What does a Program Coordinator do?

Program coordinators manage employees and administrative tasks, including managing or maintaining a program budget or determining policy or procedure. They manage program-related internal and external communications and organize and maintain a program’s agenda. They work in various settings and industries including healthcare, higher education, or assisted living.

Program coordinators manage projects through the maintenance of budgets and by ensuring that staff can follow schedules. They create positive relationships with each participant in the project they are coordinating. They are tasked with securing funding for a budget and managing the project’s budget. They also cultivate positive relationships with external parties including vendors or service providers. They will communicate with media outlets, organize meetings, and update relevant news and social media platforms and websites. Program coordinators often need a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction or a master’s degree in related fields including public health, business administration, public administration, social work, or another related field.

What responsibilities are common for Program Coordinator jobs?
  • Ensure monitoring of funds by accounting for household petty cash and program participants' cash.
  • Assist with the preparation of the annual program budget.
  • Work as part of a team to perform program activities as directed by the supervisor.
  • Be aware of safety procedures for fire, tornado, lock down, etc.
  • The incumbent is responsible for implementing curriculum, as assigned.
  • May act as a communication liaison and special events planner.
  • Maintain a professional relationship with customers, clients, and the general public.
  • May participate in program planning and in setting program objectives.
  • Make referrals to appropriate offices and/or departments as needed.
  • Complete data entry, including updating client demographics.
  • Create reporting and develop dashboards based on project information.
  • Help to recruit key staff and supervise the day-to-day functions of staff and others.
  • Participate in the continuous, quality improvement activities of the department and institution.
  • Coordinate contracts and is the liaison for internal and external vendors.
  • Ensure a productive work environment by participating in staff meetings.
What are the typical qualifications for Program Coordinator jobs?
  • Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in business, business administration, computer science or engineering, or equivalent experience.
  • Able to provide technical assistance and solve problems while paying strict attention to detail.
  • Collaborate with team members to assist with life skills such as toileting and bathrooms.
  • Work as an advocate for both clients or patients and employer.
  • Demonstrable full experience with writing protocols, computing, and enterprise resource planning.
  • Assist in the onboarding and follow through with patients in a professional manner and with a positive attitude.
EducationBachelor's Degree
Work/Life Balance
3.5 ★
Total Pay--
Career Opportunity
3.3 ★
Avg. Experience2-4 years

How much does a Program Coordinator make near United States?

Confident
$52,613 /yr
Total Pay
$49,809
 /yr

Base Pay

+
$2,804
 /yr

Additional Pay

$52,613

 / yr
$37K$76K
Most Likely Range
Possible Range
See More Insights

Program Coordinator Career Path

Learn how to become a Program Coordinator, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Program Coordinator
$52,613/yr
Senior Program Coordinator
$64,880/yr
Program Coordinator

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
26%
2 - 4
43%
5 - 7
4%
8+
27%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Program Coordinator Insights

Read what Program Coordinator professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
Community Education PartnershipsCommunity Education Partnerships
Program Coordinator
May 24, 2023

“I gave it two stars because some of the staff are amazing and the shelters we work with are amazing.”

DepopDepop
Seller Programming Coordinator
Jan 18, 2022

“It was clear team morale was low and I began to inch increasingly closer to burnout.”

Saint Cloud HospitalSaint Cloud Hospital
Health Unit Coordinator (HUC)
Oct 28, 2021

“Pay rate wasn't great and they don't take education/experience into consideration when calculating pay.”

GEM Environmental (AZ)
Program Coordinator
Jun 23, 2021

“The Executive Director is amazing and really wants the best for both his clients and his staff.”

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Program Coordinator
May 22, 2023

“I learned so much and was granted great freedom in how I went about my work.”

Habitat for HumanityHabitat for Humanity
Program Coordinator
Dec 7, 2021

“You meet amazing people who truly enjoy the mission and purpose of the Habitat for Humanity.”

UC HealthUC Health
Program Coordinator
Jan 6, 2023

“Work life balance is 0. I was called and expected to work on all of my vacations.”

Aspen Network of Development EntrepreneursAspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs
Program Coordinator
Apr 16, 2023

“It is a great global organization where people learn a lot about the most pressing global issues”

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Program Coordinator Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Program Coordinator

When working as a Program Coordinator, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Microsoft Office Suite, Excellent Customer Service, Written Communication, Powerpoint, and Excellent Communication.

The most similar professions to Program Coordinator are:
  • Coordinator
  • Technical Project Manager
  • Program Manager
  • Project Manager

The most common qualifications to become a Program Coordinator include a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.

Related Careers

Coordinator
$53,580
75% skills overlap
Technical Project Manager
$157,550
38% skills overlap
Program Manager
$101,164
25% skills overlap
Project Manager
$93,447
38% skills overlap

Program Coordinator Jobs