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What does an associate program manager do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read

Associate program managers are employees who help oversee the implementation of the company's programs. They ensure that all of the expected outputs are delivered on time. This involves coordinating with various departments. As such, associate program managers should be able to create good working relationships and partnerships with other departments and even their counterparts from clients or vendors. They should be familiar with the company's programs to ensure that proper support is extended to their programs. In addition, they should know how to conduct effective presentations so they can win over clients and get their points across during team meetings.

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Associate program manager responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real associate program manager resumes:

  • Manage and supervise a staff of two senior coordinators.
  • Manage the RF vendor installation and test of the BTS equipment.
  • Foster engagement with MSP and purchasing groups to achieve mutual objectives.
  • Lead the planning and execution of quarterly KPIs according to company objectives.
  • Manage content and promotions on sprint.com/business pages and the online sales portals.
  • Manage all regional DHS grants and conduct audits and trainings for grantees on grant management, reporting and financial forecasting.
  • Perform payroll functions, such as maintaining timekeeping, information and processing and submitting payroll.
  • Lead and mentore a team of trainers, instructional designers and event coordinators delivering nationwide training.
  • Process payroll for both staff/independent contractor/peer volunteers.
  • Customize presentations for each arena, utilizing PowerPoint for presentations.
  • Carry out public relation activities for the corporation, including marketing of physical rehabilitation services to area hospitals and referral sources.
  • Ensure timely and high quality technical and financial reports from field offices to WWF HQ.
  • Develop methodology for evaluation of special projects and instill PMI project management standards for large complex projects.

Associate program manager skills and personality traits

We calculated that 14% of Associate Program Managers are proficient in Project Management, Customer Service, and Program Management. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Creativity, and Leadership skills.

We break down the percentage of Associate Program Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Project Management, 14%

    Performed systems engineering, system integration and project management support to Intel Customers.

  • Customer Service, 10%

    Recognized by Regional VP for community service projects and currently achieving platinum status for customer service excellence.

  • Program Management, 9%

    Provided various program management support activities to ensure the successful completion of multiple international lab consolidation projects:.

  • PowerPoint, 7%

    Prepared project management documents and PowerPoint presentations to the Program Development Division Director.

  • Professional Development, 4%

    Developed technology curriculum and taught professional development courses in technology and education.

  • Data Analysis, 4%

    Developed & implemented training programs in data analysis and problem solving techniques.

Common skills that an associate program manager uses to do their job include "project management," "customer service," and "program management." You can find details on the most important associate program manager responsibilities below.

Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an associate program manager to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "producers and directors must convey information and ideas clearly in order to coordinate many people to finish a production on time and within budget." Associate program managers often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "provided technical assistance to partner organizations for release of basic economic security tables and effective communications for policy initiatives. "

Creativity. Another essential skill to perform associate program manager duties is creativity. Associate program managers responsibilities require that "because a script may be interpreted in different ways, directors must decide on their approach and on how to represent the script’s ideas for the production." Associate program managers also use creativity in their role according to a real resume snippet: "managed program budgets, timelines, status reports and creative development for shopper marketing promotions"

Leadership skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of associate program managers is leadership skills. This skill is critical to many everyday associate program manager duties, as "directors instruct actors and help them portray their characters in a believable manner." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "collaborated with squadron leadership to deliver assigned training programs. "

See the full list of associate program manager skills

Compare different associate program managers

Associate program manager vs. Senior program associate

A senior program associate performs a variety of tasks for an organization, including conducting clinical documentation audits, overseeing and approving all treatment and discharge plans, and implementing process improvements. As a senior program associate, you will be responsible for assisting units in developing proposals and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders in producing materials such as reports and brochures. In addition, you will also be responsible for preparing and submitting reports on time and working closely with the finance department in developing needed financials.

We looked at the average associate program manager salary and compared it with the wages of a senior program associate. Generally speaking, senior program associates are paid $6,653 lower than associate program managers per year.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both associate program manager and senior program associate positions are skilled in program management, powerpoint, and professional development.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, associate program manager responsibilities require skills like "project management," "customer service," "data entry," and "good judgment." Meanwhile a typical senior program associate has skills in areas such as "phone calls," "financial reports," "administrative tasks," and "provides administrative support." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Senior program associates really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $68,402. Comparatively, associate program managers tend to make the most money in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $89,510.The education levels that senior program associates earn slightly differ from associate program managers. In particular, senior program associates are 0.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an associate program manager. Additionally, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Associate program manager vs. Management associate

A management associate is responsible for assisting the management operations, supporting administrative and clerical tasks, and coordinating with other departments for project support to meet the organization's objectives and profitability goals. Management associates often respond to clients' inquiries and concerns on behalf of the executives, documenting their needs, and immediately escalating high-level complaints to appropriate personnel. They also meet with suppliers and other third-party vendors, negotiating contracts for business needs. A management associate must have excellent communication, be organized, and have time-management skills to perform duties in a fast-paced environment.

A career as a management associate brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of an associate program manager. In fact, management associates salary is $20,723 higher than the salary of associate program managers per year.A few skills overlap for associate program managers and management associates. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "project management," "customer service," and "data analysis. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, associate program manager responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "program management," "powerpoint," "professional development," and "data collection." Meanwhile, a management associate has duties that require skills in areas such as "portfolio," "risk management," "patients," and "strong analytical." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Management associates earn a higher average salary than associate program managers. But management associates earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $93,348. Additionally, associate program managers earn the highest salaries in the manufacturing with average pay of $89,510 annually.management associates earn similar levels of education than associate program managers in general. They're 4.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Associate program manager vs. Club manager

A club manager is responsible for overseeing club operations, delegating tasks to the club staff, and ensuring that the team provides the highest customer service and satisfaction for the guests. Club managers inspect the stability of technical tools and equipment, including the adequacy of inventory and food and beverage stocks. They also identify opportunities and services that would increase revenue resources and attract patrons from visiting the club regularly. A club manager responds to the guests' inquiries and concerns, resolves complaints, and monitors sales performance.

On average scale, club managers bring in lower salaries than associate program managers. In fact, they earn a $17,853 lower salary per year.associate program managers and club managers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "customer service," "facebook," and "community outreach," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from associate program manager resumes include skills like "project management," "program management," "powerpoint," and "professional development," whereas a club manager is more likely to list skills in "front desk," "cleanliness," "payroll," and "employee training. "

Most club managers achieve a lower degree level compared to associate program managers. For example, they're 11.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Associate program manager vs. Program director

Program directors are employees who oversee all aspects of a specific program in the company. They usually work in nonprofit organizations or are assigned to a department doing corporate social responsibility activities. Program directors ensure that the program is in line with the company's goals. They also ensure that the resources assigned to the program are properly managed and that all finances are accounted for. They create strategies to ensure the success of the program and communicate these to everyone involved. They lead the implementation and evaluation of the program.

Program directors tend to earn a higher pay than associate program managers by an average of $17,821 per year.While both associate program managers and program directors complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like customer service, program management, and professional development, the two careers vary in some skills.While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "project management," "powerpoint," "data analysis," and "data entry" are skills that commonly show up on associate program manager resumes. On the other hand, program directors use skills like oversight, social work, patients, and mental health on their resumes.In general, program directors earn the most working in the technology industry, with an average salary of $118,191. The highest-paying industry for an associate program manager is the manufacturing industry.program directors reach similar levels of education compared to associate program managers, in general. The difference is that they're 4.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of associate program manager

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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