Program Specialist

Women in Payments is a global professional network uniting women across the payments ecosystem with a shared vision of gender parity. We are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we believe organizations are strongest when they intentionally build cultures that celebrate different perspectives, experiences, and voices. The Program Specialist is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of Women in Payments’ portfolio of leadership and community programs designed to drive sponsor and member engagement, and sponsor value. This role manages the delivery and ongoing development of key initiatives including the Leadership Collective, Global Mentorship Program, POM Cafés, MC6 Spotlights and other leadership and professional development initiatives. The Program Specialist ensures programs are executed with excellence while maintaining strong relationships with members, program participants, partners, and sponsors. The role requires strong project management, communication, and stakeholder management skills , as well as the ability to manage a high volume of sponsor, participant, and speaker communications across multiple programs simultaneously. Key Responsibilities Program Strategy and Management Lead the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of Women in Payments’ leadership and community programs. Oversee the full lifecycle of program delivery, from concept and planning through to execution and post-program evaluation. Manage multiple concurrent programs including Leadership Collective, Global Mentorship Program, POM Cafés, MC6 Spotlights, and other initiatives designed to engage the community. Develop and maintain program timelines, project plans, and workflows to ensure programs are delivered on schedule and at a high standard. Stakeholder and Sponsor Management Serve as the primary point of contact for program participants, speakers, partners, and sponsors. Manage a high volume of sponsor communications, ensuring sponsor deliverables and participation are executed according to program objectives. Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with participants and partners to support program success and long-term engagement. Program Execution Coordinate all program logistics including invitations, participant confirmations, session scheduling, and preparation materials. Manage speakers and hosts, including outreach, application coordination, scheduling, and preparation. Oversee program execution for both virtual and in-person sessions, including run-of-show development, speaker preparation, and technical coordination. Ensure participants and speakers are well prepared and supported throughout program delivery. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with marketing and communications teams to develop program materials, promotional assets, website updates, and event signage. Collaborate with internal teams and program content leaders to schedule sessions and align on program topics and objectives. Reporting and Performance Tracking Track and analyze program engagement, participation, and performance metrics. Prepare quarterly and annual reports on program activity, engagement, and outcomes. Implement participant satisfaction surveys and regular feedback mechanisms to support continuous program improvement. Systems and Administration Utilize company systems including the central CRM system HubSpot, Microsoft Office, and project management tools to manage program operations. Develop and manage program work plans, budgets, and operational documentation. Qualifications & Competencies 3+ years of experience in program management, event management, or community engagement roles. Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience managing stakeholders, sponsors, and senior-level participants. Proficiency with project management tools, CRM or association management systems, and Microsoft Office. Experience coordinating virtual and in-person events or leadership programs is considered an asset. Personal Attributes Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail. Strong relationship builder with excellent interpersonal skills. Proactive self-starter who thrives in a collaborative and fast-paced environment. Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with cross-functional teams. Strong commitment to delivering high-quality program experiences. Compensation Compensation for this position ranges from $65,000 to $72,000 annually and will be determined based on the successful candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications.