Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Education Program Specialist

🎯 Role Definition

As an Education Program Specialist, you are the architect and champion of impactful learning initiatives. You will design, implement, and manage educational programs from conception to evaluation, ensuring they meet the strategic goals of the organization and the needs of the learners. This dynamic role requires a blend of creativity, strategic planning, and hands-on management. You will collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including educators, subject matter experts, and community partners, to develop engaging curricula and resources. The ideal candidate is a passionate advocate for education with a proven track record in program management, instructional design, and fostering collaborative environments to drive educational excellence and learner success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Teacher / K-12 Educator
Instructional Coordinator
Program Assistant / Coordinator
Corporate Trainer

Advancement To:

Senior Education Program Manager
Director of Education / Learning
Curriculum Director
Head of Learning and Development

Lateral Moves:

Instructional Designer
Learning and Development (L&D) Specialist
Education Policy Analyst
Grant Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Design, develop, and implement comprehensive educational programs and initiatives that align with organizational objectives and learner needs.
Manage the entire program lifecycle, from initial needs assessment and planning through execution, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
Develop, review, and revise curriculum, instructional materials, training modules, and assessment tools to ensure content is current, effective, and engaging.
Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including schools, universities, community organizations, government agencies, and subject matter experts.
Plan, coordinate, and facilitate workshops, training sessions, seminars, and conferences for diverse audiences, both in-person and virtually.
Conduct ongoing program evaluation and data analysis to measure effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate impact to leadership and funders.
Manage program budgets, including forecasting expenses, tracking expenditures, processing payments, and ensuring adherence to financial guidelines.
Lead the recruitment, training, and supervision of program staff, facilitators, instructors, and volunteers.
Research and stay abreast of emerging trends, best practices, and new technologies in education, curriculum design, and program management.
Author detailed program reports, grant proposals, and presentations for internal and external audiences, clearly communicating program goals, activities, and outcomes.
Ensure all educational programs and materials comply with relevant local, state, and federal regulations, accreditation standards, and organizational policies.
Develop and execute marketing and outreach strategies to promote educational programs and attract target participants.
Provide expert consultation and technical assistance to partners and participants on matters related to educational content and program delivery.
Oversee the logistics of program activities, including scheduling, venue coordination, materials procurement, and technology setup.
Manage and administer Learning Management Systems (LMS) or other educational technology platforms to support program delivery and learner engagement.
Lead cross-functional project teams to launch new educational initiatives, ensuring clear communication and timely completion of deliverables.
Cultivate a positive and inclusive learning environment that is welcoming and accessible to all participants.
Develop and implement systems for tracking participant progress, engagement, and long-term outcomes.
Represent the organization at professional conferences, meetings, and networking events to build partnerships and promote our educational mission.
Collaborate with the communications team to create compelling content, such as case studies, testimonials, and blog posts, that highlight program success.

Secondary Functions

Support grant writing and fundraising efforts by providing program data, narratives, and budgetary information.
Contribute to the organization's long-term strategic planning process, providing insights on educational needs and opportunities.
Collaborate with the data and analytics team to translate program needs into data collection and reporting requirements.
Participate in internal committees and working groups to foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration across the organization.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Program & Project Management: Expertise in planning, executing, and closing projects, often using tools like Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project.
Curriculum Development & Instructional Design: Proficiency in creating engaging and effective learning experiences using models like ADDIE or SAM.
LMS Administration: Experience managing Learning Management Systems such as Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard, or Docebo.
Data Analysis & Evaluation: Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret program data to measure impact, using tools like Excel, Google Sheets, or basic statistical software.
Budget Management: Skill in creating and managing program budgets, tracking expenses, and financial reporting.
Grant Writing & Management: Experience in researching, writing, and managing grant proposals and reports.
Public Speaking & Facilitation: Strong ability to lead engaging presentations, workshops, and training sessions for diverse groups.
Educational Technology (EdTech): Familiarity with a wide range of digital tools for learning, collaboration, and content creation.
Assessment Design: Knowledge of creating and implementing formative and summative assessments, surveys, and rubrics.
Content Creation: Proficiency with tools for creating instructional materials, such as Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Canva, or Articulate Storyline.

Soft Skills

Communication: Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills for clear and persuasive interaction with all stakeholders.
Stakeholder Management: Ability to build and maintain positive, productive relationships with a diverse range of internal and external partners.
Collaboration & Teamwork: A natural collaborator who can work effectively within cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.
Problem-Solving: Proactive and resourceful in identifying challenges, analyzing root causes, and implementing effective solutions.
Organizational & Planning Skills: Meticulous attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
Adaptability & Flexibility: Thrives in a dynamic environment and can pivot strategies in response to changing needs and feedback.
Leadership & Influence: Capable of motivating and guiding teams, volunteers, and partners without direct authority.
Cultural Competency: A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the ability to create accessible and respectful learning environments.
Creativity & Innovation: A forward-thinker who brings fresh ideas to program design and problem-solving.
Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture and align program activities with the broader mission and strategic goals of the organization.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

Education
Curriculum & Instruction
Public Administration / Public Policy
Non-Profit Management
Social Sciences or a related field

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of relevant professional experience.

Preferred:

Direct experience managing educational programs in a non-profit, K-12, higher education, or government setting.
Proven track record of developing curriculum and instructional materials from the ground up.
Demonstrable experience in budget management, grant writing, and program evaluation.
Experience supervising staff or volunteers is highly desirable.