About this Program Coordinator, AU Centers Abroad role at American University
American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University
Department:
Time Type:
Full time
Job Type:
FLSA Status:
Non-ExemptWork Modality:
Union:
Job Description:
Summary:
The Program Coordinator supports the advancement of the University's Global Pledge by strengthening the delivery, coordination, and student experience of cohort-based programs administered by AU Abroad, including AUA Centers and Cornerstone Abroad initiatives. The position plays an integrative role in program implementation, balancing hands-on student support, and cohort programming with administrative and logistical processes that enable successful participation in global experiences.
Through proactive student communication, careful oversight of the application and visa process, and coordination of program events, the Program Coordinator helps ensure that students are well-supported throughout the full study abroad lifecycle - from exploration and application through pre-departure preparation and program completion. Working collaboratively with program managers and campus partners, the role aligns operational workflows, student engagement efforts, and administrative systems with the University’s priorities for access, retention, and student success, while functioning independently with sound judgement, professionalism, and strong attention to detail.
Essential Functions:
1.) Student Support and Engagement
Provide front-line support to students exploring study abroad options, including guidance on program requirements, timelines, and processes.
Offer general advising via email, drop-ins, information sessions, and class visits; escalate complex cases to Program Managers or Associate Directors.
Support community-building and engagement activities for cohort programs, including AUA Centers and Cornerstone Abroad initiatives.
Proactively communicate with students to encourage application completion, pre-departure readiness, and connection to campus resources.
2.) Program Operations
Coordinate daily operations for assigned cohort programs or study abroad cycles including updating pre- and post-decision application materials.
Manage process-based tasks in Terra Dotta including reviewing application materials, updating statuses, tracking forms, generating reports, and ensuring accurate data.
Support academic and registration workflows, including course registration preparation, add/drop tracking, transcript intake, and document verification.
Coordinate student visa support process in accordance with established guidelines, including preparing visa letters, coordinating batch visa submissions, advising students, and developing and updating visa-related guidance material.
Maintain internal tracking tools, shared documentation, and administrative workflows to ensure timely and accurate information exchange.
3.) Program Logistics and Coordinate Events
Coordinate logistics for orientations, information sessions, tabling events, study abroad fairs, and campus engagement activities.
Support the planning and execution of cohort-based programming such as Embassy visits, Gateway course activities, cohort meet-ups, and reentry or reflection events.
Provide on-the-ground logistical support for special initiatives, site visits, and cross-departmental events.
Represent AU Abroad at recruitment and retention events as necessary.
4.) Communication
Draft and distribute communications, including reminders, onboarding messages, event announcements, and targeted outreach campaigns.
Maintains and update program cohort webpages and Terra Dotta content (FAQs, program information, guidance pages).
Respond to inquiries via shared inboxes, phone lines, and front-facing service platforms.
5.) Special Projects and Administrative Support
Provide administrative support for AU Abroad initiatives, including front desk coverage during peak periods or staffing gaps.
Offer student advising as needed.
Contribute to departmental and university-wide projects and initiatives.
Competencies:
Serving Customers.
Prioritizing and Organizing.
Displaying Creativity.
Acquiring and Analyzing Information.
Supporting Coworkers.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Full-time.
35 hours per week.
May occasionally require work on evenings and weekends.
Hybrid working will be offered. Current expectation is 3 days a week on campus, with 2 days per week working remotely. This may change depending on business needs.
This position is union eligible.
Salary Range:
$30.22 - $32.97 per hour.
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree.
1 - 3 years of relevant experience.
Preferred Education and Experience:
2 - 4 years of relevant experience.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications:
Excellent planning, project management and facilitation skills with high-level attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written skills, including the ability to develop and sustain relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
Ability to multi-task, organize and prioritize while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality.
Demonstrated organizational skills to establish goals; manage assignments and competing priorities; work under pressure of deadlines; and to follow through to successful completion.
Must have the ability to function in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Ability to work independently.
Solid communication and computer skills, along with excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits
AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.
Other Details
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
American University is an E-Verify employer.
Current American University Employees
American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [email protected].
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.
