Program Specialist

Position Summary The primary purpose of the Program Specialist position is to provide technical assistance and capacity building services to multiple SERVE Center clients, including state education agencies, government entities, and community-based organizations supporting Out-of-School Time programs. The Program Specialist delivers research- and policy-informed guidance to strengthen program design, ensure alignment with federal and state requirements, support effective implementation, and improve student outcomes. Responsibilities include strategic planning, development of tools and professional learning, and support for compliance, monitoring, and continuous improvement efforts. Additionally, this position will lead and support client capacity building efforts related to other SERVE grants such as the Region 5 Comprehensive Center as well as support SERVE’s non-profit contract evaluation efforts. Key Responsibilities Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Services (40%) Serve as a lead for providing technical assistance and capacity building services to internal SERVE Center colleagues and external SERVE Center clients. External services include using principles of adult learning to design and implement trainings and webinars as well as developing other resources to build the capacity of SERVE Center clients to integrate best practices into their work. External services will be provided at the SEA, LEA, and community levels. Internal services will include working in partnership with SERVE Center leadership and colleagues to sustain and deepen the organization’s capacity to lead through its core values. Research and Data Analysis (5%) Independently conduct research based on input from communities and schools served by SERVE Center clients to ensure assigned projects are designed to meet client goals, as well as any associated project goals outlined by state legislatures and/or USED, if appropriate. Develop and implement internal control processes to meet grant needs and monitor to determine and implement modifications as needed. Develop reports and lead strategic visioning discussions with clients regarding best practice research and the data collected from the communities and schools. Evaluation Support (5%) Provide data collection support to teams working on individually contracted non-profit evaluation projects. Contribute to data analysis and copy-editing for projects as needed. Other duties (5%) Perform other duties as assigned to meet the deliverables of SERVE Center grants and contracts. Write for publication as appropriate. Minimum Qualifications Master’s Degree in an educational field. 5–10 years of progressively responsible educational experience, including non-profit, school, and/or district level leadership positions. Expertise in implementing federally‑funded programs to support K‑12 education and out‑of‑school time learning, including at SEAs, LEAs, schools, and community‑based organizations. Experience supporting low‑performing, high‑poverty, and/or rural school initiatives and efforts. Experience researching, writing, and editing publications. Experience leading meeting planning and facilitation for internal teams and external clients. Experience coaching individuals and teams to meet project goals. Expertise in developing materials and products for training and professional development offerings, and for broad dissemination. Experience using technology to support communication (e.g., websites, listservs) and virtual professional learning (e.g., webinars, online communities). Experience with MS Word, PowerPoint, and other applications for developing and preparing materials for meetings, professional learning events, and for online and print publication. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Strong teamwork, leadership, and organizational skills; ability to work with high‑level educators and collaborate with teams of colleagues to meet the goals of multiple contracts and grants assigned to the position. Must be able to cultivate school‑district‑communitywide partnerships and support youth and schools. Preferred Qualifications An understanding of the Department of Public Instruction working structure is beneficial. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of North Carolina at Greensboro