Program Specialist, Categorical

Irvine Valley College

Salary: $4,061.00 - $5,743.00 Monthly

Location? : IVC 

Job Type: Staff (Part-Time)

Job Number: 202400406

Office, Division, or School: Economic and Workforce Development and Integrated Design, Engineering, and Automation

Opening Date: 01/21/2026

Closing Date: 2/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Hours per Week:  25 (62.5% of Full-Time)

Months per Year: 12

Application Instructions:

•   Complete all sections and fields on the application and attach all required documents – incomplete applications may not be considered.

•   Include all relevant education, training, and/or experience on the application.

•   Do not include any personally identifiable, confidential, or otherwise unrequested information that does not pertain to job related factors (e.g., social security number, date of birth, pictures, etc.) on your application or attached documents.

•   For job postings with a close date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting close date, will receive consideration.

•   For job postings with an initial screening date, all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting initial screening date, will receive priority consideration; however, typically the job posting will remain open, and continue to accept applications, until the position is filled.

Description

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION 

Under direction of assigned supervisor of record, perform a variety of professional level program support related activities while playing a key role in the day to day operations of assigned projects, programs, or functional area; provide direction for assigned projects, programs, or functional area; serve as a liaison between the program area and the general public, students, staff, and other campus and community officials and groups; develop and maintain relationships with other organizations and schools in the project, program, or functional area; and plan, coordinate, and implement assigned operations and activities of the assigned office.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class is distinguished from similar classifications in that the position assigned to this class is categorically funded, not financed by District funds. The Program Specialist is a journey level professional classification that performs a full range program support related duties while playing a key role in the day to day operations of assigned projects, programs, or functional area including to participate in the development, implementation, and administration of assigned services and functional areas, participate in budget development and monitoring, and project area policy and procedure development and implementation. Positions at this level coordinate communication and work activities among District staff and community and business groups and partners. Assignments performed at this level require a broad knowledge of assigned program/grant or project area and an in-depth knowledge relative to specific areas.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

•   Perform a variety of professional level program support duties while playing a key role in the day to day operations of assigned projects, programs, or functional area.

•   Assist in the planning, design, and implementation of project or project elements that support service delivery; participate in processes to define scope and schedule of services and activities; participate in implementation processes.

•   Assist in providing coordination of resources for projects or programs; assist in determining project short and long-term needs and develop recommendations; assist in designing processes and procedures to implement, maintain, and/or manage functional area resources.

•   Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the grant funded area; research policies, procedures, and changing business practices and processes for assigned area; participate in the development and maintenance of handbooks, forms, and related policies and procedures.

•   Provide assistance in resolving operational and administration problems; identify problem areas and issues; conduct research to find alternative solutions; make recommendations; assist in implementation of recommendations.

•   Perform a variety of research, administrative, operational, financial, and analytical duties in support of assigned grant/programs and projects; conduct studies, research projects, and analysis.

•   Prepare administrative, operational, and financial reports including the preparation of conclusions, recommendations, and forecasts based on data summaries and other findings; consult with District staff and outside agencies to obtain information.

•   Assist with the budget process; provide assistance in the development of assigned budget; collect and analyze financial data; review and analyze budget requests; create data tracking and reporting systems; monitor status.

•   Assist in researching, negotiating, and monitoring assigned contracts and agreements with outside suppliers, service providers, and others; ensure work is performed in compliance with contracts and agreements; process invoices and payments.

•   Create and maintain publications promoting the assigned project, program, or program area; develop publications and materials to advertise and provide program information including newsletters, directories, handbooks, special event flyers, and other public relations materials as needed.

•   Participate in coordinating assigned activities and functions with other staff, projects, and functions as well as local, state, and federal agencies/jurisdictions, business partners, and the general public; coordinate with, interact with, share knowledge, and develop collaborative relationships.

•   Collaborate in the design and implementation of a network of community based organizations and schools that will oversee and provide services and experiences for program participants.

•   Represent area of assignment, participate on, and provide staff support to a variety of committees, task forces, and boards; develop agendas and write speaking points; prepare and present presentation materials, staff reports, and other documents as appropriate and necessary; respond to and resolve inquiries and complaints.

•   Serve as contact and respond to requests for information from staff, other agencies, and the general public regarding project or program area of assignment; participate in community outreach and education activities; prepare presentations and related material.

•   Maintain records concerning grant/program activities; process incoming and outgoing documents; prepare and track various documents; prepare reports and briefings on project status, progress, changes, and related items related to scope, schedule, and budget.

