Program Coordinator Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

What Does a Program Coordinator Do?

Program coordinators manage the day-to-day operations of programs and projects. They ensure that programs are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality standards. There is a wide range of industries where these coordinators work, including healthcare, education, and non-profits.

These professionals must have solid project management skills and be able to develop and manage project plans, budgets, and timelines. Their responsibilities include ensuring that program objectives are met, identifying and mitigating risks, and reporting on the progress of the program to stakeholders. Communication skills are also necessary, as well as the capability to work collaboratively with team members and stakeholders and the ability to convey complex ideas and technical concepts clearly and concisely.

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National Average Salary

Program coordinator salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. To explore salary ranges by local market, please visit our sister site zengig.com.

The average U.S. salary for a Program Coordinator is:

$53,700

Program Coordinator Job Descriptions

It’s important to include the right content in your job description when hiring a program coordinator. The following examples can serve as templates for attracting the best available talent for your team.

Example 1

We’re looking for an experienced program coordinator to join our team, and as an ideal candidate, you have proven experience planning and organizing programs and activities as well as carrying out a variety of administrative and program management tasks. The program coordinator is responsible for providing a level of service that will help maintain pharmaceutical manufacturer relationships. This position will work closely with program managers and existing manufacturer clients to ensure that their programs are designed effectively by handling customer inquiries and providing oversight to program processes.

Typical duties and responsibilities

  • Plan and coordinate programs and activities
  • Monitor implementation of program policies and practices
  • Keep programs on schedule and budget
  • Support program growth and development
  • Coordinate program communications
  • Manage staff, including assignments, workloads, and schedules
  • Oversee fundraising operations and community outreach for programs 
  • Coordinate activities of all program stakeholders
  • Schedule and run meetings and events
  • Manage technology, such as video conferencing and presentation software, for programs
  • Create and maintain program records, reports, presentations, and proposals

Education and experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field
  • 2+ years of experience as a program coordinator or in a similar management role

Required skills and qualifications

  • Ability to make sound decisions and judgments
  • Able to coordinate and organize meetings and special events
  • Intermediate skills in the use of personal computers and related software applications
  • Able to organize resources and establish priorities
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Strong leadership qualities
  • Detail-oriented
  • Working knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control procedures
  • Familiar with communication principles and marketing techniques
  • Ability to gather and analyze statistical data and generate reports

Preferred qualifications

  • Intermediate proficiency in MS Office
  • Experience in a fast-paced environment
  • Master’s degree in business administration or similar field
  • Experience in budgeting, bookkeeping, and reporting
  • Experience in a supervisory role
  • Experience in event planning

Example 2

The purpose of the Mentor Program Coordinator position is to manage and support ABC Company’s Mentor Program in (City, State). The Mentor Program Coordinator is responsible for the curriculum delivery, management (including volunteers), evaluation, media collection, and reporting of the first two years of ABC’s mentoring program. The position will additionally support the Program Manager with ABC’s Jr. Mentor program. This position may be tasked with supporting the organization at local events.

Job responsibilities

1. Program Management

  • Primary lead of the first two years of the mentor program, including: communications, logistics, scheduling, registrations, curriculum delivery, fee-for-service collection, and mentor support
  • Assist the program manager in mentor training
  • Primary lead in all communications with year 1 & 2 program stakeholders including youth, families, and mentors
  • Tracking for program-related data, including: student registrations, attendance, program evaluations (i.e., surveys), and fee-for-service collection using ABC’s Civicore database
  • Manage program gear – organize, pack, and distribute soft goods for on-hill programs
  • Attend Mentor Program days including evening trainings and workshops and weekend ride days and service projects
  • When needed, assist the Learn to Ride Program Coordinator with Learn to Ride registrations and ride days

2. Program Facilitation

  • In conjunction with the Program Manager, facilitate workshops for the Mentor Program. This includes managing and facilitating workshop curriculum and objectives, working with participants and volunteers and continued follow-up throughout the winter season to ensure workshop goals are met – requires evening commitment
  • Assist Program Manager in facilitation of the Junior Mentor Program for high school youth including workshops, ride days, and industry days; help to supervise cohort of Junior Mentors with Year 1 and 2 of the Mentor Program

