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Program Assistant job description template

If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.

Free job description below
Median pay
$45,721per year, about $22 an hour
Range$21,500 to $53,000 a year
Hourly$11 to $25 an hour
Also calledProgram Manager, Program Coordinator, Program Administrator
DepartmentAdministration and Office Support
The role

What is a Program Assistant?

Program Assistants provide administrative and clerical support to their team in planning, implementing, and executing the company’s programs and events.

They work with administrators and coordinators to promote program development, assist with marketing campaigns, prepare materials and resources, and communicate with participants.

They are also responsible for maintaining program forms and paperwork, preparing reports on program activities and outcomes, assisting with program budgets and expenses, managing calendars, and sending out reminders.

What to screen for

The top Program Assistant skills.

Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.

SkillWhy it matters
OrganizationOrganizational skills are essential for Program Assistants because they often juggle multiple duties and tasks simultaneously, so they need to remain organized at any moment. Organizational skills help them manage deadlines, paperwork, reports, and schedules effectively and ensure all program activities are executed correctly and within budgets and timelines.
CommunicationProgram Assistants need to have outstanding verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with other team members. Communication is essential for conveying information and ideas clearly, writing reports, and filing paperwork professionally. Proactive communication fosters understanding and collaboration among team members.
AdaptabilityBeing adaptable is crucial for Program Assistants because it helps them quickly adjust to changing circumstances and challenges due to the dynamic nature of programs and events. Adaptability helps them solve problems swiftly, maintain productivity in the workplace, and handle unforeseen situations.
CollaborationSince Program Assistants work as part of a larger team, collaboration skills are vital for them. Collaboration includes effective communication, understanding, and negotiation to achieve common goals. It also contributes to a positive work atmosphere and ensures that all team members work toward mutual company objectives.
Attention To DetailHaving a keen eye for detail is critical for Program Assistants as it helps them manage and maintain data, paperwork, and information with accuracy and precision. Strong attention to detail helps them avoid mistakes that can lead to significant consequences related to program success and development.
Free template

The job description, ready to post.

Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.

Program AssistantAdministration and Office Support · Free to use and edit

Our company is hiring a Program Assistant for our team. As a Program Assistant, you will provide administrative and clerical assistance to the team regarding the planning and execution of programs and events. You will promote program development, assist with marketing campaigns, prepare materials and resources, communicate with participants, and maintain and update accurate program records and data.

Furthermore, you will also be responsible for answering phone calls, filing documents, preparing reports on program activities and progress, and assisting with managing program budgets and expenses. Ultimately, you will manage calendars, send out reminders, keep track of supplies and inventory, and collaborate with other teams to ensure programs align with the company’s goals and objectives.

Our ideal candidate should have outstanding communication, organizational, attention to detail, adaptability, and collaboration skills.

Duties and responsibilities

  • Assist the team with planning and execution of programs and events
  • Work with administrators and coordinators to promote program development
  • Provide administrative support for program activities, such as preparing materials and resources, communicating with participants, and assisting with marketing campaigns
  • Maintain and update accurate program records and databases
  • Organize and manage meetings, events, and conferences
  • Maintain program forms and paperwork and answer questions about program procedures
  • Keep track of supplies and inventory and order new supplies when necessary
  • Perform clerical tasks such as answering phone calls, filing documents, and greeting visitors
  • Receive deliveries and packages and process incoming mail
  • Prepare reports on program activities, progress, and outcomes
  • Collaborate with other teams to ensure programs align with the company’s goals and objectives
  • Assist in managing program budgets and expenses
  • Manage office calendars and send out reminders

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in business management, project management, or a related field
  • Prior working experience in program management or assistance is advantageous
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other relevant tools and software
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • The ability to adapt to new situations quickly
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Outstanding organization and time management
Add your pay range, benefits, and location before you post. Postings with a stated range get significantly more finished applications than the ones that leave it out.

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Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.

Education

What education this role needs.

Employers prefer to hire candidates with an Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in business management, project management, office management, or a related field.

Also, relevant certifications related to business or program management represent an advantage and can enhance candidates’ qualifications.

After the applications land

Sample interview questions for a Program Assistant.

Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.

Personal
  • Could you tell us why did you choose this career path?
  • Where did you go to college and how would you describe that experience?
  • Do you have any specific professional goals shortly?
Human Resources
  • What skills or qualifications do you have that make you a suitable candidate for this role?
  • Have you ever worked as a part of a large team and how do you feel about it?
  • Why do you want to work for us particularly?
Management
  • How do you manage to handle several tasks and assignments at the same time?
  • How do you approach time management to ensure tasks are completed efficiently?
  • Could you share an example where you had to adapt quickly to changing circumstances?
Technical Skills and Knowledge
  • What is your process of creating a program plan, including milestones, resource allocation, and other factors?
  • How do you approach data collection and reporting to ensure accurate and meaningful insights for program evaluation?
  • What management programs and tools have you used to coordinate and facilitate programs?
Pay

How much to pay when hiring.

Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.

10th percentile$21,500
25th percentile$37,500
Median$45,721
75th percentile$47,500
90th percentile$53,000

Hourly equivalents run from $11 at the 10th percentile to $25 at the 90th.

Related job titles

Candidates may apply under a different name.

Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.

Same work, different title

Three titles, one description.

Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.

Program Manager

Program Managers work in various companies and organizations, where they are in charge of coordinating multiple projects across departments.

$89,504 median

Program Coordinator

A Program Coordinator plays a pivotal role in keeping projects on track and ensuring seamless integration of program components.

$54,966 median

Program Administrator

Program Administrators manage and oversee all program initiatives and activities for the company.

$90,629 median
Questions

Frequently asked questions.

What do Program Assistants do?

Program Assistants provide administrative and clerical support for planning and execution of programs and events.

They prepare materials and resources, assist in marketing campaigns, maintain program reports and files, and assist in managing budgets and expenses.

What skills do Program Assistants need?

Program Assistants need excellent communication, collaboration, adaptability, organization, attention to detail, and time management skills.

How much do Program Assistants earn per year?

Program Assistants earn between $21,500 and $53,000 annually.

Who do Program Assistants report to?

Program Assistants usually report to the Program Manager or Program Coordinator.

More in finance

Other job description templates.

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Program Administrator

Program Administrators manage and oversee all program initiatives and activities for the company.

$90,629 median

Program Manager

Program Managers work in various companies and organizations, where they are in charge of coordinating multiple projects across departments.

$89,504 median

Project Analyst

A Project Analyst plays a crucial role in organizations by providing support in coordinating, implementing, and tracking projects.

$75,616 median

Program Coordinator

A Program Coordinator plays a pivotal role in keeping projects on track and ensuring seamless integration of program components.

$54,966 median

Project Specialist

A Project Specialist is an integral part of any team, responsible for managing, planning, and executing specific tasks within a project.

$66,210 median

Membership Coordinator

A Membership Coordinator is a key player in cultivating a vibrant community within your organization.

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