Criminal Justice - Program Specialist

American Bar Association; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Medical

Job summary

The American Bar Association in Washington, DC seeks a Program Specialist to manage projects, budgets, and related activities, including coordinating with leaders and external partners. The role emphasizes strategic advisement to ensure project progress and alignment with ABA policies.

Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of experience, or a high school diploma with 5+ years in a relevant field, and be proficient in MS Office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years’ experience; OR a high school diploma or GED plus at least 5 years’ relevant professional experience.
• Intermediate proficiency with MS Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Manages day-to-day organization and implementation of one or more programs or projects, including budgeting and compliance with ABA policies.
• Advises member leaders on strategy and procedures, including risk assessment to keep projects moving forward.
• Serves as principal contact for projects; maintains regular communications with leaders and staff and reports progress and results.
• Coordinates with internal and external partners; solicits and manages sponsorship revenue where applicable.
• Supervises one or more staff members and handles recruitment, orientation, mentoring and performance evaluations.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Skills

Budgeting

Project coordination

Staff supervision

Education

Bachelor’s degree

High school diploma/GED + 5 years experience

Tools

MS Office

Job description

ABA DC, 1050 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, District Of Columbia, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Monday, August 17, 2026 at 5:00 AM

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security. The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include:

• 401(k)
• medical
• dental
• vision
• flexible spending accounts
• health spending accounts
• supplemental life and disability insurance
• prepaid legal programs
• complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI. Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Job Summary/General Purpose of Job

• The Program Specialist is responsible for the management and implementation of programs, projects, and activities of the entity. Has oversight responsibility for the entity's program/project budgets and provides substantive support and direction to the Chairs of the projects and is responsible for the execution of the programs/projects, including, but not limited to budgeting of resources, fundraising for projects that require outside funding support, marketing of projects and activities, and oversight of meetings and special events.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Manages the day-to-day organization and implementation of one or more programs or projects, including planning projects, overseeing budgets, and ensuring compliance with ABA policies.
• Advises member leaders on strategy and procedures, including analysis of opportunities and risks, to ensure projects move forward in a productive manner.
• Serves as principal point of contact for projects, both internally and externally. Initiates regular communications with member leaders and staff, including reporting on progress and results.
• Coordinates with other interested entities on joint projects, proactively seeking both internal and external partners. This responsibility may include solicitation and management of sponsorship revenue.
• Supervises one or more staff members, directly or indirectly, as appropriate to the project.
• Responsibilities may include recruitment, orientation, ongoing mentoring and annual performance evaluations.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least three years' experience; OR, possession of a high school diploma or GED and at least five years’ relevant professional experience.
• Intermediate level proficiency with MS Office suite.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Management and/or supervisory experience, preferably in an association or non-profit setting to include analytical problem solving ability, and programmatic and policy development.
• Prior experience overseeing budgets and planning meetings is strongly preferred.

The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association, please call 312-988-5188.

ABA DC, 1050 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, District Of Columbia, United States of America