What Is a Program Assistant and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

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.

A program assistant provides administrative or clerical support in an office environment, usually working in the non-profit or university sectors. This career involves several responsibilities and duties, such as taking calls and messages, maintaining records, scheduling meetings and appointments, and working with control documents. As such, those looking to become a program assistant should have basic computer, communication, and office skills. The necessary educational qualifications depend on the employer. Some might only require a G.E.D. certificate or high school diploma while others prefer candidates to have a degree in human services or a relevant field. Some past training and experience in administrative work are also beneficial to have.

Job Summary

Our office seeks a Program Assistant to provide excellent administrative support for our business. In this role, you will oversee and help plan traveling schedules, coordinate inventory or shipments, file paperwork, and perform other clerical tasks as needed. You must be willing to step up and assist with various duties, while also foreseeing any logistical issues related to our daily operations. Our ideal candidate has a college degree and top-notch multi-tasking, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative support
• Schedule travel arrangements for executives and team members
• Coordinate any logistical issues
• Perform data entry in our database
• Perform other clerical tasks as needed

Requirements and Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED certificate
• College degree a plus
• Some administrative work experience
• Strong organizational, time management, multi-tasking, and communication skills
• Basic computer proficiency and office skills