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Program Specialist Jobs in Jackson, MS (NOW HIRING)

State of Mississippi

Program Specialist III

Jackson, MS · On-site

$43K - $67K/yr

The Mississippi Department of Education is seeking to employ a Program Specialist III in the Office of Grants Management. This position will have the responsibility of: • Providing assistance to ...

State of Mississippi

Program Specialist IV

Jackson, MS · On-site

$51K - $79K/yr

Wellness Benefits Employees are eligible for a wellness and health promotion program. This plan ... Specialist Degree * Doctorate Degree * 9th grade * 10th grade * 11th grade Required Question

State of Mississippi

Program Specialist IV

Jackson, MS · On-site

$51K - $77K/yr

Maintain up to date knowledge of Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), STOP Program and SASP Program ... Specialist Degree * Doctorate Degree * 9th grade * 10th grade * 11th grade Required Question

State of Mississippi

Program Specialist II

Jackson, MS · On-site

$33K - $36K/yr

Additional NMRC Community Services are the Community Enrichment Programs (CEPS) and the Technology ... Specialist Degree * Doctorate Degree * 9th grade * 10th grade * 11th grade 02 How many years of ...

State of Mississippi

Program Specialist IV

Jackson, MS · On-site

$51K - $79K/yr

Wellness Benefits Employees are eligible for a wellness and health promotion program. This plan ... Specialist Degree * Doctorate Degree * 9th grade * 10th grade * 11th grade Required Question

State of Mississippi

Benefit Program Specialist

Jackson, MS · On-site

$28K - $48K/yr

... program management, training, and budgeting/finance. Working with MDCPS will give you the chance to ... Specialists must review and assess paperwork to determine if a child is eligible for IV-E funding ...

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Program Specialist information

See Jackson, MS salary details

$26.6K

$58.5K

$99.3K

How much do program specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for program specialist in Jackson, MS is $58,452.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $68,800.00 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.
More about Program Specialist jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Program Specialist jobs in Jackson, MS?

The most popular types of Program Specialist jobs in Jackson, MS are:

What are popular job titles related to Program Specialist jobs in Jackson, MS?

For Program Specialist jobs in Jackson, MS, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Program Specialist jobs in Jackson, MS look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Specialist jobs in Jackson, MS are:

Program Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Specialist job openings in Jackson, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,452 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Program Specialist

Jackson, MS • On-site

SD Department of Veterans Affairs
See more jobs at SD Department of Veterans Affairsexternal

$50K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Serve as the primary person responsible for the facility Survivors Assistance and Memorial Support (SAMS) Program.

  • Provide personalized, supportive services to families, caregivers, and survivors at the end of a Veteran's life.

  • Ensure Veterans without identified family receive dignified burials to honor their service.

Job description

The position serves as a Program Specialist assigned to the Survivors Assistance and Memorial Support (SAMS) Program under the Chief, Social Work Service at the G.V. Sonny Montgomery VAMC as a primary person responsible for the facility SAMS Program. SAMS's focus is to provide personalized, supportive services to families, caregivers and survivors at the end of a Veteran's life and ensure Veterans without identified family receive dignified burials to honor their service.Qualifications:To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/04/2026.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-07 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-05. For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
You may qualify for the GS-07 based on your experience and/or education as described below:
  • Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-05 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:
    • Convey information effectively through both oral and written communication to make presentations, explain recommendations, represent the division, and assigned program areas, provide guidance and advise program administrators, respond to inquiries, and prepare reports.
    • Evaluate and prioritize workload tasks and requirements.
    • Demonstrate experience related to procedures of budget, purchasing, personnel, and basic office information functions.
OR,
  • Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed one full year of graduate level education in a field related to this position that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. (Examples of related fields may include but not limited to Health Care Administration and Public Health Administration.) Note: Transcripts are required.
OR,
  • Superior Academic Achievement: Completed all the requirements for a bachelor's degree in a curriculum that is qualifying (i.e. health Care Administration, Public Health Administration, or related fields such as course work in health care administration) for the position to be filled and I meet one of the following: Rank in the upper one-third of your class in the college, university or major subdivision; A grade-point average of "B" (a GPA of 2.95 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last two years of undergraduate study; A grade point average of "B+" (a GPA of 3.45 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all courses in your major field of study, or those courses in your major completed in the last two years of undergraduate study; Membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies. For a list of recognized honor societies please visit http://www.achsnatl.org/quick_link.asp. Note: Transcripts are required.
OR,
  • Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an equivalent combination of successfully completed graduate education and specialized experience to meet the total experience requirements. The education portion must include graduate courses that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. Only education beyond a bachelor's degree may be used to qualify for the GS-07 level. (Examples of related fields may include but not limited to Health Care Administration and Public Health Administration.) Note: Transcripts are required.

You may qualify for the GS-09 based on your experience and/or education as described below:
  • Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-07 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:
    • Demonstrate a wide range of concepts, principles, and practices in the areas of end-of-life, hospice death, burial, funeral, and bereavement.
    • Experience in evaluating program efficiency through established procedures and implementing strategies to improve programs.
    • Participation with SAMS-related group meetings and transition planning sessions.
    • Provide guidance to Veterans or their caregivers regarding VA programs, including comprehensive explanation of VA program eligibility and VA services.
    • Experience with current program policies, procedures, and reporting requirements related to former decedent affairs duties.
OR,
  • Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed a Master's or equivalent, or 2 years of progressively higher level education leading to such a degree, or an LL.B or J.D. in a field related to this position that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. (Examples of related fields may include but not limited to Health Care Administration and Public Health Administration.) Note: Transcripts are required.
OR,
  • Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an equivalent combination of successfully completed graduate education and specialized experience (beyond the first graduate year or 18 semester hours) and specialized experience to meet the total experience requirements. The education portion must include graduate courses that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. (Examples of related fields may include but not limited to Health Care Administration and Public Health Administration.) Note: Transcripts are required.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.Education:A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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