Program Coordinator, AU Centers Abroad

American University; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

American University in Washington, DC seeks a Program Coordinator to support AU Abroad’s cohort-based study abroad programs, including centers and Cornerstone Abroad initiatives. You will balance hands-on student support with administrative processes to ensure a smooth lifecycle from exploration to completion.

You will coordinate visa guidance materials, campus partnerships, and event logistics while aligning with university priorities for access, retention, and student success in a hybrid work

Qualifications

• Excellent planning, project management and facilitation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to multi-task, organize, and prioritize with high accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Provide front-line advising and information sessions for study abroad options.
• Coordinate materials, statuses, and data in Terra Dotta and related systems.
• Assist with visa support and guidance documentation for students.
• Coordinate orientations, information sessions, and cohort events.
• Represent AU Abroad at recruitment and retention events as needed.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Project management

Facilitation

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

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: AU Centers Abroad Support Time Type: Full time Job Type: Regular FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Work Modality: Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week) Union: SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division.

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; lift 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 [e-mail].

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.

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.