Higher Education Program Coordinator

Career Guide

A Higher Education Program Coordinator plans, runs, and improves academic or student-focused programs at a college or university. The role combines event and project coordination, student and faculty support, communication, and basic budgeting to keep programs on track and compliant with campus policies.

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Key Responsibilities

Coordinate day to day operations for an academic or student program
Manage program timelines, task lists, and shared calendars
Support student services such as advising logistics and referrals
Plan and run program events such as orientations, workshops, and speaker sessions
Communicate with students, faculty, staff, and external partners
Track budgets, purchasing, and reimbursements using campus processes
Maintain program records and reporting for leadership and funders
Support recruitment, applications, and admissions related steps for program participants
Create and update program materials such as websites, emails, and guides
Collect feedback and help improve program processes and participant experience

Top Skills for Success

Program Coordination

Project Management

Stakeholder Management

Written Communication

Public Speaking

Event Planning

Student Support

Policy Compliance

Budget Tracking

Data Reporting

Customer Service

Conflict Resolution

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Program Coordinator

Student Services Coordinator

Academic Advising Coordinator

Admissions Coordinator

Events Coordinator

Transition Opportunities

Senior Program Coordinator

Program Manager

Assistant Director of Student Success

Director of Programs

Academic Advisor

Enrollment Manager

Grants Coordinator

Institutional Research Analyst

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Formal Project ManagementBudget ManagementSurvey DesignProcess ImprovementData VisualizationAccessibility StandardsCustomer Relationship Management Tools

Development SuggestionsBuild a simple project plan template, own a small budget line item, and create a monthly outcomes report. Take short courses in project management, spreadsheet reporting, and accessibility standards. Volunteer to lead one process improvement effort each term and document the before and after results.

Market Intelligence Report

Higher Education Program Coordinator is part of the Education Administration category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 45,000 to 55,000

Mid LevelUSD 55,000 to 70,000

Senior LevelUSD 70,000 to 90,000

Growth Trend

Stable demand, with hiring tied to enrollment levels, grant funding, student success initiatives, and online and hybrid program expansion.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Public UniversitiesPrivate UniversitiesCommunity CollegesOnline UniversitiesUniversity Medical CentersResearch InstitutesEducation Nonprofits

Industry Sectors

Higher EducationContinuing EducationStudent AffairsAcademic DepartmentsResearch AdministrationWorkforce DevelopmentGrant Funded Programs

Recommended Next Steps

Create a portfolio of two to three program deliverables such as an event plan, a communications calendar, and a tracking dashboard

Set up measurable program metrics such as attendance, retention, satisfaction, and completion

Gain experience with campus systems such as student records, learning systems, and purchasing tools

Request to lead one cross department initiative to strengthen stakeholder management

Join a higher education professional association and attend one local event per quarter

Prepare interview stories that show coordination under deadlines, student support, and problem solving