3. Volunteer Management

  • Assist with recruiting, managing, and background checking mentors – providing clear direction, expectations, and training on ABC program risk management and curriculum
  • Maintain on-going communications and active engagement of mentors

4. Partner and Community Engagement

  • Conduct outreach to individuals and community partners for assistance with recruitment of youth, volunteers, and seasonal staff creating awareness for ABC programs in the community

Other job duties

Contribute to the organization’s overall management to successfully achieve the ABC Company mission. Maintain and develop knowledge of the community needs & resources and best practices in the youth development & outdoor education fields. Develop best practices to achieve strategic priorities, program efficiency, and successful time management. Represent ABC Company in the larger community. At times, support non-program functions that may include: fundraising, marketing, special events, and program design. Develop and maintain a diverse workforce – maximizing the potential of all workers by assuring a culture of competence and respect. Create a work climate that is inclusive, free of bias, and culturally sensitive.

Minimum education and experience

A combined minimum of one year of experience in the following: program development, management, implementation; or administration; youth development & engagement; and/or outdoor education. Comparable experience in terms of time and background in similar fields and education/degrees will be considered.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

The ideal candidate should be organized, a self-starter, a strong communicator, able to effectively manage varied tasks, and have strength in managing and supporting a diverse group of youth, families, and volunteers. The candidate should have experience and familiarity in youth program implementation and ability to manage staff/volunteers.

Preferred candidates should demonstrate some or all of the following:

  • Strong computer and time management skills – with proficiency with Google Suite and online databases (e.g., Civicore)
  • Ability to communicate and organize effectively – both verbal and written
  • Experience in program implementation, management, and evaluation through a race equity lens
  • Knowledge of sports-based/outdoor youth development, public education, and youth engagement
  • Experience, comfort, and passion in working with youth with a variety of risk factors
  • Experience in volunteer recruitment and management
  • Experience working cooperatively with community groups and stakeholders
  • Familiarity and excitement for outdoor adventure sports
  • Snowboarding/skiing proficiency and knowledge of mountain safety
  • Valid Driver’s License required – comfort and familiarity with mountain driving conditions a plus
  • Preference given to Bilingual (Spanish) candidates

Physical aspects of the job

This position requires the ability to: travel within the service area (including mountain regions); sit at a desk for extended periods of times using the computer, telephone, and e-mail systems; lift 50 pounds; lead meetings and speak in public; and familiarity and comfort with high alpine, winter environments.

Example 3

Provides management for an education, research, and/or operations program/project, recommending goals, assessing feasibility and ongoing performance, and providing day-to-day oversight of administrative and operational functions.

The Phonathon Program Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Phonathon program, including: hiring, training, scheduling, and firing student callers; managing the automated calling software (CampusCall); and preparing statistical reports to track performance of students and calling segments.

Specific responsibilities

Administration

  • Manages day to day operations of Phonathon program
  • Ensures that Phonathon mission, values, guidelines, policies & procedures are implemented & maintained
  • Compiles & analyzes data; prepares reports
  • Reviews processes and recommends changes to improve functioning of Phonathon program
  • Identifies service improvement opportunities that will better enable Phonathon to achieve its goals and objectives
  • Acts as liaison to CampusCall to ensure technology systems are properly installed & maintained

Budgets & Financial

  • Participates in budget preparation
  • Maintains budget & associated analysis & reports
  • Enters individual and/or summary of transactions into journals &/or general ledger or other ABC Company enterprise system
  • Reviews; ensures approval based on alternatives regarding practice & policy; analyzes and classifies transactions in accordance with established chart or coding of accounts; creates new accounts; prepares, processes, reconciles & provides receipts (as appropriate) for transactions
  • Processes transfer and/or appropriation charges & may balance and/or close accounts
  • Troubleshoots problems; performs vendor/account research as needed; obtains additional information or provides instruction & guidance by phone, US- or e- mail from customers/vendors; corrects or escalates

Human Resources

  • Ensures human resources programs, policies, & procedures are implemented and consistently applied
  • Manages hiring process each quarter
  • Approves weekly timecards for all students.
  • Coordinates all or portions of the talent management lifecycle (sourcing, selecting, developing, coaching, rewarding, recognizing, managing information, and optimizing talent.)
  • In consultation with management & Central HR, administers HR solutions
  • Maintains excellent working relationship with Office of Human Resources

