Application Guide

How to Apply for Program Assistant

at Big Cities Health Coalition

🏢 About Big Cities Health Coalition

The Big Cities Health Coalition (BCHC) is a unique forum that brings together leaders from America’s largest metropolitan health departments to tackle pressing public health challenges. Working here means contributing to initiatives that directly impact the health and safety of over 62 million people, making it a mission-driven organization with national influence.

About This Role

As a Program Assistant, you will be the backbone of BCHC’s projects, ensuring seamless coordination of meetings, webinars, and member communications. This role is impactful because your organizational support enables health leaders to collaborate effectively on critical issues like pandemic response, chronic disease prevention, and health equity.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start by checking emails and updating the project management board on Monday.com, then coordinating a Zoom webinar for member health departments. Afternoon tasks could include drafting content for the weekly coalition newsletter, processing a reimbursement request, and preparing materials for an upcoming board meeting.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Big Cities Health Coalition Is Looking For

  • A detail-oriented professional with at least one year of experience in administrative or program support, ideally in a nonprofit, public health, or coalition setting.
  • Strong written communicator who can draft clear correspondence, edit reports, and compile engaging weekly emails for a diverse audience of health officials.
  • Tech-savvy with proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with tools like WordPress, Mailchimp, Monday.com, or Adobe Creative Cloud to manage content and logistics.
  • Proactive problem-solver who can juggle multiple tasks—from scheduling complex meetings to processing expense reimbursements—without missing a beat.

📝 Tips for Applying to Big Cities Health Coalition

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with meeting coordination, event planning, or newsletter content creation, as these are core duties.

2

In your cover letter, mention any familiarity with public health topics or coalition work to show alignment with BCHC’s mission.

3

If you have experience with Monday.com or similar project management tools, explicitly state it—this is listed as a beneficial skill.

4

Provide examples of how you’ve handled logistical challenges, such as coordinating across time zones or managing last-minute changes.

5

Proofread your application meticulously; attention to detail is critical for a role that involves editing documents and processing reimbursements.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Express genuine interest in public health and the coalition’s role in supporting large-city health departments.', 'Emphasize your organizational and project management skills with concrete examples (e.g., planning a multi-stakeholder webinar).', 'Highlight your communication abilities, especially in writing and editing for diverse audiences.', 'Mention any experience with the specific software tools listed (WordPress, Mailchimp, etc.) to demonstrate technical fit.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review BCHC’s website and recent reports to understand their key initiatives, such as the Big Cities Health Inventory or COVID-19 response efforts.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the member health departments (e.g., New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago) and the common challenges they face.
  • → Look into BCHC’s funding sources and partnerships, such as with the de Beaumont Foundation or CDC, to understand their operational context.
  • → Read a few recent weekly emails or newsletters they’ve published to get a sense of their communication style and content.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you prioritize tasks when supporting multiple projects with overlapping deadlines?
2 Describe a time you had to coordinate a complex meeting or event. What logistical challenges did you face and how did you resolve them?
3 What experience do you have with content management systems like WordPress or email platforms like Mailchimp?
4 Why are you interested in public health, and what do you know about the Big Cities Health Coalition?
5 How do you ensure accuracy when processing expense reports or editing documents?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn’t reference public health or the coalition’s specific work.
  • Overlooking the requirement for experience with scheduling and event logistics—ensure your resume clearly shows these skills.
  • Failing to demonstrate proficiency in the listed software tools; if you lack experience, consider taking a quick online tutorial before applying.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Big Cities Health Coalition!

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