Program Specialist 3 SY 2025-26 (NBOE)

Program Specialist 3

The Superintendent invites qualified and interested persons to apply for the position of Program Specialist 3 with the Office of Food & Nutrition. This position involves supervising professional and/or technical staff engaged in program activities; performing 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. The role includes conducting research and field work necessary to meet the needs of the appropriate state and/or local public or private agencies; preparing and signing office performance evaluations for subordinate staff; and handling sensitive and complex program issues and acting as a subject matter expert.

Qualifications and requirements include meeting one of the following: seven years of professional experience in planning, monitoring, coordinating, implementing, modifying, and/or evaluating agency programs and services; possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three 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 years of the above-mentioned professional experience.

Basic functions and responsibilities include supervising the work operations and/or functional programs, evaluating employee performance and conduct, and recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of subordinates; identifying program deficiencies and developing corrective action strategies; planning, coordinating, implementing and upgrading existing programs; developing rule proposals and adoption documents; researching and identifying available funding sources; responding to requests for information regarding program activities; handling sensitive and complex program issues; monitoring expenditure of budgeted funds; reviewing proposed/existing legislation and submitting recommendations for changes; supervising and/or conducting surveys or other studies; participating in the development and implementation of department/agency initiatives; establishing business relationships with potential funding sources; developing and monitoring program evaluation strategies; supervising and/or conducting onsite evaluations or audits; preparing informational materials; planning and conducting program outreach and promotional activities; organizing and conducting education/training workshops; training staff involved in program activities; assisting in performance of professional recruitment, admissions/placement activities for the program; serving as a program liaison to a variety of parties; establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships; preparing charts, tables and other graphic representations; reviewing, analyzing and preparing written materials; maintaining essential records, reports and files; and learning to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems.

Knowledge and abilities include knowledge of methods used to maintain laboratory facilities and equipment; knowledge of methods and procedures used in planning, coordinating, monitoring, evaluating and/or implementing programs; knowledge of methods used to collect and analyze data; knowledge of methods used to research and identify public and private funding sources; knowledge of 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; and ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.

Reports to: Department Head

Salary: $76,497 - $96,286

Employment Period: Twelve (12) Months

Union Affiliation: Local 32

The Newark Board of Education offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits for all full-time staff, including Medical and Prescription Drug plans, employer-paid Dental and Vision coverage, Wellness and Voluntary benefits programs, and paid time off.

Opening Date: February 5, 2026

Closing Date: February 19, 2026 or until filled

The Newark Board of Education is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.