•   Assist in training and providing work direction to student workers and assigned staff.

•   Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

•   Services and activities of the functions, programs, and operations of the assigned project or program area.

•   Basic principles and practices of program administration and review.

•   General principles, practices, and procedures of business administration and public administration.

•   Technical knowledge of business/industry principles and practices for the area of responsibility.

•   Methods and techniques used in the performance of duties and responsibilities specific to the area of assignment.

•   Basic project and contract management principles and practices.

•   Information and research resources available related to areas of assignment.

•   Work organization and office management principles and practices.

•   Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

•   Processes, procedures, and practices of budget preparation and administration.

•   Principles, practices, and procedures of business letter writing.

•   Principles and procedures used in complex, inter-related record keeping.

•   Principles and practices used to establish and maintain files and information retrieval systems.

•   Principles, practices, and procedures of complex fiscal, statistical, and administrative research and report preparation.

•   Statistical procedures and mathematical concepts.

•   Principles and techniques used in public relations.

•   Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

•   Principles and practices of providing training, work direction, and guidance to lower-level office staff and student workers.

•   English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.

•   Oral and written communication skills.

•   District organization, operations, policies, and objectives.

•   Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

•   Understand the organization and operation of the assigned program area as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.

•   Understand, interpret, and apply administrative and office policies and procedures as well as pertinent laws, regulations, and ordinances.

•   Participate in coordinating the services and activities of the assigned project, program, or program area.

•   Understand the nature of partnerships and identify mutual interests.

•   Use technical concepts and basic project management tools and techniques to effectively coordinate a project or program area and solve complex problems in creative and effective ways.

•   Develop recommendations for problematic areas and implement and monitor changes.

•   Participate in the development and administration of policies and procedures.

•   Participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets.

•   Provide specialized information and assistance to students, staff, and the general public.

•   Perform a full range of complex and responsible program support as well as administrative duties involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.

•   Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.

•   Use sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority.

•   Exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality in maintaining critical and sensitive information, records, and reports.

•   Research, compile, assemble, analyze, and interpret data from diverse sources.

•   Prepare a variety of clear and concise administrative and financial reports.

•   Independently compose and prepare correspondence and memoranda.

•   Maintain complex and varied files and records.

•   Implement and maintain filing systems.

•   Type or enter data at a speed necessary for successful job performance.

•   Use correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.

•   Plan and organize work to meet schedules and changing deadlines.

•   Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

•   Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems.

•   Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person.

•   Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

•   Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

•   Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: 

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a public administration, business administration, or related field.

Experience:

Two years increasingly responsible professional experience related to program area of assignment.

License or Certificate:

A valid California driver’s license and proof of insurability may be required for some positions to drive a District or personal vehicle to attend meetings or pick up/deliver documents or other materials.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Working Environment: 

Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting, typically at a desk or computer terminal; subject to noise from office equipment operation; frequent interruptions and contact in person and on the telephone with students, academic and classified staff, and others.

Physical Demands: 

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to verbally communicate to exchange information; and may occasionally travel to other offices or locations to attend meetings or to pick up or deliver materials. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) will not sponsor any visa applications.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the SOCCCD. 

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the SOCCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the SOCCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (949) 582-4850 or sending an e-mail to hrinfodesk@socccd.edu. 

Attendance Requirement: 

All SOCCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at www.ivc.edu or www.saddleback.edu. Paper copies are available in the Human Resources office upon request.

Non-Discrimination Notice:

The SOCCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act:

The SOCCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the SOCCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:

The SOCCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. 

The SOCCCD is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed in their classes and as such, to eliminating institutional barriers that disproportionately impact students of color. Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically and professionally.

Irvine Valley College (IVC) serves approximately 21,584 students, reflecting a rich diversity: 41% Asian, 2% Black/African-American, 21% Hispanic/Latino, 8% Southwest Asian and North African, 5% two or more races, and 21% White in Fall 2024. 

Similarly, Saddleback College (SC) serves around 25,789 students, with demographics showing 12% Asian, 2% Black/African-American, 29% Hispanic/Latino, 5% two or more races, and 47% White in Fall 2024.

These numbers underscore the importance of our commitment to eliminating equity gaps across all student demographics through implementing dynamic, student-centered practices and policies. To support the academic and career success of our diverse student body, we seek a candidate who will actively contribute to our mission of inclusivity and support. The ideal candidate's values will align with SOCCCD’s goals for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).

THE SOCCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER