Program Assistant Jobs in Traverse City, MI (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $18.00 - $19.26 Hourly
Location : Main Campus - 1701 E Front Street, Traverse City
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 2026-00078
Division: Strategic Initiatives
Department: Extended Educational Services
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 8:00 AM Eastern
Summary & Qualifications:
Summary
Supports the program operations, marketing, communications, and public engagement activities of the International Affairs Forum (IAF) at Northwestern Michigan College. This position plays an integral role in advancing IAF's mission by helping plan and deliver high-quality public programs while also supporting program operations and administrative activities, strategic event promotion, audience and membership growth, and fundraising-related actions.
Working closely with the Director of the International Affairs Forum and select NMC Foundation staff, the Supplemental - IAF Program Assistant contributes to smooth program execution and consistent, compelling communications across platforms. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, collaborative, and interested in global affairs, public dialogue, and community-based programming.
This is a part-time, supplemental, term-limited position, averaging 10 hours per week. The majority of work aligns with the academic year. The position is subject to performance review, program funding, and is eligible for renewal on a season-by-season basis, with renewal consideration each academic year.
In-person attendance is required for scheduled IAF events, which are held primarily at the Dennos Museum Center.
Qualifications:
Required:

• Associate degree
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated marketing and communications skills, including event promotion and graphic design
• Experience supporting programs, events, or public-facing initiatives
• Familiarity with Google, Microsoft, and AI software tools
• Comfort working in public-facing settings and engaging with diverse audiences

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree or higher
• Interest in international affairs, journalism, public policy, or global issues
• Experience promoting events through email marketing, social media, and digital calendars
• Working knowledge of Canva, Mailchimp, and social platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)
• Familiarity with basic performance metrics (email engagement, social reach, event registrations or attendance)
• Interest or experience supporting membership development and fundraising communications
• Event coordination, nonprofit, or higher education experience
• Basic budget management skills

Essential Responsibilities
May include, but are not limited to assisting the Director with the following:
Program Operations & Event Support

• Assist with planning, coordination, and execution of IAF public programs, lectures, and panel discussions
• Support monthly public events held September-November and February-June, with additional pop-up programs possible, including during summer months
• Coordinate event logistics, including room setup, registration support, signage, materials, and on-site flow
• Assist with speaker hospitality, including travel coordination and on-site needs
• Collect, organize, and manage speaker presentations and program materials
• Support event check-in, audience engagement, and post-event breakdown
• Ensure appropriate sponsor, partner, and community recognition at events

Marketing & Communications

• Create, design, and distribute clear, visually compelling communications for events, membership, and fundraising initiatives
• Support audience and membership growth through coordinated email, social media, website, and calendar-based outreach
• Maintain consistent messaging and branding across platforms in alignment with IAF and NMC standards
• Assist with media inquiries, interviews, and promotional coordination as needed

Administrative & Operational Support

• Answer telephone and email inquiries and provide timely, professional responses
• Demonstrate strong customer service and problem-solving skills when working with internal and external constituencies
• Conduct outreach to partner organizations and community groups
• Submit Requests for Pay and Purchase Orders (Banner)
• Track and record expenditures and assist with budget documentation
• Coordinate with the Business Office for billing and payment processes
• Manage credit card allocations and payment reconciliation
• Order office and event supplies
• Operate standard office equipment

Work Environment
Language Skills
Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos. Ability to write routine correspondence and present information effectively in one-on-one and small group situations.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using units of American money and standard measurements.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out written or oral instructions and to address routine problems involving a limited number of variables.
Computer Skills
Proficiency with Google Docs and Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Working knowledge of Canva, email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp), and social media platforms. Ability and willingness to learn new digital tools related to program operations, event promotion, audience engagement, and fundraising support.
Physical Demands
The employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to handle objects, and communicate verbally. The employee may occasionally lift or move items up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made.
Work Environment
The noise level is usually quiet. The employee may occasionally be exposed to outside weather conditions during event support.
Additional Information
This position is hired through a third-party staffing agency EduStaff. If selected, you will be required to complete the requirements of both NMC and EduStaff.

• Eligible for a discounted membership to NMC's fitness center
  • $49 for an entire year!
• Free Admission to the Dennos (First year to include entire family)
  • 10% discount in the museums gift shop
• Bookstore Discount
  • 10% discount, excludes textbooks

01
What is your highest degree received?

• High School or GED
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree or higher

02
Do you have strong organizational and time-management skills?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have strong verbal and written communication skills?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you have marketing and communication skills, including event promotion and graphic design?

• Yes
• No

05
How many years of experience do you have supporting programs, events, or public-facing initiatives?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 or more years

06
Do you have a familiarity with Google, Microsoft, and AI software tools?

• Yes
• No

07
Are you comfortable working in a public-facing setting and engaging with diverse audiences?

• Yes
• No

08
Do you have an interest in international affairs, journalism, public policy, or global issues?

• Yes
• No

09
How many years of experience do you have promoting events through email marketing, social media, and digital calendars?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 or more years

10
Do you have experience working with Canva, Mailchimp, and social platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)?

• Yes
• No

11
Do you have familiarity with basic performance metrics (email engagement, social reach, event registration, or attendance)?

• Yes
• No

12
Do you have interest or experience supporting membership development and fundraising communications?

• Yes
• No

13
How many years of experience do you have in event coordination, nonprofit, or higher education?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 or more years

14
Do you have basic budget management skills?

• Yes
• No

Required Question