Program Specialist

Location: Mission: Ignite Powered by Computers for Children Reports To: AmeriCorps Director – Interim Training Period Mission: To spark learning and unlock potential among high-need populations and those that serve them. Vision: To prepare people today for the technologies of tomorrow. Position Summary: The AmeriCorps Program Specialist is responsible for the comprehensive administration, compliance, and day-to-day activities of Mission: Ignite’s AmeriCorps program. This role serves as the primary point of contact between the organization, the New York State Commission on National and Community Service (AmeriCorps), partner sites, and AmeriCorps members. The Program Specialist ensures the program operates in full compliance with federal, state, and local requirements and plays a central role in member recruitment, onboarding, management, and retention. Responsibilities: Program Administration & Compliance Maintain compliance with all AmeriCorps federal and CNCS/AmeriCorps regulations, standard operating procedures, and grant requirements. Manage all program activities in eGrants, including member enrollment and exit, slot conversions, service position updates, and applicant profile management. Administer the America Learns platform: manage admin access, file management, pull progress reports, create service year templates, and oversee compliance setup. Complete and coordinate timely submission of Weekly Activities, Quarterly Progress Reports, Final Progress Reports, Risk Assessments, and Requested Documentation. Maintain Litmos training compliance for all required annual trainings (NSCHC, Financial Grants Management, Fraud Awareness, Policies and Procedures, Funds Management, Internal Control). Facilitate ongoing communication with the AmeriCorps state commission; serve as the organizational liaison regarding all program matters. Participate in Monthly Meetings with the commission and ensure all program milestones are met. Member Selection [Works Collaboratively with Human Resources and program departments] Coordinate with organizational leadership regarding staffing needs and financial capacity for new AmeriCorps member slots. Support HR on posts and management service opportunity listings on platforms such as Handshake and other recruitment channels. Serve as secondary contact for all applicants; conduct screening interviews and coordinate in-person interviews with program supervisors in case of absence of HR. Evaluate candidates and lead the selection process through formal enrollment for their AmeriCorps position. Onboarding & Orientation Lead the full NSCHC onboarding process in compliance with the NSCHC SOP, including background check facilitation via Truescreen. Conduct AmeriCorps Onboarding events and America Learns timesheet training for all new members. Draft and execute AmeriCorps Member Service Agreements and related contracts; calculate member stipends and all information for the Member Service Agreement. Coordinate the first day and first week schedules for new members in collaboration with site supervisors. AmeriCorps orientation for members and site supervisors. Member Management & Support Provide ongoing oversight of all AmeriCorps members’ service hours; communicate regularly with members and host site supervisors regarding hour progress and scheduling. Serve as advisor, problem-solver, and resource for member concerns, site supervisor questions, and program matters. Manage goals and tasks of the AmeriCorps Program service positions, such as Volunteer Coordinators and Community Engagement Coordinator, including daily check-ins and oversight of activities. Facilitate Mid-Year and End-of-Year performance evaluations for all members. Draft and process Contract Amendments, Memos, and Exit documentation as needed. Create and manage all SignNow documentation for AmeriCorps-related agreements and forms. Events & Professional Development Plan, coordinate, and execute AmeriCorps Service Days, professional development sessions, and program events from start to finish. Coordinate logistics with partner sites, staff, and AmeriCorps teams to ensure all events run smoothly. Support member engagement and retention through team-building activities and professional growth opportunities. Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable corresponding with government agencies, community partners, and diverse member populations. Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to working across teams and organizations. Demonstrated ability to navigate federal compliance requirements and government platforms (eGrants, America Learns, Litmos, or similar). Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook) and other digital tools. Empathetic, mission-driven, and committed to supporting members from varied backgrounds. Self-directed and proactive; able to take initiative and solve problems with minimal supervision. Adaptable and calm under pressure; able to respond effectively to evolving program needs. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community engagement. Qualifications: Preferred Education: College-level education preferred or related educational experience to support the job skills. Preferred Experience: Two years of experience in human resources, with a focus on compliance related to government programs. Note: An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements represent the knowledge, skill, and ability required and are not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with this job. Compensation and Benefits: Salaried full-time position/ 40 hours a week Range from $42,000 to $46,000/ year, commensurate with experience Mileage reimbursements for qualifying travel Training on topics including computers, technology, and Microsoft products #J-18808-Ljbffr Mission: Ignite