication efforts.
  • Cross‑team project coordination and shared project communication.
  • Development of program communication and data workflow
  • Community Health amp; Wellness team support.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Associate degree (A.A.) or higher or two years of relevant work experience.
  • Minimum two years of experience in administrative coordination, nonprofit, business, or community development.
  • Proficiency with Excel, CRM/data systems, and digital communication tools.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and relationship‑building skills.
Preferred:
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, community development, economic development, or related field.
  • Knowledge of NMF programs or community development processes.
  • Experience collaborating with consultants or vendors.
  • Passion for NMF’s mission and enthusiasm for community‑focused work.
Job Information
The Northwest Minnesota Foundation follows an equal opportunity employment policy and employs personnel without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, physical or mental ability, pregnancy, veteran status, military obligations, and marital status. This policy applies to hiring, wages, internal promotions, training, opportunities for advancement, and terminations.
  • This position offers a competitive salary (minimum $50,255 to a maximum of $72,590), commensurate with experience and qualifications.
  • The primary location for this position is the Foundation's headquarters in Bemidji, Minnesota. However, a flexible/hybrid option is available where the employee is expected to be physically at the headquarters for an agreed upon number of days and has the option to work from a remote work location in the region we serve (12 northwest counties and 2 Tribal Nations) the other days.
  • This position will require travel locally and regionally. There is the potential for state-wide, or national travel.

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