Program Assistant Job Description

Program Assistant Job Profile and Description

Program assistants can be employed in different kinds of settings, such as private companies, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations. Usually people, who want to become program managers, work as program assistants to get the necessary experience for the higher position.

A program assistant is mainly responsible for providing support for a specific program. The person reports to the program manager and also assists the manager in implementing the program. In addition, a program manager also provides administrative support to the program and program manager.

Program Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of a program assistant can vary depending on the organization the person works for. However, in general, a program assistant can have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Coordinating events and conferences

• Researching sources for funds

• Helping to prepare documentation for grants

• Preparing presentations

• Maintaining databases

• Managing online resources

• Typing out minutes of meetings

• Filing

• Managing and scheduling meetings

• Managing the calendar of the program manager

• Answering telephone calls

• Making travel arrangements

• Processing payments to suppliers and vendors

Program Assistant Skills and Specifications

The skills and specifications that a program assistant needs are as follows:

• Have good written and verbal communication skills

• Have the ability to conduct research independently

• Be able to multitask

• Have a keen eye for details

• Be computer savvy

• Be good with numbers

• Be self-motivated

• Have strong inclination for customer service

• Be professional

• Be polite and courteous

• Be enthusiastic

• Be a team player

• Have problem solving ability

• Have good reasoning power

• Have strong organizational skills

Program Assistant Education and Qualifications

To work as a program assistant, a person needs the following education and qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent with good SAT scores

• Bachelor’s degree in administration or related to the industry in which the person wants to work

• Many organizations prefer that program assistants have one or two years of experience, and this can be achieved by working as an intern or in a nonprofit organization while the person is completing college or university

Program Assistant Salary

On an average, a program assistant earns about $35,000 annually. However, the salary can vary depending on the employer type, experience, responsibilities of the position and the education qualifications of the person.