Program Specialist Jobs in District of Columbia
Program Specialist jobs in District of Columbia concentrate in federal government agencies, nonprofit policy organizations, and healthcare administration, with demand at every level from coordinator to senior program officer. Most hiring activity centers on Washington DC itself, where anchoring employers such as the Department of Health and Human Services, the American Red Cross, and Booz Allen Hamilton maintain large program management workforces. The most in-demand specialties in this market are federal grants management, public health program oversight, and workforce development administration. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Program Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 19+ Program Specialist jobs
Job ID: 2614319
Location: Washington, DC, US
Date Posted: 2026-07-08
Category: Program Management
Subcategory: Project Analyst
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Travel: No
Minimum Clearance Required: Secret
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Secret
Potential for Remote Work: ORA_REMOTE
Description
SAIC is looking for a Program Support Specialist will play a critical role in assisting with Phases I and II of the COE (Centers of Excellence) Competitions process. This position involves working closely with Program Managers and COE leadership to ensure research and education workplans align with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requirements and the broader homeland security mission. The role also requires fostering collaboration with academic stakeholders to enhance the practical application of their research and educational initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
- COE Competition Support: Assist Program Managers in administering and supporting Phases I and II of the COE Competitions process.
- Alignment with DHS Requirements: Collaborate with COE leadership to ensure that annually approved research and educational workplans meet DHS standards and align with strategic homeland security mission objectives.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a liaison between COE leadership, researchers, and educators to promote engagement and support partnerships that advance homeland security goals.
- Operational Needs Alignment: Support Program Managers in collaborating with researchers and educators across various academic disciplines to ensure their work is tailored to on-the-ground operational requirements.
- Strategic Planning: Contribute to the development of processes, strategies, and frameworks that enhance the effectiveness of COE operations and align research initiatives with real-world application.
Qualifications
Required:
- BS and 5 years of related experience (4 years experience in lieu of degree)
- Active Secret clearance requiring U.S. Citizenship
- Strong understanding of DHS requirements and familiarity with the homeland security mission.
- Experience in program administration and stakeholder engagement, preferably in an academic or research-oriented environment.
- Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with a diverse range of academic and operational stakeholders.
- Proven ability to assist in strategic planning and aligning operations with established requirements and mission needs.
- Demonstrated capability to manage complex processes and multi-stakeholder initiatives.
Preferred Skills/Experience:
- Knowledge of interdisciplinary academic research and its practical applications.
- Prior experience supporting federal programs or agencies, especially in the field of homeland security.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills to support program development and competition phases.
Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
Job ID: 2614319
Location: Washington, DC, US
Date Posted: 2026-07-08
Category: Program Management
Subcategory: Project Analyst
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Travel: No
Minimum Clearance Required: Secret
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Secret
Potential for Remote Work: ORA_REMOTE
Description
SAIC is looking for a Program Support Specialist will play a critical role in assisting with Phases I and II of the COE (Centers of Excellence) Competitions process. This position involves working closely with Program Managers and COE leadership to ensure research and education workplans align with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requirements and the broader homeland security mission. The role also requires fostering collaboration with academic stakeholders to enhance the practical application of their research and educational initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
- COE Competition Support: Assist Program Managers in administering and supporting Phases I and II of the COE Competitions process.
- Alignment with DHS Requirements: Collaborate with COE leadership to ensure that annually approved research and educational workplans meet DHS standards and align with strategic homeland security mission objectives.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a liaison between COE leadership, researchers, and educators to promote engagement and support partnerships that advance homeland security goals.
- Operational Needs Alignment: Support Program Managers in collaborating with researchers and educators across various academic disciplines to ensure their work is tailored to on-the-ground operational requirements.
- Strategic Planning: Contribute to the development of processes, strategies, and frameworks that enhance the effectiveness of COE operations and align research initiatives with real-world application.
Qualifications
Required:
- BS and 5 years of related experience (4 years experience in lieu of degree)
- Active Secret clearance requiring U.S. Citizenship
- Strong understanding of DHS requirements and familiarity with the homeland security mission.
- Experience in program administration and stakeholder engagement, preferably in an academic or research-oriented environment.
- Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with a diverse range of academic and operational stakeholders.
- Proven ability to assist in strategic planning and aligning operations with established requirements and mission needs.
- Demonstrated capability to manage complex processes and multi-stakeholder initiatives.
Preferred Skills/Experience:
- Knowledge of interdisciplinary academic research and its practical applications.
- Prior experience supporting federal programs or agencies, especially in the field of homeland security.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills to support program development and competition phases.
Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
See All 19 Program Specialist Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Program Specialist JobsProgram Specialist Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Program Specialist Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in program specialist jobs across District of Columbia.
- Bachelor's degree in public administration, social sciences, or a related field required
- Two or more years of experience managing or coordinating federal or government programs
- Demonstrated experience with grants administration, compliance monitoring, or contract oversight
- Strong written communication skills for policy briefs, reports, and stakeholder correspondence
- Proficiency with federal project management or data tracking tools such as SharePoint or Salesforce
- Ability to obtain or maintain a federal security clearance if required by the agency
Program Specialist Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a program specialist in District of Columbia?
Most program specialist roles in DC require a bachelor's degree in public administration, social work, public health, or a related field, with federal positions often requiring additional years of specialized experience. DC does not impose a state-issued license specific to the program specialist title, but federal agency roles may require clearances or agency-specific certifications. Candidates who complete the Presidential Management Fellows program or secure internships with DC-based federal agencies or nonprofits gain a strong competitive edge in this market.
Which companies hire program specialists in District of Columbia?
Employers hiring program specialists in District of Columbia right now include IRS, MTSI, and SAIC, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. DC's concentration of federal agencies, international NGOs, and government contracting firms means program specialist demand here is driven heavily by policy-focused and mission-driven organizations.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most program specialist jobs?
The cities with the most program specialist openings in District of Columbia are Washington. Washington DC itself accounts for the overwhelming share of listings because the federal government, major nonprofits, and headquarters of large consulting firms are physically located there, while nearby areas in the metro reflect agency satellite offices and government contractors operating close to Capitol Hill.
Are there remote program specialist jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, and more than many fields, since program specialists often handle administrative coordination, reporting, and communication work that translates well to remote settings. About 33% of program specialist openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the desk-based nature of much of this work. Grants management, compliance monitoring, and policy coordination roles tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while roles requiring in-person stakeholder or government liaison work remain largely on-site.
How can I get hired as a program specialist in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in DC is through federal internship pipelines such as the Pathways Programs, which place students and recent graduates directly into federal agencies like HHS, DOJ, and DOE in program support roles. Large DC nonprofits and government contractors such as ICF and Chemonics regularly hire program associates or program coordinators as entry-level stepping stones. A background in research assistance, grant writing, or administrative coordination from an adjacent role gives candidates a concrete edge when competing for these positions.
Where can I find and apply to program specialist jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to program specialist jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across federal agencies, nonprofits, and government contractors in the DC area. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and interests, and apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 19 Program Specialist Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Program Specialist Jobs