Program Assistant

Career Guide

A Program Assistant supports the day to day coordination of a program, project, or department. The role focuses on scheduling, communication, tracking tasks, and keeping documents and logistics organized so the team can deliver work on time.

Browse All Roles

Key Responsibilities

Manage calendars and schedule meetings
Prepare agendas and capture meeting notes
Track tasks, deadlines, and action items
Maintain program files, records, and contact lists
Support event planning and logistics
Draft and send routine communications to stakeholders
Process purchase requests and reimbursements
Compile simple reports and status updates
Coordinate onboarding tasks for new team members
Support vendors and internal partners with basic coordination

Top Skills for Success

Organization

Time Management

Written Communication

Verbal Communication

Attention to Detail

Customer Service

Stakeholder Coordination

Scheduling

Meeting Facilitation

Document Management

Spreadsheet Skills

Basic Reporting

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Program Coordinator

Administrative Coordinator

Operations Coordinator

Executive Assistant

Project Coordinator

Transition Opportunities

Program Manager

Project Manager

Operations Manager

Office Manager

Grants Coordinator

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Project TrackingBudget TrackingMinute TakingVendor CoordinationData Entry AccuracyProcess ImprovementBasic Analytics

Development SuggestionsBuild a simple tracking system for tasks and deadlines, practice writing clear meeting notes, and learn basic spreadsheet reporting. Ask to own one recurring workflow such as monthly status updates to demonstrate reliability and impact.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 38,000 to 50,000

Mid LevelUSD 50,000 to 65,000

Senior LevelUSD 65,000 to 82,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand across healthcare, education, government, and nonprofits, with continued hiring in roles that support programs, operations, and events.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Universities and collegesHospitals and health systemsCity and state agenciesNonprofit organizationsCommunity foundationsLarge professional services firmsTechnology companiesResearch institutes

Industry Sectors

EducationHealthcareGovernmentNonprofitProfessional ServicesTechnologyResearch

Recommended Next Steps

Create a one page resume section highlighting coordination work and measurable outcomes

Build a reusable meeting agenda template and notes template

Set up a task tracker and use it consistently for one program area

Strengthen spreadsheet skills with sorting, filters, and simple charts

Volunteer to coordinate one event or training session end to end

Request exposure to budget tracking and vendor communications

Target roles titled Program Coordinator or Project Coordinator as the next step