Program coordinators in a non-profit organization (NPO) are often the face of a particular social service, charity, or foundation's project. They can run a certain segment or branch of the organization, and they usually work with the population that the non-profit serves, volunteers and subordinates, and the board of directors of the non-profit. They often collaborate with other departments in order to effectively serve the population and to serve the non-profit's mission.
Program coordinators usually work indoors, but their work can sometimes be outdoors depending on the nature of the organization. Their work may occasionally involve physical labor, especially if their NPO involves children, the elderly, or it is environmental organization. Usually, NPO program coordinators' work is done in an office, but they often do a lot of work in the field, whether it be supervising a program or planning the budget, functions, or even the hiring for a given program. Program coordinators usually supervise a group of employees or volunteers in the programs in which they run.
Most non-profit program coordinators need a bachelor's degree in business, social work, or any of the social sciences at the minimum. However, some organizations require their coordinators to have masters degrees. In most cases, the coordinators have a standard 9-5 work schedule, however like most managers, hours can vary well beyond "normal business hours."
Non-profit coordinators are the visionaries behind the programs they create and the organizations that they run. Their work is hard, and their days are long, but the work they do can be very rewarding.
Program Coordinator, Non-Profit Organization Tasks
- Oversees program staff/volunteers.
- Promote Non-Profit organization within the community.
- Manage administration of Non-Profit program.