Project Specialist, Nonprofit Child Welfare

National Adoption Association; Linthicum (MD); Remote; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Adoption Association is seeking a Project Specialist to provide essential administrative and programmatic support to enhance post-adoption services. The role requires strong organizational skills, a dedication to child welfare, and the capability to manage multiple responsibilities in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Generous health plan

Dental & vision insurance (100% employer paid)

Employer retirement plan contribution

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, nonprofit management, public administration preferred.
• At least 3 years of high-level administrative experience.
• Prior experience in non-profit or child welfare settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide logistical support to outreach events and initiatives.
• Coordinate internal and external communications while ensuring timely responses.
• Prepare reports and data presentations to share insights and impact.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of child welfare

Customer service

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Suite

Data management tools

Job description

Join a team that makes a difference in the lives of children and teens in the US foster care system!

NAA is seeking a Project Specialist to join its team!

Overview

The Project Specialist role provides essential administrative and programmatic support to the National Center for Enhanced Post Adoption Support. Reporting to the National Director of Community Engagement, the Project Specialist will support the efforts of the Center, through a variety of services such as supporting recruitment, focus group coordination, lived experience team logistics, and other core activities to support the Director’s focus on strategy and technical guidance. The Project Specialist will be detail-oriented, proactive, and deeply committed to improving outcomes for children and families impacted by foster care and adoption.

About the National Adoption Association (NAA)

The National Adoption Association (NAA) is the national leader advancing best practices in adoption from foster care.

Our Philosophy

We believe that adoption is addition, not subtraction. We unite birth, kin, and adoptive families for the benefit of children and youth. Our approach honors cultural identity, familial connection, and youth voice—supporting healing, belonging, and stability for children in foster care.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, nonprofit management, public administration, project management, or related field preferred.
• At least 3 years of related high-level administrative experience.
• Prior experience in non-profit, child welfare, or adoption-related settings preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Knowledge of child welfare.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite of products and familiarity with Google Suite
• Results-oriented with a high attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and meet deadlines in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• Passion for child welfare and foster care/adoption with a commitment to NAA’s mission.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to recognize and prioritize agency workflow needs.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.
• Familiarity with data management tools and software.
• Commitment to providing quality customer service.

Role and Responsibilities

1. Outreach. Provides excellent customer service through logistical support to participants of events and initiatives. Coordinates all communications and feedback sessions for Focus Groups. Implement outreach strategies to recruit participants for focus groups and lived experience activities.

2. Communication. Collaborates across the organization and with partners to ensure timelines and support. Partners with cross-functional teams to improve tools and systems. Interacts with diverse populations and understands the cultural contexts that affect child welfare. Promotes an environment of respect, equity, and inclusion within the organization and the community. Responds to inquiries and concerns professionally and timely, escalating as appropriate. Collaborate with the Director to align recruitment efforts with program goals.

3. Administrative Support. Provides regular assistance to Center and general project operations. Supports special projects and leadership with project tracking and documentation. Attends meetings with the National Director of Community Engagement to gather information for project tracking. Ensures a high level of customer service to internal and external partners.

4. Event Coordination. Oversees daily logistics and coordination of community engagement initiatives. Develops and monitors event workplan and logistics for virtual events (i.e., webinars, trainings, meetings). Coordinates meetings and registration, including payment processing. Provide webinar technical support. Prepares and distributes materials.

5. Data Coordination. Prepares regular reports and documentation to present data findings. Creates data reports and presentations to communicate impact. Prepares and presents focus group and feedback group reports for the site team. Conveys data insights to non-technical partners.

Additional Notes

Work is expected to be performed remotely. Occasional overtime (evenings and weekends) may be required. NAA conducts background checks on all employees. This position is grant-funded. Please note, NAA is currently unable to do business in the State of California.

Benefits and Compensation:

The Project Specialist salary range is $55,000 - $60,000, commensurate with experience. As a member of our team, you will not only receive a competitive salary and a generous benefits package including a gold health plan, dental & vision insurance (100% employer paid for employees!); employer retirement plan contribution; and professional development opportunities, among others. You will also enjoy your work - knowing you are a part of a dedicated group of professionals making an impact.

NAA is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

How to Apply:

No phone calls please. Apply online at Project Specialist with a cover letter and resume by June 23, 2025.

Please note - applications without cover letters will not be considered.

NAA Racial Equity Statement:

As leaders in child welfare, we recognize systemic racism creates disparities that negatively impact our staff as well as the children and families we serve. NAA is committed to listening, learning, and taking actions to advance racial equity by:

• Continually and intentionally recruiting, hiring, and supporting diverse staff, including consultants and vendors;
• Using a racial equity lens in all of our programmatic work;
• Evaluating our organizational policies and procedures to ensure that they are antiracist[1];
• Allowing staff to be their authentic selves.

[1] Anti-Racism is defined as the work of actively opposing racism by advocating for changes in political, economic, and social life. Anti-racism tends to be an individualized approach and set up in opposition to individual racist behaviors and impacts. Source: ProInspire sourcedRace Reporting Guide by Race Forward_V1.1.pdf