Skip to main content
The official website of the State of Mississippi

Jobs in this family manage, coordinate, and evaluate programs having agency or statewide impact. Positions in these classifications monitor program operations to ensure compliance with state and federal laws, rules, and regulations; develop and implement work plans; provide recommendations for operational improvements; and supervise program staff.

Jobs and Descriptions

Program Specialist I

First-level Program Management and Support professional position accountable for assisting a supervisor/manager or higher-level professional in planning and implementing an agency program. Employees assist in organizing work processes to ensure the delivery of program services and making recommendations for changes or improvements, or performing administrative research, analysis, and evaluation in support of an agency program. At this level, employees interpret program guidelines to resolve problems, answer questions, and advise others on specific program issues or matters. Works under close supervision of a supervisor/manager.

Employees maintain liaison with agency divisions, outside organizations, and the general public.

Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and 0-2 years of experience.

OCCU: 9060
Pay Grade: MS06

Program Specialist II

Second-level Program Management and Support professional position accountable for directing and analyzing the processes and activities of an agency program. Employees are responsible for coordinating multiple projects and assignments in support of an agency program or operation, and program planning, evaluation, financial and management analysis, and operational auditing. Responsibilities may include identifying operational problems, making recommendations for improvement, and assisting in implementing solutions. Works under general supervision of a supervisor/manager.

Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and 1-3 years of experience.

OCCU: 9061
Pay Grade: MS08

Program Specialist III

Mid-level Program Management and Support professional position accountable for directing, analyzing, and supervising the processes and activities of a more complex agency program. Employees are responsible for the planning, evaluation, financial and management analysis, and operational auditing of a large and complicated program consisting of multiple projects. Employees at this level typically have specialized technical skills and exercise a higher degree of decision making and independence. Accountable for training and monitoring the work of lower-level program staff.

Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years of experience.

OCCU: 9062
Pay Grade: MS11

Program Specialist IV

Senior-level Program Management and Support professional position accountable for directing, analyzing, and supervising the processes and activities of programs having statewide impact. Employees are responsible for managing a major program within a large agency. Major programs managed at this level are the largest in terms of size, scope, complexity, and impact on the state. Accountable for assessing progress of programmatic achievements; identifying areas of weakness which may adversely affect operating, supportive, and service delivery capabilities; and interacting and/or consulting with a variety of individuals which includes agency personnel, state and local officials, other state agencies, outside professionals, and/or the general public. At this level, employees exercise administrative control over the activities of the program team.

Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and 4-7 years of experience.

OCCU: 9063
Pay Grade: MS13

Program Specialist Team Leader

First-level Program Management and Support supervisory position accountable for the management of programs or processes within an agency, including supervising lower-level project staff. Employees are responsible for the overall management and quality assurance of agency programs or processes, including project management and policy recommendation within specified areas. At this level, employee supervision includes hire recommendations; training; work planning, assignments, and review; and performance assessment, coaching, and progressive discipline. Supervision at this level also requires employees to possess the knowledge and skills to perform and review the work overseen.

Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and 5-7 years of experience.

OCCU: 9064
Pay Grade: MS14

Program Specialist Supervisor

Second-level Program Management and Support supervisory position responsible for the administration of statewide programs, including supervising staff directly managing these programs. Employees are accountable for managing program financial resources and assisting the agency director in determining needed regulations, policies, and procedures for the agency or program. At this level, employee supervision includes hire recommendations; training; work planning, assignments, and review; and performance assessment, coaching, and progressive discipline. Supervision at this level also requires employees to possess the knowledge and skills to perform and review the work overseen.

Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and 7+ years of experience and 2-4 years of supervisory experience.

OCCU: 9065
Pay Grade: MS15