What Are the Job Duties of a Program Coordinator?

What Does a Program Coordinator Do?

A program coordinator job description is incredibly broad and job duties may vary widely depending on the field in which they work. For example, a program coordinator in charge of a non-profit will have different job duties than one who manages a healthcare facility. However, in general, these professionals are responsible for managing the day-to-day tasks that keep the program running smoothly and are often entrusted with making some higher-level decisions. Common job duties for program coordinators may include:

• Overseeing office operations for the program
• Maintaining records and files for the program
• Collecting and analyzing data on the program
• Ensuring compliance with program regulations
• Managing support staff
• Planning and scheduling program events
• Monitoring program budgets
• Helping with marketing efforts for the program
• Preparing reports

What Education Does a Program Coordinator Need?

Education requirements for a program coordinator are similar to the education requirements for becoming a project manager in that most program coordinators need to have at least a bachelor's degree in a related area. Program coordinators may hold a bachelor's degree in any area, but it is beneficial to have a background in the particular subject area of the program to which they are applying. For example, an educational program coordinator may need to have a background in the particular subject they are overseeing, like business, education, or the social sciences.

Aspiring program coordinators may also take online courses for office managers and other administrative positions to help further develop their administration skills. Programs and/or coursework in leadership, project management, and other related subjects are also an option.

Other Qualifications

Depending on the position, some employers may prefer program coordinators to have a master's degree. Some employers may also prefer or require these coordinators to have prior work experience and usually program coordinators need some knowledge of computers and software application programs. It is fairly common for employers to require program coordinators to have good interpersonal and communication skills, as well as organizational skills and knowledge of coordinating programs. Other required or preferred skill sets may include areas like:

• Recordkeeping
• Supervising
• Event planning
• Budgeting
• Scheduling
• Multi-tasking

Although it varies by position, some program coordinators may need to travel to perform various job duties. Some positions may also require minor lifting and moving of objects and/or require periods of walking and standing.

Program Coordinator Salary

Salary for program coordinators varies by factors like industry, employer, specific job title, work experience, and more. PayScale.com reported that in 2019, program coordinators for non-profit organizations made a median annual salary of $42,630. The website also reported that the median salary for an education program coordinator the same year was $45,857.