Program Associate Jobs
Program Associate jobs are open across nonprofits, healthcare, education, government, and consulting, from entry-level to mid-career, with specializations in program coordination, grants management, and community outreach. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
Find Program Associate JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 14,936+ Program Associate jobs
Job # 042861
Department Code 21405-2604
Department Institute for Sustainable Engagement
Job Title Program Associate
Location Syracuse, NY
Campus Remote
Commitment to On-Campus Experience
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range $62,400
Pay Determination
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level S4
FLSA Status Exempt
Hours
Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type Full-time
Unionized Position Code UA
Job Description
The Institute for Sustainability Engagement (ISE) seeks a skilled and dynamic Program Associate to support the implementation of sponsored programs (i.e., grants) funded by the Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and others. Grant focuses include sustainable materials management (i.e., waste reduction, reuse, and recycling), natural resources management, environmental sustainability, climate change, and environmental finance. The Program Associate will lead efforts for NYS communities and Native Nations to help advance the adoption of SMM solutions, especially those related to recycling stream contamination reduction, waste reduction and reuse, and outreach and education. Tasks will include but are not limited to providing technical assistance, developing tools and resources, facilitating professional and community groups, conducting outreach and engagement, and grant writing. This is a 40-hour per week, year-round position. This is a remote position and periodic travel throughout NYS will be required. The Program Associate will report to the Institute’s Program Manager.
This position is anticipated to be filled on a fully remote basis if the identified candidate is not currently located in the Syracuse, NY area (within 50 miles). Not all geographical areas within the United States are eligible. Employment offers at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200United.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, natural resources management, sustainability, or closely related focus, and at least two years of experience working in the field(s) of waste reduction, sustainable materials management, natural resources management, environmental education, sustainable development, and/or environmental consulting.
Skills and Knowledge
Required skills:
- Meeting planning and facilitation
- Written communication
- Outreach and engagement
- Interpersonal communication
- Time/task management
- Systems thinking
- Survey methods
- Grant writing
Required knowledge:
- Sustainable materials management concepts (e.g., waste reduction, reuse, and recycling)
- Recycling stream contamination reduction
- Organics recycling (e.g., composting) systems
- Recycling system infrastructure
- Sustainable community development strategies
- Environmental communication best practices
Responsibilities
- Co-lead outreach for programs, projects, activities, and tasks related to environmental/community sustainability and sustainable materials management (SMM).
- Manage initiatives of communications team, including student design interns, to develop content for communications such as websites, social media accounts, press releases, informational flyers, e-newsletters, and annual reports.
- Develop, facilitate, and promote technical assistance and training opportunities for key stakeholders in rural and urban communities to advance SMM throughout NY and PR.
- Promote SMM-related resources, tools, educational materials, and other critical outputs and deliverables.
- Facilitate statewide stakeholder groups including scheduling meetings, facilitating communications and reminders, taking meeting notes, and managing group-related documents (e.g., Recycle Right NY Stakeholders Group).
- Co-lead the coordination of events and meetings related to SMM including planning, logistics, promotion, facilitation, and follow-up.
- Incorporate experiential knowledge, current scientific research, and up-to-date industry best practices into SMM activities, outputs, products, and deliverables.
- Advance the mission and vision of ISE, the Institute, by leading grant-funded environmental and community focused projects throughout U.S. EPA Region 2 (i.e., New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and eight native nations).
- Incorporate approaches to all Institute-related work that strive for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Collaborate with Institute’s Program Managers and Directors with assessing and continually improving the environmental, social, and economic services it provides to NY and PR communities and beyond.
- Foster the development of professional skills, expertise and knowledge, and career goals of the Institute’s project assistants and student interns through mentorship and by cultivating an inclusive and supportive work environment.
- Support and strengthen synergistic relationships in NY that enhance the Institute’s capacity and programming and that benefit its partners and stakeholders and their communities.
- Develop and implement feedback mechanisms for project partners, stakeholders, and audiences served by Institute projects and programs.
- Utilize program evaluation methods and metrics to assess successes, impacts, and opportunities for improvement for Institute projects and programs.
- Identify new funding opportunities for NYS programming related to environmental/community sustainability, SMM, and sustainable organics management.
