What Does a Program Coordinator Do?
A program coordinator is responsible for managing the daily operations and logistics of a program, ensuring that activities run smoothly and goals are achieved. They schedule events, oversee budgets, manage resources, and provide administrative support to program staff. Program coordinators track progress against objectives, maintain detailed records, and prepare reports for leadership or stakeholders. Their organizational skills help keep programs on schedule and within scope.
Beyond logistics, a program coordinator works closely with participants, staff, volunteers, and external partners to support program goals. They may assist with outreach, recruitment, and training, while ensuring compliance with policies and funding requirements. Acting as the central point of contact for a program, they help facilitate communication, problem-solving, and overall program success.
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Program Coordinator Core Responsibilities
- Manage daily operations and scheduling of program activities
- Coordinate staff, volunteers, and resources to support program needs
- Track budgets, expenses, and financial records for assigned programs
- Maintain program documentation, databases, and reports
- Serve as a point of contact for participants, stakeholders, and partners
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies and funding requirements
- Support outreach, recruitment, and community engagement initiatives
- Identify opportunities for process improvement in program delivery
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency with scheduling, reporting, and office software
- Basic knowledge of budget tracking and financial reporting
- Strong documentation and recordkeeping skills
Soft skills
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving and adaptability in dynamic environments
- Team collaboration and relationship management
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, communications, or related field required
Certifications
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) recommended
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification recommended for advanced roles
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of experience in program coordination, project support, or related roles
- Experience in nonprofit, healthcare, or corporate program management environments
- Familiarity with grant reporting or compliance monitoring
National Average Salary
Program coordinator salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Program Coordinator is:
$53,708
Sample Job Description Templates for Program Coordinators
Entry-Level Program Coordinator
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level program coordinator to provide administrative and logistical support for program activities. This role is ideal for recent graduates or professionals starting their careers in program management, offering hands-on experience with scheduling, recordkeeping, and event coordination.
Responsibilities
- Assist with scheduling meetings, events, and program activities
- Maintain accurate records and update program databases
- Support budget tracking and prepare basic financial reports
- Communicate with participants, staff, and stakeholders regarding program logistics
- Provide general administrative support, including correspondence and documentation
- Help ensure program activities align with organizational policies and objectives
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace
- Basic understanding of scheduling and reporting processes
- Familiarity with data entry and recordkeeping
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Willingness to learn and take direction from senior staff
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, public administration, or related field required
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or volunteer experience in program support, administration, or event planning
Junior Program Coordinator
Position Overview
We are hiring a junior program coordinator to assist in planning and managing program activities while developing greater independence in project coordination. This role requires foundational experience and the ability to manage small projects with limited supervision.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate logistics for program events, workshops, and activities
- Support stakeholder communication and respond to participant inquiries
- Assist with preparing reports, presentations, and compliance documentation
- Monitor program expenditures and maintain budget records
- Work with vendors, partners, or volunteers to support program delivery
- Suggest minor improvements to streamline program operations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Ability to prepare reports and track budgets
- Proficiency in scheduling and project coordination tools
- Strong documentation and compliance tracking skills
Soft skills
- Effective communication and customer service orientation
- Ability to manage multiple priorities
- Problem-solving and adaptability in changing situations
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, or related field required
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–2 years of program coordination or project support experience
Mid-Level Program Coordinator
Position Overview
We are seeking a mid-level program coordinator to manage daily program operations with greater autonomy. This role requires the ability to coordinate logistics, track performance, and ensure programs meet quality and compliance standards.
Responsibilities
- Plan and manage program schedules and daily activities
- Coordinate staff, volunteers, and resources for effective program delivery
- Track and report on program metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Oversee budget monitoring and provide updates to leadership
- Maintain compliance with organizational and funding requirements
- Identify operational challenges and recommend solutions
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of scheduling and program management tools
- Proficiency in reporting, database management, and budget tracking
- Ability to analyze program performance data
Soft skills
- Strong organizational and leadership potential
- Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, or related field required
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of program coordination experience
- CAPM or equivalent project management certification recommended
Senior Program Coordinator
Position Overview
We are hiring a senior program coordinator to oversee complex program operations, mentor junior staff, and ensure alignment between program activities and organizational goals. This role requires advanced experience in coordination, compliance, and stakeholder engagement.
Responsibilities
- Lead coordination of program logistics, resources, and schedules
- Supervise junior coordinators and provide mentorship or training
- Develop reports and present program results to leadership and stakeholders
- Oversee compliance documentation and ensure regulatory standards are met
- Collaborate with leadership on strategic planning and program design
- Propose and implement improvements to program delivery and efficiency
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of program evaluation and compliance requirements
- Strong reporting, documentation, and presentation skills
- Proficiency in project management software
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in public administration, business, or related field preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 5–7 years of program coordination experience
- PMP or advanced project management certification recommended
Lead Program Coordinator
Position Overview
We are seeking a lead program coordinator to oversee program operations across multiple initiatives and provide direction to other coordinators. This role requires leadership skills, advanced organizational expertise, and the ability to manage cross-functional projects.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and support program coordinators across assigned initiatives
- Oversee scheduling, resource allocation, and program deliverables
- Review and approve reports, compliance documents, and performance metrics
- Collaborate with directors or program managers on strategic planning
- Act as primary liaison between staff, stakeholders, and external partners
- Develop policies, procedures, and training to improve program operations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of program coordination and project support practices
- Strong knowledge of compliance frameworks and reporting requirements
- Ability to manage budgets across multiple initiatives
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and coaching abilities
- Strategic planning and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple stakeholders effectively
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 7–10 years of program coordination experience with leadership responsibilities
- PMP or Lean Six Sigma certification
Program Coordination Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring a program coordination manager to lead program operations at a departmental or organizational level. This role requires executive-level oversight, team leadership, and alignment of programs with long-term organizational strategy.
Responsibilities
- Manage a team of coordinators and oversee multiple programs
- Develop program policies, processes, and performance standards
- Allocate resources, manage budgets, and track performance at a department level
- Present program results and recommendations to executives and stakeholders
- Ensure compliance with funding, regulatory, and organizational requirements
- Lead process improvement and change management initiatives
- Support professional development of coordinators and staff
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in program management, compliance, and resource planning
- Strong financial and budget management skills
- Proficiency with program management and analytics tools
Soft skills
- Executive-level leadership and communication abilities
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
- Strategic decision-making and ability to influence leadership
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in public administration, business, or related field strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of program coordination or management experience
- PMP or advanced project management certification highly desirable