Program Specialist

GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF NJ•Westfield, NJ

21d•$42,700 - $42,700•Onsite

About The Position

Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey is seeking a Program Specialist for its Mission Alignment team. The role supports the council’s mission by coordinating and delivering high-quality, relevant programs and events for Girl Scouts ages 5–17. Programs are informed by Girl Scout philosophy, funding requirements, market needs, and current trends, and are delivered in collaboration with Mission Alignment, External Affairs, other departments, community partners, and volunteers. The position focuses on program execution and operational coordination; policy questions, disputes, and structural concerns are escalated to the appropriate supervisor. The Program Specialist implements the Girl Scout Leadership Experience philosophy and uses existing curriculum to deliver engaging, hands-on, age-appropriate programs. The role helps create program materials, coordinates event logistics and Programs a la Carte requests, and safely operates the council’s mobile classroom vehicle. It also supports Highest Awards candidates as assigned, maintains program records, and contributes to evaluation of program outcomes and effectiveness. The position is based at the Westfield Service Center in Westfield, New Jersey. Work hours may shift as needed, including evenings and weekends. Travel is needed between council properties and throughout the service area. The position requires the ability to lift and handle materials weighing up to 30 pounds, a valid driver’s license if driving a council vehicle, reliable transportation, completion of the NTSI SAFER Driver Course, and Girl Scout membership maintained throughout employment.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent of two or more years of relevant experience.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and web-browsing software.
Ability to quickly learn new software applications.
Demonstrated experience with Canva.
Effective communication with diverse audiences, including youth ages 5–17, volunteers, coworkers, and business partners.
Ability to speak passionately and convincingly about the Girl Scout mission and its importance to the public.
Strong facilitation and presentation skills, with the ability to adapt content and delivery to different groups and settings.
Ability to simplify complex concepts for clarity and engagement.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
Ability to ensure program materials are detailed, accurate, and aligned with educational goals.
Ability to identify execution challenges proactively and communicate recommended solutions to the appropriate supervisor.
Ability to make timely, informed decisions within assigned responsibilities and escalate matters when necessary.
Ability to work independently with reliability, responsiveness, and minimal supervision.
Ability to align work with established goals and adjust activities in response to shifting priorities and organizational needs.
Ability to balance competing priorities, adapt to changing workloads, and consistently meet deadlines in dynamic or high-pressure environments.
Willingness to identify personal development needs, seek growth opportunities, and incorporate feedback.
Ability to promote knowledge retention and skill development through effective delivery methods and appropriate technology.
Flexibility to shift work hours as needed, including evenings and weekends.
Ability to lift and manipulate up to 30 pounds of Girl Scouting products, supplies, or materials.
A valid driver’s license is required if driving a council vehicle.
Reliable transportation, by personal vehicle with valid driver’s license or public transportation, for travel between council properties and throughout the service area as needed.
Complete and pass the National Traffic Safety Institute (NTSI) SAFER Driver Course.
Become a registered member of Girl Scouts and maintain membership for the duration of employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in youth leadership and development.
Experience in event planning.
Familiarity with Salesforce software and applications.
Bilingual English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

Implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience philosophy and follow council policies, procedures, and standards when delivering programs.
Use existing curriculum to deliver engaging, hands-on, age-appropriate programs for Girl Scouts ages 5–17 across a broad range of topics.
Collaborate with Program Managers to create innovative, visually engaging program materials and activities using tools such as PowerPoint, Canva, and Publisher.
Work with cross-functional teams, community partners, and volunteers to deliver programs and events, including mobile classroom and concierge-style programs.
Coordinate event logistics, including confirming venues, setting up and breaking down events, verifying registration rosters, tracking attendance, and inventorying, collecting, and transporting equipment and materials.
Safely operate the council’s Ford Transit 350 High Top mobile classroom van to deliver programs throughout the service area.
Coordinate Programs a la Carte requests, including scheduling, capacity management, troop communication, and tracking requests through completion.
Address routine program delivery concerns within established guidelines and escalate matters outside the role’s expectations.
Support Highest Awards candidates through mentorship and resource coordination as assigned by the Mission Support Specialist.
Escalate disputes or exception requests concerning GSUSA Highest Awards standards and council procedures to the Mission Alignment Operations Manager.
Use required council systems and tools for event management, budgeting processes, customer service, and record keeping.
Document program outcomes and delivery insights, and support assessment of program effectiveness, participant satisfaction, alignment with GSLE principles, and funding guidelines.
Maintain accurate, timely documentation in accordance with council reporting requirements.
Help foster environments that support diversity, equity, inclusion, and access for appropriate youth and adults.
Follow GSHNJ’s Charter of Values in personal conduct, conflict resolution, and correspondence with customers and coworkers.
Stay current on GSUSA and GSHNJ initiatives and national and local trends affecting the membership demographic.
Support External Affairs initiatives and cross-departmental projects as assigned.
Perform other duties as necessary or assigned.