Program Specialist 3 SY 2025-26 (NBOE)

Newark Public Schools; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 76,497 - 96,286; Full time

Job summary

Newark Public Schools invites applications for a Program Specialist 3 in the Office of Food & Nutrition, Newark Board of Education. The role involves supervising professional staff, advancing program operations, and ensuring compliance with state and federal funding requirements.

The incumbent will analyze program data, develop strategic recommendations, and coordinate grants and contracts while advancing program objectives and performance metrics.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional experience in planning, monitoring, coordinating, implementing, modifying, and/or evaluating agency programs.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with 3 years of relevant experience.
• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a discipline appropriate to the position; and two years of the above-mentioned professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervises complex administrative and analytical work to plan and evaluate programs.
• Identifies deficiencies and develops corrective actions.
• Researches funding sources and monitors contracts or grants.
• Prepares reports, charts and visual materials for program activities.
• Trains staff and conducts program outreach and education workshops.

Skills

Program planning

Staff supervision

Data analysis

Grant research

Budget monitoring

Contract compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Program Specialist 3

Office of Food & Nutrition, Newark Board of Education

Definition

Under the general supervision of a Program Specialist 4 or other supervisory officer in the state department, institution or agency, or in a local jurisdiction, a Program Specialist 3 directly supervises professional and/or technical staff engaged in program activities; performs the more complex and sensitive professional, administrative and analytical work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of various programs and services administered by the Department of assignment; conducts the research and field work necessary to meet the needs of the appropriate state and/or local public or private agencies; prepares and signs office performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does other related work.

Special Note

An incumbent in the class conducts in-depth analysis, reviews program proposals, evaluates and monitors program activities, and/or prepares recommendations aimed at developing, implementing, or modifying programs. Incumbents review proposed draft regulatory changes for fiscal or programmatic impact and make recommendations regarding the development and revision of agency policies based on changes to State and Federal laws and regulations. Incumbents handle the more sensitive and complex program issues and act as a subject matter expert. Assignments at this level are broadly defined; incumbents are expected to determine the methods needed to achieve objectives. May supervise staff engaged in program activities.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.

• Seven (7) years of professional experience in planning, monitoring, coordinating, implementing, modifying, and/or evaluating agency programs and services.
• Or possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
• Or possession of a master's degree from an accredited college or university in a discipline appropriate to the position; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.

"Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.

License

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Basic Functions and Responsibilities

• Supervises or performs the more complex and sensitive administrative, analytical and professional work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of various programs and services administered by the Department of assignment.
• Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs, evaluates employee performance and conduct, and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of subordinates.
• Identifies program deficiencies and develops corrective action strategies in support of established goals.
• Plans, coordinates, implements and upgrades existing programs in assigned area.
• Develops rule proposals and adoption documents to implement programs in assigned area.
• Researches and identifies available funding sources, develops and reviews grant applications, and writes proposals; negotiates and monitors contracts or grants.
• Responds to requests for information regarding program activities to agencies and program clients.
• Researches, collects, and disseminates information regarding assigned program(s).
• Handles sensitive and complex program issues and acts as a subject matter expert.
• Monitors expenditure of budgeted funds.
• Reviews proposed/existing legislation and administrative/operational procedures, and submits recommendations for changes.
• Supervises and/or conducts surveys or other studies to help identify program needs.
• Participates in the development and implementation of department/agency initiatives.
• Establishes business relationships with potential funding sources via phone call, visit, and/or letter of inquiry.
• Develops and monitors program evaluation strategies.
• Supervises and/or conducts the more difficult onsite evaluations or audits to ensure compliance with regulations and/or contract terms; prepares related reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Supervises the preparation of, and/or prepares informational materials such as manuals, guides and handbooks.
• Plans and conducts program outreach and promotional activities.
• Organizes and conducts education/training workshops.
• Trains staff involved in program activities.
• Assists in performance of professional recruitment, admissions/placement activities for the program.
• Serves as a program liaison to a variety of parties including federal, state and local government officials and providers.
• Established and maintains cooperative working relationships with other state and local code enforcement officials.
• Prepares charts, tables and other graphic representations needed for the planning, operation and implementation of program activities.
• Reviews, analyzes and prepares written materials such as letters, reports, correspondence and other documents related to the program functions.
• Maintains essential records, reports and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of the methods used to maintain laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Knowledge of the methods and procedures used in planning, coordinating, monitoring, evaluating and/or implementing programs.
• Knowledge of the methods used to collect and analyze data.
• Knowledge of methods used to research and identify public and private funding sources.
• Knowledge of the methods and procedures used to prepare and submit proposals for funding.
• Knowledge of program evaluation and assessment techniques.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of contract compliance monitoring.
• Ability to supervise assigned staff and plan, organize, and implement projects within the unit.
• Ability to conduct periodic evaluations of programs, and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Ability to handle sensitive and complex program issues and act as a subject matter expert.
• Ability to organize assigned tasks, provide instruction to employees and review their work.
• Ability to conduct surveys, independent research and field investigations.
• Ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret laws, rules, regulations, standards and policies and apply them to specific situations.
• Ability to research and identify public and private funding sources.
• Ability to prepare informational materials.
• Ability to train staff involved in programs activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co‑workers, groups and others involved in the operations of the program.
• Ability to establish business relationships with potential funding sources via phone call, visit, and/or letter of inquiry.
• Ability to review, analyze and prepare written materials such as letters, reports, correspondence and other documents related to the program functions.
• Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate and comprehensive reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to represent the department or agency at conferences, meetings and other events.
• Ability to maintain essential records and files.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Reports To

Department Head

Salary, Employment Period & Union Affiliation

• Salary: $76,497 - $96,286
• Employment Period: Twelve (12) Months
• Union Affiliation: Local 32

Benefits

In an effort to attract and retain staff, NBOE offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits for all full‑time staff. Offerings include Medical and Prescription Drug plans, employer‑paid Dental and Vision coverage, an array of Wellness and Voluntary benefits programs, and paid time off; all employees receive paid Personal and Sick days, as well as Vacation days for 12‑month employees.

For details, please go to https://nboehrs.com/

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Newark Board of Education is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.