Supervision

  • Supervises 65 student callers and 10 student supervisors each quarter and provides work direction
  • Conducts multiple training sessions per quarter for new and returning callers
  • Engages with callers during shifts to coach, offer advice, and improve morale
  • Tracks caller performance and statistics during each shift, and adjusts calling assignments as necessary to optimize results
  • Holds weekly team meetings with student supervisors to discuss program performance and strengthen the team
  • Conducts quarterly performance reviews with each student supervisor to help build their skills. Focus on retaining good callers every quarter and coaching callers who are underperforming

Miscellaneous

  • Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum qualifications

  • Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience

Minimum competencies: (skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

  • Organization, detail-oriented, able to take verbal/oral instruction
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to report up, as well as strong organizational and creative skills
  • Experience leading a team
  • Experience as a student caller

Preferred qualifications

  • Experience as a manager of a telemarketing program, preferably within higher education
  • Bachelor’s in business, accounting or a related field + 1 year program administration or similar experience
  • 3 years program administration or similar experience

Example 4

ABC Company is helping the world’s largest social network find a Program Coordinator to help its Community Access Program support direct engagement, data analysis, process management, administration, and the ongoing design/development of the company’s Economic Opportunity initiative.

The ideal candidate has project coordination experience, a history in diversity and inclusion (D&I) work, and a passion for community programs.

Responsibilities

  • Project coordination and scaled operations:
    • Be a primary point of contact for the Community Access program initiatives
    • Develop and coordinate projects to ensure consistent engagement with state policy programs and recruiting on key priorities
    • Lead planning and execution of regional go-to market plans and projects that aim to improve the company’s community engagement experience and deliver on its goals to create economic opportunities for local communities
    • Oversee day-to-day operational and tactical aspects for strategic, community access projects and various EO Initiatives
  • Process management:
    • Build, design, and deploy innovative program solutions and processes/service delivery
    • Develop/design processes to drive efficiency and effectiveness while ensuring essential KPIs/goals are met
    • Partner with teams across the company to build new processes/systems (folding them into existing ones where applicable)
  • Data analysis and research:
    • Develop/maintain data reporting and dashboards for Community Access Program and EO initiatives
    • Track and analyze key operational metrics to deeply understand the support ecosystem and determine where to focus optimization efforts
    • Research, plan, and own community re-engagement—once someone becomes a community access attendee/member of the company’s programs, develop strategies and ways to further engage with broader programs and offerings for workforce development and business
    • Explore and recommend emerging technologies and techniques to support/enhance the reporting landscape along the way
  • Events:
    • Manage and Coordinate strategy and process to engage with community partners across key regional sites for Community Access program events

Requirements

  • 3+ years experience as a project coordinator (a history in D&I work and a passion for community programs is a plus)
  • Analyst skillset—must be highly proficient in Excel as well as data and report pulling
  • Highly collaborative
  • Strategic mindset
  • Consultive background is a huge plus
  • Policy background is a plus
  • HR background is a plus

Candidate Certifications to Look For

  • Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) Coordinator Certificate. This program is designed for program coordinators who manage depository collections in a facility such as a library. The FDLP Coordinator Certificate program features eight online classes that cover the proper methods for managing and cataloging Federal depository collections. Topics covered include legal requirements and regulations, collection management, cataloging, the SuDoc item number system, policies, LSCM services and products, and regional responsibilities.
  • Certified Wellness Program Coordinator (CWPC). The CWPC, offered by the Chapman Institute, helps candidates determine the best ways to assess an individual’s wellness needs, develop wellness strategies, and design onsite programming for wellness activities. The program builds skills in areas such as how to assess employees’ wellness needs, how to use a Health Risk Assessment (HRA), how to implement a wellness strategy for a candidate’s organization, and how to design their organizational infrastructure. With a CWPC, candidates can go on to earn a Certified Wellness Program Manager credential, which equips them with a broader list of desired skills. Candidates are required to complete 2 modules of continuing education each year to maintain certification.
  • START Coordinator Certification. This certification is for master’s-level professionals who coordinate START (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment) clinical teams. The certification is managed by the Center for START Services and demonstrates a candidate’s ability to improve the outcomes for individuals with behavioral health care needs. The START Coordinator Certification must be renewed every 2 years.

