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Program Support Specialist Jobs in Washington, DC

Program Support Specialist Department: Administration Employment Type: Contract / Temp Location: National Science Foundation - Washington DC Area Compensation: $48,000 - $55,000 / year Description ...

New

XLA is looking for a Program Support Specialist to support a federal agency in Arlington, VA. This position requires the candidate to be eligible to obtain a U.S. secret security clearance and is ...

Alluvionic is currently seeking experienced applicants for a Program Support Specialist position to support the National Science Foundation (NSF), Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP ...

What You'll Do As Program Support Specialist you will be responsible for overseeing all client documentation across Group Day and Group Supported Employment. You will ensure high-quality service ...

Alluvionic is currently seeking experienced applicants for a Program Support Specialist position to support the National Science Foundation (NSF), Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP ...

What You'll Do As Program Support Specialist you will be responsible for overseeing all client documentation across Group Day and Group Supported Employment. You will ensure high-quality service ...

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Program Support Specialist information

See Washington, DC salary details

$30.6K

$77K

$137.6K

How much do program support specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for program support specialist in Washington, DC is $77,031.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,700.00 and $97,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a program support specialist?

Program Support Specialists are professionals who provide administrative and operational support to programs within organizations. They assist with tasks such as scheduling, data entry, record-keeping, communication with stakeholders, and coordinating program activities. Their role is essential for ensuring that programs run smoothly and efficiently, often acting as a bridge between management, staff, and participants. Program Support Specialists may work in various sectors, including education, healthcare, government, and nonprofit organizations.

What does a program support specialist do?

A program support specialist assists the program director with administrative tasks. As a program support specialist, your job duties may include typing up documents, sending emails, answering phones, and organizing paperwork. You find program support specialists in many different industries. There are no formal education requirements to become a program support specialist, but employers may prefer candidates with experience in clerical positions.

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

To thrive as a Program Support Specialist, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in administrative tasks, often supported by an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with project management software, Microsoft Office Suite, and database systems is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to multitask help someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for efficiently supporting programs, ensuring smooth operations, and enabling teams to meet their objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by program support specialists and how can they be addressed?

Program Support Specialists often juggle multiple tasks and deadlines, such as coordinating schedules, managing documentation, and supporting communication across teams. A common challenge is balancing these responsibilities while ensuring accuracy and timely delivery. To address this, strong organizational skills, effective time management, and proactive communication are essential. Utilizing project management tools and regularly checking in with team members can also help streamline workflows and reduce the risk of overlooked tasks.

What is the difference between Program Support Specialist vs Program Coordinator?

AspectProgram Support SpecialistProgram Coordinator
Required CredentialsTypically an associate's or bachelor's degree; certifications like CAP or PMP are commonUsually a bachelor's degree; certifications like CAP or PMP may be preferred
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, government agencies, nonprofit organizationsOffice environments, community programs, nonprofit and government sectors
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across government, nonprofit, and educational sectors for administrative support rolesCommonly found in similar sectors, focusing on program implementation and coordination
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare for administrative and support roles within programsPeople compare for roles involving program planning and management

The main difference is that Program Support Specialists focus on administrative and logistical support tasks, while Program Coordinators are more involved in planning, executing, and overseeing program activities. Both roles often require similar credentials and work in similar environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are popular job titles related to Program Support Specialist jobs in Washington, DC?

For Program Support Specialist jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Program Support Specialist jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Support Specialist jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Program Support Specialist job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,031 per year, or $37 per hour.

Program Support Specialist

EDJ Associates,

Washington, DC • On-site

$48K - $55K/yr

Contractor

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Program Support Specialist
Department: Administration
Employment Type: Contract / Temp
Location: National Science Foundation - Washington DC Area
Compensation: $48,000 - $55,000 / year
Description
This is a month-to-month assignment for a six-month period. The position is hybrid, with the potential to be onsite full-time at NSF headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia.
The Program Support Specialist will provide daily administrative and programmatic support to the National Science Foundation to facilitate the peer review process. The employees will work closely with their assigned NSF Program Director/s to identify technical and commercial experts to participate on scientific review panels and provide feedback on grant proposals. The Program Support Specialist will enter key data into NSF systems, create and manage all supporting documents for their assigned review panels, and assist the Program Director/s by reviewing proposal budgets and drafting the review analysis required to support the eventual NSF award or decline decision for each proposal. In addition to facilitating the peer review process, the Program Support Specialist will provide other administrative and technical services to the client upon request, including maintaining tracking spreadsheets and calendars, conducting data analysis, preparing reports and presentations, planning and supporting small and medium sized meetings, and corresponding with grantees and reviewers via email and telephone regarding all aspects of the review process and grants management.
Key Responsibilities
Typical Duties /ResponsibilitiesAssist NSF Program Directors with identifying and recruiting qualified peer reviewers using NSF databases and internet searches.
  • Perform data entry into NSF systems to support review process, and management of affiliated paperwork.
  • Communicate daily via phone and email with potential reviewers.
  • Draft and review all documents associated with assigned panels, including review analyses and screening reviewer comments.
  • Prepare materials and correspondence upon request, and review/suggest edits for key NSF documents and websites.
  • Review award budgets for compliance with program requirements.
  • Plan and support small and medium sized meetings to occur at NSF.
  • Perform data queries on NSF systems and update/maintain key tracking spreadsheets and calendars.
  • Prepare reports and presentations upon request.
  • Conduct compliance screening on incoming proposals.
  • Assist with individual administrative and data analysis projects as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering, Physical Sciences, Information Technology, Computer Science, or Education.
Experience: Three years' professional and/or administrative experience in office environment.
Skills/Knowledge: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Proficient with use of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Access and Outlook email and calendar functions. Experienced querying experience strongly preferred. Detail-oriented, problem-solver,