PROGRAM OFFICER, OFFICE OF SPECIAL PROJECTS
Program Officer, Office of Special Projects sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's state civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.
The requirements come down to a bachelor's degree and 3 years of relevant experience. Pay on the FY2026 schedule runs $77,144 to $113,264.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under direction of a director or other supervisory official in the Office of Special Projects, has major responsibility for assisting in the implementation and coordination of assigned phases of programs which may include financial or statistical data collection, analyses, review, and evaluation of special programs and proposals; does related work as required.
Examples of work
- Assists in carrying out the administrative responsibilities of assigned programs.
- Responds to needs of special programs by conducting research studies relative to the programs assigned, reviews programs and assembles and analyzes data, and prepares reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Is responsible for the accurate interpretation and review of program rules and regulations to determine their compliance with appropriate policies.
- Maintains liaison with various state, public, and private agencies related to or concerned with higher education in New Jersey and other states.
- May undertake tasks in research and data analyses for higher education, evaluates long range impact studies of the New Jersey higher education system, and prepares clear, accurate, and informative statistical and financial reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Assists management in the general administration of state and federal programs, and assists in the preparation of annual budget reports and general program publicity.
- Acts as liaison to various institutions, departments, and so forth.
- May be required to participate in various regional meetings, seminars, and workshops.
- May participate on a number of committees, prepare reports, conduct surveys, and so forth.
- Prepares correspondence in the course of official duties.
- Maintains essential records and files.
- Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree.
Experience
Three (3) years of experience in a field closely affiliated with education, higher education, or administration.
License
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of planning and management principles.
- Knowledge of financial need and the eligibility criteria for the various programs available after a period of training.
- Knowledge of the functions of higher education institutions and their services.
- Knowledge of the functions of other state agencies and their services which relate to the programs administered by the department after a period of training.
- Knowledge of writing techniques and the ability to clearly relate program information and objectives.
- Knowledge of state and federal programs.
- Ability to supervise and adequately relate staff work assignments and techniques.
- Knowledge of the Departments of Personnel and of the Treasury procedures and requirements after a period of training.
- Ability to achieve program goals and objectives as defined with minimal supervision.
- Ability to organize work assignments and materials as they relate to publications and correspondence.
- Ability to read and analyze program data and facts for inclusion in publications and correspondence.
- Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
- CODES: 25/S25 - MCK 12/23/06
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
A Master's degree may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.