How to Hire a Program Coordinator

Consider the following when hiring a program coordinator:

  • Recruiting: Do you have the internal resources and tools to source and recruit for this role successfully?
  • Complexity: Do you need a senior professional, or will mid, or even junior-level skills suffice?
  • Duration: Is this a one-time project, or an indefinite need?
  • Management: Can you effectively direct the work effort?
  • Urgency: Are there any deadlines associated with this need?
  • Headcount: Do you have the budget and approval for an internal employee, or should you consider alternate options?

Answering these questions will help determine the best course of action for your current hiring need. Fortunately, various great options exist for every scenario, no matter how unique. We recommend the following options when hiring a program coordinator:

1. Use 4 Corner Resources (or another professional recruiting firm)

The heavy lifting is done for you when working with a top-tier staffing company like 4 Corner Resources. We source, screen, recruit, and deliver only the most qualified candidate(s), saving you significant time and effort throughout the hiring process while you remain focused on your core business. Understanding your needs and ensuring the right candidate for the position is the key to our success.

This is the best route to take when:

  • You need to fill the position quickly
  • You want access to a vast talent pool of high-quality, prescreened candidates
  • Your position is suited for temporary hiring services, contract staffing, or contract-to-hire recruiting, and you intend to direct the work activity.
  • You are hiring an employee as a direct placement but aren’t able to recruit effectively or efficiently with your internal staff. 
  • You aren’t familiar with current salary rates, market trends, and available skill sets
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2. Advertise your opening on a top job board

Your best option may be to advertise your opening on a proven job board. There are many widely used job sites out there that draw visits from qualified candidates. If you have someone internally who can dedicate the time and energy to sort through applications and screen individuals effectively, this can be a great choice. 

We recommend using a job board when:

  • Your internal recruiting team has the knowledge and experience to assess candidate qualifications
  • You are hiring a direct employee and have time to manage the entire recruiting effort 
  • You have a process for receiving, screening, and tracking all resumes and applications
  • You are prepared to respond to all applicants

We recommend using CareerBuilder when hiring a program coordinator:

CareerBuilder

CareerBuilder has been a trusted source for hiring since 1995. Reach 80+ million unique, diverse U.S. job seekers annually by posting your jobs through their talent acquisition channels. Through CareerBuilder, you can engage candidates and drive them into your sourcing pipeline. We recommend using CareerBuilder for hiring when you have the internal resources and processes to review, screen, and reply to all applicants.

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3. Leverage your internal resources

You can utilize your own website, social media, and employees to assist in your search for top candidates. 

A company website posting should be the first step in notifying prospective candidates that you are hiring. Social media can also be a powerful tool for spreading the word about your new opening. As far as exposure is concerned, this option can be as good as some job boards when you have a large enough following across various platforms, like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.

Current employees are every organization’s greatest asset. Encourage your internal team to promote job openings to their network by offering cash and other incentives.

We recommend these options when:

  • Your brand has great name recognition
  • You can consistently monitor and respond to candidate activity through your website and social media accounts
  • You have a process in place to quickly and broadly communicate job openings and requirements
  • You have an effective employee referral program in place

If you aren’t sure which path is best, schedule a discovery call today with our seasoned recruiting professionals. The 4 Corner team is on standby to help you find the best option for your unique hiring need.

Sample Interview Questions

  • What experience do you have with program coordination, and how do you approach project management?
  • If you had to develop a project plan, what steps did you take to ensure its success?
  • In your opinion, what are the most critical skills for a program coordinator, and how do you develop these skills?
  • When implementing programs, how do you make sure that they are aligned with the organizational goal?
  • How do you measure program success, and what are your typical metrics?
  • Have you experienced a lag in the execution of a program task? What did you do to fix it?
  • How would you plan a conference from start to finish?
  • What experience do you have making proposals or giving presentations? Can you give examples?
  • Do you have a plan for making sure programs are delivered on time, within budget, and according to quality standards?
  • In what ways do you track and report on program progress?
  • Do you have any strategies for identifying and mitigating risks to program success?
  • To achieve a program goal, describe a time when you had to collaborate with team members and stakeholders.

Need help hiring a Program Coordinator?

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