Program Assistant

Reports to: Programs Manager

Status: Part Time, Exempt

Mission Statement

The Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy supports and connects adult English language learners, instructors, and programs to advance individual and community success.

About MCAEL

MCAEL is a leading nonprofit in Montgomery County, which traces its beginnings to 2002 when the Montgomery County Council, adult English literacy service providers and community stakeholders worked together to address the growing demand for programs and services. MCAEL incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization in 2006 and received its 501(c)(3) tax status in 2008. The organization continues to grow and enjoys an excellent reputation in the county and with its partners.

MCAEL strengthens the community by advancing a coalition of organizations dedicated to enabling all Montgomery County residents to achieve their full potential by improving their English language skills. MCAEL is the hub of the coalition, bringing English language service providers together to learn and share, driving a system of continuous improvement for the coalition – approximately 60 programs, serving about 11,000 adult learners each year. MCAEL’s main programs and activities:

· Training and professional development (at no cost) to any instructors and program administrators in Montgomery County

· Centralized data collection and analysis

· Advocacy on behalf of the coalition

· Directory of all adult English classes in the county

· Public engagement around the issue of adult English language learning

Position Overview

The Program Assistant is a part-time, entry level position that will contribute to MCAEL’s program activities by supporting the Director of Programs and Programs Manager.

This is a half-time position (20 hours/week), with a salary range of $28,000 - $32,000. This is a hybrid position with two in-office days a week on average. Additional on-site days may be required for MCAEL events.

Given the confidential nature of the work with MCAEL’s Grants Program and the need to avoid conflicts of interest, candidates may not be employed concurrently by an organization receiving or applying for MCAEL funding.

Responsibilities

The Program Assistant will provide administrative support for MCAEL programs, including but not limited to the following:

) Schedule LLG meetings and training sessions, and support LLG members*Provide day-of meeting support, including setting up space, taking notes, and helping with translation as needed (if bilingual)

· Provide day-of meeting support, including setting up space, taking notes, and helping with translation as needed (if bilingual)

*meetings and trainings typically take place on weekday evenings, twice a quarter

(8.5-hour course offered twice yearly over two Saturdays – first day in person, second day online)

· Help with outreach and registration for the course

· Communications with participants

· Assist with pre- and post-course surveys

· Provide day-of support

· Research and outreach to potential CLG partner organizations

· Conduct learner assessments

· Support annual application process

· Assist with events, including Grant Panel meeting, Grants Kick-off event

· Help with grants administration, including review of grant reports

Qualifications

· Experience providing administrative, program, or office support in a professional, nonprofit, educational, community-based, or similar setting.

· Experience using Microsoft Office 365, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and/or Teams, and the ability to learn and use new software and technology.

· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, keep track of deadlines, and follow established procedures.

· Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate professionally, respectfully, and responsively with people from diverse backgrounds, including learners, community members, volunteers, instructors, organizational partners, and other stakeholders.

· Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a team.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Experience working with databases, online registration systems, spreadsheets, or other systems for maintaining and organizing information, or demonstrated ability to learn these systems quickly.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle information with care and professionalism.

· Flexibility to work outside of regular business hours occasionally, including weekday evenings and Saturdays, to support MCAEL meetings, trainings, and events.

· Commitment to MCAEL’s mission of supporting adult English language learners, instructors, and programs.

Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus, with Spanish-English proficiency preferred but not required.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must e-mail a cover letter explaining how your skills and background fit this position, and a resume to admin@mcael.org, by October 2, 2026. Resumes sent without a cover letter will not be considered. Please be prepared to provide references upon request. Please refer to Program Assistant position in the subject line. No phone inquiries please. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Position is open until filled. This is an exempt position; some evening or weekend work may be required.

Pay: $27,000.00 - $32,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Rockville, MD 20850

Salary : $27,000 - $32,000