- Conceptualize innovative and effective projects related to SMM and sustainable organics management and integrate them by writing grant proposal applications for future funding opportunities.
- Develop quarterly reports for grant-funded projects and activities including work conducted, grant deliverables completed, and qualitative and quantitative impacts.
- Other duties and tasks as determined and assigned.
Physical Requirements
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Job # 042861
Department Code 21405-2604
Department Institute for Sustainable Engagement
Job Title Program Associate
Location Syracuse, NY
Campus Remote
Commitment to On-Campus Experience
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range $62,400
Pay Determination
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level S4
FLSA Status Exempt
Hours
Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type Full-time
Unionized Position Code UA
Job Description
The Institute for Sustainability Engagement (ISE) seeks a skilled and dynamic Program Associate to support the implementation of sponsored programs (i.e., grants) funded by the Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and others. Grant focuses include sustainable materials management (i.e., waste reduction, reuse, and recycling), natural resources management, environmental sustainability, climate change, and environmental finance. The Program Associate will lead efforts for NYS communities and Native Nations to help advance the adoption of SMM solutions, especially those related to recycling stream contamination reduction, waste reduction and reuse, and outreach and education. Tasks will include but are not limited to providing technical assistance, developing tools and resources, facilitating professional and community groups, conducting outreach and engagement, and grant writing. This is a 40-hour per week, year-round position. This is a remote position and periodic travel throughout NYS will be required. The Program Associate will report to the Institute’s Program Manager.
This position is anticipated to be filled on a fully remote basis if the identified candidate is not currently located in the Syracuse, NY area (within 50 miles). Not all geographical areas within the United States are eligible. Employment offers at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200United.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, natural resources management, sustainability, or closely related focus, and at least two years of experience working in the field(s) of waste reduction, sustainable materials management, natural resources management, environmental education, sustainable development, and/or environmental consulting.
Skills and Knowledge
Required skills:
- Meeting planning and facilitation
- Written communication
- Outreach and engagement
- Interpersonal communication
- Time/task management
- Systems thinking
- Survey methods
- Grant writing
Required knowledge:
- Sustainable materials management concepts (e.g., waste reduction, reuse, and recycling)
- Recycling stream contamination reduction
- Organics recycling (e.g., composting) systems
- Recycling system infrastructure
- Sustainable community development strategies
- Environmental communication best practices
Responsibilities
- Co-lead outreach for programs, projects, activities, and tasks related to environmental/community sustainability and sustainable materials management (SMM).
- Manage initiatives of communications team, including student design interns, to develop content for communications such as websites, social media accounts, press releases, informational flyers, e-newsletters, and annual reports.
- Develop, facilitate, and promote technical assistance and training opportunities for key stakeholders in rural and urban communities to advance SMM throughout NY and PR.
- Promote SMM-related resources, tools, educational materials, and other critical outputs and deliverables.
- Facilitate statewide stakeholder groups including scheduling meetings, facilitating communications and reminders, taking meeting notes, and managing group-related documents (e.g., Recycle Right NY Stakeholders Group).
- Co-lead the coordination of events and meetings related to SMM including planning, logistics, promotion, facilitation, and follow-up.
- Incorporate experiential knowledge, current scientific research, and up-to-date industry best practices into SMM activities, outputs, products, and deliverables.
- Advance the mission and vision of ISE, the Institute, by leading grant-funded environmental and community focused projects throughout U.S. EPA Region 2 (i.e., New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and eight native nations).
- Incorporate approaches to all Institute-related work that strive for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Collaborate with Institute’s Program Managers and Directors with assessing and continually improving the environmental, social, and economic services it provides to NY and PR communities and beyond.
- Foster the development of professional skills, expertise and knowledge, and career goals of the Institute’s project assistants and student interns through mentorship and by cultivating an inclusive and supportive work environment.
- Support and strengthen synergistic relationships in NY that enhance the Institute’s capacity and programming and that benefit its partners and stakeholders and their communities.
- Develop and implement feedback mechanisms for project partners, stakeholders, and audiences served by Institute projects and programs.
- Utilize program evaluation methods and metrics to assess successes, impacts, and opportunities for improvement for Institute projects and programs.
