Programs Associate

Council of State Governments•Decatur, GA

1d•$60,000 - $65,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This is more than a program coordination role-it is an opportunity to help develop and deliver leadership experiences that strengthen public service across the South. As the Programs Associate, you will support CSG South's leadership development programs, legislative staff initiatives, and member-focused programming from initial outreach through post-program engagement. If you are highly organized, enjoy building relationships, and take pride in turning plans into well-executed experiences, we invite you to join our team. WHO WE ARE The Southern Office of The Council of State Governments (CSG South) empowers and elevates public servants across the 15 Southern states. Through policy innovation, leadership development, and regional collaboration, we equip leaders to serve their constituents with excellence. We live out our core values in all that we do: Servant's Heart – We lead by serving others. Ambitious – We set bold goals and pursue them relentlessly. Adaptable – We respond to challenges with innovation and agility. Accountable – We honor commitments and own our outcomes. Credible – We earn trust through excellence and integrity. POSITION SUMMARY CSG South seeks a highly organized, relationship-focused Programs Associate to coordinate and support leadership development programs, legislative staff initiatives, and related member services. This role manages program administration, participant and presenter communications, application and selection processes, program materials, evaluation, and post-program engagement while collaborating with colleagues responsible for event logistics and communications. The Programs Associate serves as a dependable point of contact for members and partners, maintains accurate program records, and helps ensure each initiative is delivered with professionalism, consistency, and measurable value.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in public administration, political science, communications, nonprofit management, education, business administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Two to four years of professional experience in program coordination, leadership development, member services, conferences, public service, or a related field.
Strong project coordination and organizational skills, with the ability to manage overlapping priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including careful proofreading and professional correspondence.
Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with public officials, legislative staff, presenters, participants, partners, and colleagues.
Sound judgment, initiative, adaptability, accountability, and consistent follow-through.
Ability to work independently while contributing as an approachable and collaborative member of a team.
Experience with Microsoft 365, project management platforms such as Monday.com, virtual meeting tools, databases or CRM systems, and related program technologies.
Genuine interest in and commitment to advancing CSG South's mission, values, and goals.
Strong interpersonal skills, including self-awareness, sensitivity, and valuing others.
Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, remain nonpartisan, and steward member and donor resources responsibly.
Willingness to travel routinely (up to 20%) for programs, conferences, state visits, and meetings.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and implement CSG South's flagship leadership development programs, including the Center for the Advancement of Leadership Skills (CALS) and the Staff Academy for Governmental Excellence (SAGE).
Manage participant outreach, applications, selection processes, acceptance and non-selection communications, registration information, and pre-program requirements in coordination with program leadership and selection committees.
Coordinate presenter research and identification, outreach, scheduling, agreements, program materials, and follow-up.
Serve as a primary point of contact for participants, presenters, alumni, and program partners, providing timely and professional support.
Develop and maintain program timelines, work plans, participant records, contact lists, briefing materials, agendas, and other program documentation.
Partner with the Operations & Events team on travel, lodging, transportation, venue, and on-site logistics while retaining ownership of program content and participant readiness.
Prepare, administer, and analyze program evaluations; summarize results and recommend improvements that strengthen future programming.
Support alumni engagement and other post-program opportunities that extend the value of CSG South's leadership development programs.
Aide the departmental director and the Regional Director in the organization and coordination of the Chiefs15X and LSA Directors Group Retreat.
Serve as a primary point of contact and liaison for the designated Staff Alliance for Intergovernmental Leadership (SAIL) Committee, supporting recruitment, member engagement, meetings, communications, and deliverables, including but not limited to annual plan, staff scholarships, trainings, and the online learning portal.
Identify relevant program topics and participant needs through member feedback, research, and coordination with the Director of Strategic Partnerships, Policy, and Programs and the Regional Executive Director.
Coordinate program topic, presenter, supporting materials, moderate (if needed), evaluation, and post-program communications for 12 webinars a year (1 a month).
Lead the continued buildout and population of CSG South's online learning portal, including developing and organizing curricula, creating certificates, establishing user and administrative workflows, uploading leadership development resources, and maintaining accurate, current content.
Maintain accurate records of legislative staff contacts, appointments, participation, alumni engagement, and program activity in designated organizational systems.
Participate in state visits and other member outreach activities to engage legislators, legislative staff leaders, program alumni, and prospective participants.
Coordinate assigned government staff programming and tracks, including collaborating with the Director(s) on topic development, presenter outreach and booking, session materials, communications, and on-site execution.
Lead assigned special programs and recognition activities, including the leadership program, alumni receptions, recognition ribbons, and the Carter Hellard Award submission and voting process with the LSA Directors Group.
Coordinate program promotion, timelines, submissions or applications, reviewer or judge communications, participant support, awards, and post-program follow-up for the State Transformation in Action Recognition (STAR) program.
Serve as on-site program staff and collaborate across departments to provide a high-quality, welcoming member experience.
Maintain organized, current program records, standard operating procedures, calendars, project boards, databases, and shared files.
Track deadlines, responsibilities, participation, and deliverables; communicate risks or needed decisions early and follow through to completion.
Prepare correspondence, reports, presentations, meeting materials, briefing documents, and other program resources with strong accuracy and proofreading.
Coordinate with Marketing & Communications staff on program promotion, participant communications, digital content, and supporting materials.
Contribute ideas and practical recommendations that improve program quality, efficiency, member value, and participant engagement.
Reinforce CSG South's mission, values, and commitment to exceptional member service through daily interactions and work products.