Position Title: Program Specialist

Work Location: Columbus, OH; Hybrid Flexibility 

Employment/FLSA Status: Full-Time/Exempt

Reports To: Senior Manager, Community Partnerships

Target Salary: $40,000/yr. + discretionary bonus opportunity 

About Besa

Besa is on a mission to transform the volunteer experience by bringing the community together in meaningful, impactful ways. Besa is an Albanian term that means "to keep the promise," and more than a decade into its work, Besa is keeping its promise to Central Ohio. Since launching in 2012, our team has rallied 81,000 volunteers, giving 210,000 hours through 13,600 service projects, and has facilitated $97M in community impact. By connecting individuals with opportunities to give back, we strengthen the very fabric of our community -- building lasting relationships and contributing to the overall well-being and resilience of Central Ohio.

About the Role

Besa facilitates nearly 2,000 volunteer experiences each year, and every single one requires careful coordination, data management, and administrative support to ensure volunteers and nonprofit partners have exceptional experiences. The Program Specialist is the operational backbone that makes this possible.

In this role, you'll manage the day-to-day systems and administrative tasks that keep 900+ volunteer experiences running smoothly. You'll monitor sign-ups, maintain databases, support supply ordering, update volunteer opportunities on our platform, and serve as on-site support at volunteer experiences. Your work behind the scenes allows our Community Partnership Coordinators to focus on building relationships with nonprofit partners and developing meaningful programs.

This role is perfect for someone who is highly organized, thrives on managing systems and data, enjoys being part of a team effort, and takes pride in the operational excellence that makes great volunteer experiences possible.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Platform & Database Management

    • Monitor volunteer sign-ups on the platform, alerting coordinators to opportunities with low or no sign-ups

    • Manage volunteer experience updates in Monday.com, tracking new experiences, updates, and the full journey of each opportunity

    • Support posting and maintaining volunteer experiences on Besa's Impact Platform

    • Maintain organized records, databases, and shared resources related to partnerships, events, and programming

  • Event & Program Support

    • Research cost-effective supply options and manage ordering for volunteer experiences

    • Serve on special programming committees, providing data and administrative support 

    • Attend volunteer experiences and serve as on-site lead as needed

    • Represent the organization at community events 

    • Support the planning and execution of Community Partnership special events and programming

  • Reporting & Research

    • Support data requests for Advancement team and end-of-year reports

    • Assist Senior Manager with research and reporting tasks to advance organizational goals

    • Undertake additional duties as assigned, contributing flexibly to the dynamic needs of the organization

Our Ideal Candidate

  • Experience & Track Record

    • 1-2 years of administrative, operations, or database management experience, including managing multiple systems, databases, or platforms

    • Experience using project management tools like Monday.com or similar platforms preferred

    • Knowledge of the Columbus nonprofit community preferred

  • Skills & Capabilities

    • Highly organized and detail-oriented with ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

    • Strong systems thinking - you understand how administrative processes support larger program goals

    • Comfortable working with databases, spreadsheets, and learning new platforms

    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

    • Relationship-building skills with ability to engage diverse stakeholders

  • Mindset & Approach

    • Thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys supporting a team

    • Adaptable and able to shift priorities as community needs and program needs evolve

    • Takes pride in operational excellence and behind-the-scenes work that enables program success

    • Interested in learning more about Columbus Nonprofits and how we can serve our community 

    • All in on Besa's mission to strengthen our community through volunteerism

Position Details

To succeed in this role, the individual must effectively perform each essential duty. The physical demands and work environment outlined below are representative of those encountered while fulfilling the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations can be arranged for individuals with disabilities.

  • Regularly use a computer and engage with co-workers in both office and virtual environments.

  • Frequently stand or sit to complete work, with occasional lifting and movement of up to 40 pounds.

  • Reliable transportation is required due to occasional local travel, including a valid Ohio Driver’s license.

  • Responsible for providing a phone and ensuring an adequate workspace for completing all work.

Why Besa

At Besa, we're building community infrastructure that connects people to meaningful service and transforms how our region shows up for one another. We are guided by four core values: lead with heart, be fearless, bring people together, and serve with kindness. Joining Besa means contributing to a mission-driven organization where your work directly mobilizes thousands of volunteers, strengthens hundreds of nonprofit partners, and makes a positive impact on the world, one connection at a time.

What We Offer

Joining Besa comes with a range of benefits aimed at supporting your well-being, professional growth, and alignment with our mission:

  • Energetic and collaborative team environment passionately dedicated to transforming the volunteer experience and bringing people together in service

  • Headquarters located in Columbus, Ohio's Brewery District, within a collaborative and inspiring workspace

  • Generous PTO policy, Summer Fridays, and an additional 10 paid holidays.

  • Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, retirement plan with employer match of up to 3% of salary, paid parental leave, short-term and long-term disability benefits, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Investment in your growth through coaching, professional development opportunities, and access to sector learning (conferences, workshops, training)

  • Regular volunteer opportunities, team retreats, and a culture rooted in our values

Besa is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing equal opportunities to all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, ensuring a fair and inclusive workplace. While this job description is designed to represent the job requirements, additional duties, responsibilities, and activities may be assigned or changed at any time with or without notice. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship and will undergo a criminal background check prior to hire.