- Identify new funding opportunities for NYS programming related to environmental/community sustainability, SMM, and sustainable organics management.
- Conceptualize innovative and effective projects related to SMM and sustainable organics management and integrate them by writing grant proposal applications for future funding opportunities.
- Develop quarterly reports for grant-funded projects and activities including work conducted, grant deliverables completed, and qualitative and quantitative impacts.
- Other duties and tasks as determined and assigned.
Physical Requirements
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
See All 14,936+ Program Associate Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any program associate role that fits.
Find Program Associate JobsProgram Associate Job Market
A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Walmart479
- Alvarez & Marsal283
- LaBella Associates102
- Collabera99
- JPMorganChase93
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software2,463
- Consulting & Professional Services2,000
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals909
- Healthcare & Medical Services889
- Manufacturing880
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in program associate jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in public health, social work, public policy, education, or a related field
- Experience coordinating programs, events, or projects in a nonprofit, government, or healthcare setting
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Word, for reporting and documentation
- Strong written communication skills for grant reports, stakeholder updates, and program materials
- Familiarity with database or case management systems such as Salesforce, Apricot, or similar CRMs
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and deliverables simultaneously across program workplans
Tips for Your Program Associate Job Search
Tailor your resume to program language
Program associate roles live and die by output language. Reframe your experience using words like deliverables, stakeholders, workplans, and grant cycles. Hiring managers in this field scan for those terms before they read a single bullet in full.
Highlight database and tracking tool experience
Many program associate postings screen for hands-on experience with Salesforce, Apricot, or similar CRMs used to track program participants. Name the tools you've used and the data you managed, not just that you're comfortable with technology.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists program associate openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare a concrete program example for interviews
Interviewers for this role almost always ask you to walk through a program or project you supported end to end. Have one example ready that covers planning, coordination challenges you solved, and a measurable outcome you can describe without citing confidential figures.
Show grant or compliance exposure on your resume
If you've touched federal or foundation funding in any capacity, say so explicitly. Even basic tasks like tracking allowable expenses or pulling reports for a grant closeout distinguish you from candidates whose experience is purely administrative.
Follow up after applying to mission-driven organizations
Nonprofit and government program teams move slower than corporate hiring cycles. A short, professional follow-up email one week after applying keeps your name visible and signals the kind of organized follow-through the role itself requires.
Program Associate Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most program associates?
The companies hiring the most program associates right now include Walmart, Alvarez & Marsal, and LaBella Associates, with the largest share of openings in California, New York, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Nonprofit organizations, health systems, and government contractors consistently account for the largest volume of program associate postings nationally.
How many program associate jobs are remote?
About 26% of program associate openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, which is lower than fully office-based roles in many other sectors. Sub-areas with the highest remote share include grants management, policy coordination, and program evaluation, where the work is documentation-heavy and community-site presence is less critical.
How do you become a program associate?
Most program associate roles require a bachelor's degree in a field like public health, social work, education, or public policy, plus direct experience supporting a program or project in a nonprofit, government, or healthcare setting. Gaining that experience through internships, AmeriCorps service, or volunteer coordination roles is the most reliable path. Familiarity with grant reporting cycles and CRM tools strengthens your candidacy significantly.
Can you get a program associate job with little experience?
Yes, many entry-level program associate roles are specifically designed for candidates with one to two years of experience, including internships and volunteer coordination. The key is framing that experience in program terms: describe the populations you served, the deliverables you managed, and any data or reporting you contributed to. Candidates who can show organized follow-through and clear written communication get interviews even with limited paid experience.
What does the program associate interview process look like?
Most program associate interviews include a phone or video screen with HR, followed by one or two rounds with the program team. Expect behavioral questions using the STAR format, a writing or work-sample exercise such as drafting a program summary or data table, and questions about how you prioritize competing deadlines. Final rounds often include a meet-and-greet with program leadership or partner stakeholders.
Where can I find and apply to program associate jobs?
You can find and apply to program associate jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search for roles that match your background and apply directly to each listing without leaving the platform.
See All 14,936+ Program Associate Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any program associate role that fits.
Find Program Associate Jobs