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Program Assistant Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

JoinChildServe as an Autism Day Program Assistant, where you will contribute to the lives of children ages 2-6 by supporting their health, skill development and retention in our Autism Day Program.

Join ChildServe as an Autism Day Program Assistant, where you will contribute to the lives of children ages 2-6 by supporting their health, skill development and retention in our Autism Day Program.

Description Join ChildServe as an Autism Day Program Assistant, where you will contribute to the lives of children ages 2-6 by supporting their health, skill development and retention in our Autism ...

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Program Assistant information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$21K

$44.6K

$61.5K

How much do program assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for program assistant in Des Moines, IA is $44,620.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,600.00 and $46,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a Program Assistant might face when supporting multiple projects simultaneously?

Program Assistants often juggle multiple responsibilities across various projects, which can make prioritization and time management challenging. Balancing competing deadlines, handling last-minute changes, and coordinating with diverse team members require strong organizational skills and adaptability. Successful Program Assistants proactively communicate with supervisors and colleagues, use digital tools to track tasks, and remain flexible to shifting priorities. Developing these habits helps ensure projects run smoothly and supports overall team effectiveness.

What Does a Program Assistant Do?

A program assistant provides administrative support for a program office, such as an academic department or a unit of a non-profit. As a program assistant, your job duties may include scheduling travel, coordinating logistical issues for executives or other team members, filing, and performing other clerical tasks as needed. To become a program assistant, you typically need at least a high school diploma or GED certificate and administrative work experience. Some employers may also require a college degree. Additional qualifications include strong multi-tasking, organizational, and communication skills, along with computer proficiency.

What does a Program Assistant do?

A Program Assistant provides administrative and organizational support to program managers and teams within an organization. Their responsibilities often include scheduling meetings, maintaining records, coordinating events, handling correspondence, and assisting with project logistics. Program Assistants play a vital role in ensuring that programs run smoothly by managing day-to-day tasks and supporting communication among team members. They may also help with data entry, preparing reports, and liaising with clients or participants. The specific duties can vary depending on the organization and the type of program they support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in administrative tasks, typically supported by a high school diploma or associate degree. Familiarity with office software like Microsoft Office Suite, database management, and scheduling systems is commonly required. Excellent communication, multitasking, and problem-solving abilities help you effectively support program operations and interact with diverse stakeholders. These skills ensure smooth program administration, efficient workflow, and high-quality support for team goals.
What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Des Moines, IA? The most popular types of Program jobs in Des Moines, IA are:
What cities near Des Moines, IA are hiring for Program Assistant jobs? Cities near Des Moines, IA with the most Program Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Assistant job openings in Des Moines, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% As Needed, 50% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,620 per year, or $21.5 per hour.
Program Assistant (Part Time)

Program Assistant (Part Time)

Kirkwood Community College

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$36K - $46K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Kirkwood Community College rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

409th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Title

Program Assistant

Job Description

To advance the college's mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions. The Program Assistant will provide administrative support to the Learning Commons, as well as customer service to students and other guests in the Learning Commons. The Program Assistant will provide excellent customer service to anyone who walks into the Learning Commons. This role will be responsible for day-to-day functions of the Learning Commons including scheduling resources, answering the phone, circulating books and other resources among other tasks.

We are hiring for one position at Main Campus and one at the Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa. Availability to work between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM Monday – Friday.

Universal Core Competencies
  • Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
  • Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.
  • Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
  • Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
  • Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.
Duties/Responsibilities
  • Greet prospective and current SSS students and direct them to appropriate program personnel.
  • Answer and/or re-direct basic inquiries from internal and external customers either via phone calls, email or in person.
  • Coordinate materials for mailings, maintain program records, generate reports, schedule and coordinate meetings and events, and maintain computer databases.
  • Prepare and maintain correspondence, lists, and other documents.
  • Perform various office clerical duties including filing, typing, scanning, maintaining copiers and other equipment, ordering supplies, sorting/distributing mail, etc.
  • Provide clerical support to program staff.
  • Assist with program activities and events.
  • Schedule room resources as needed.
  • Perform other related work duties as assigned.
Performance Expectations
  • Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.
  • Be able and willing to represent the College in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve.
  • Must enjoy working with other people and the public and exhibit skill in working accurately with complex details.
  • Must remain calm when confronted with many competing demands for attention.
  • Must develop a comprehensive knowledge of the college's organization and personnel.
  • Must develop thorough knowledge of students information systems
  • Must be a positive individual and possess excellent customer services skills.
  • Be able to handle confidential information in a professional manner.
Physical Activities With/Without Reasonable Accommodation

Position involves sitting most of the time in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) stooping, kneeling, crouching, grasping and walking. Frequent (34-66%) viewing computer and other close visual work and repetitive motion in using the computer to perform job-related functions. Constant (67-100%) communication: talking and listening, either face-to-face or via the telephone.

Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Combination of secretarial/clerical experience and/or post–secondary training equivalent to three years of full-time employment OR an Associate degree.
  • One year experience using word processing and computer equipment.
Preferred Qualifications, Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations
  • AA Degree
  • Two years' experience with spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software or computerized record systems
  • One year experience in a post-secondary educational setting
  • One year experience working with people with disabilities
  • Individuals who themselves were first generation students, have economic hardship or who have a disability may be given preference
EEO/AA Statement

It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, 319-398-5572, equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov.

Why Kirkwood

Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.


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