Experiential Learning Coordinator

American Embassy Kuala Lumpur; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Experiential Learning (EXPL) Coordinator coordinates Mission Public Diplomacy outreach to Emerging Voices audiences through EXPL projects and events, hands-on activities such as camps, music and sports programs, journalism training, speaker programs, and other community engagement programs.

Designs, develops, identifies cosponsors and funding sources for, plans, and oversees outreach activities in support of Mission goals.

Qualifications

• University degree or equivalent is required.
• 3 years experience in communications or public engagement.
• Fluency in English and Bahasa Malaysia (may be tested).

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and implement engagement activities to reach Emerging Voices audiences.
• Coordinate with Malaysian partners and internal teams to promote outreach.
• Build and sustain alumni engagement and evaluate outcomes.
• Maintain PD databases, and draft correspondence in English and Malay.

Skills

Analytic Skills

Communication & Interpersonal

Management Skills

Technical Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Communications / IR or related field

Two years college or university studies

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

The Experiential Learning (EXPL) Coordinator coordinates Mission Public Diplomacy (PD) outreach to Emerging Voices (EV) audiences (youth, students, young professionals, up-and-coming leaders, etc.) through EXPL projects and events, hands‑on “learn by doing” activities such as tech or entrepreneurship camps, music and sports programs, journalism training, speaker programs, and other focused community engagement programs. Designs, develops, identifies cosponsors and funding sources for, plans, and oversees a range of outreach activities in support of Mission goals.

I. Project Development and Implementation (50%)

Engages youth and marginalized communities to expand Mission outreach to priority audiences. Designs, plans, and implements engagement activities/projects—including recruiting speakers, coordinating logistics, and managing branding—to build support for U.S. policy interests and identify potential participants for other Mission programs. Partners with Malaysian institutions and collaborates with Strategic Content Coordination (SCC) and Press/Media teams to promote outreach. Sustains alumni engagement and evaluates project outcomes.

II. Strategic Planning, Analysis, and Evaluation (20%)

Develops long-range Public Diplomacy (PD) initiatives targeting priority audiences, using demographic and public opinion data to guide strategy. Identifies co-sponsors, partners, and funding sources; recommends and initiates Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) for grants. Evaluates past program outcomes to refine future planning. Contributes to key strategic documents, including the Integrated Country Strategy (ICS), Public Diplomacy Implementation Plan (PDIP), and Public Diplomacy Country Context (PDCC).

III. Intra- and Interagency Coordination (15%)

Builds relationships across the Mission to promote awareness of program goals and benefits. Creates opportunities for Mission officers and community members to participate in outreach initiatives. Coordinates with SCC and Press/Media teams on multimedia support.

IV. Administrative Functions (15%)

Budget: Prepares and tracks project and annual budgets in coordination with PD leadership.

Grants: Serves as Grants Officer’s Representative (GOR), monitoring grantee compliance, reviewing financial/programmatic reports, and liaising between Washington-based GORs and local implementers.

Fundraising: Supports PAO‑led fundraising efforts.

General: Maintains records in PD databases, drafts correspondence (cables, proposals, reports) in English and Malay, and provides translation/interpretation services as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS & EVALUATIONS:

Education:

Option 1

A university degree in Communications, International Relations, Arts Management, Museum Education, Marketing, or local equivalent is required.

OR

Option 2

At least 2 years college or university studies is required.

Note: Please choose either Option 1 (Education) with Option 1 (Experience) OR Option 2 (Education) with Option 2 (Experience) for your application.

Experience:

Option 1

Three (3) years of experience is required, with communications, public engagement management, or education duties as components of the work. Prior experience in an international, academic, or governmental work environment is required.

OR

Option 2

Five (5) years of experience is required, with communications, public engagement management, or education duties as components of the work. Prior experience in an international, academic, or governmental work environment is required.

Note: Please choose either Option 1 (Experience) with Option 1 (Education) OR Option 2 (Experience) with Option 2 (Education) for your application.

Language

Level 4 (Fluent) Speaking/ Reading/ Writing in English and Bahasa Malaysia (this may be tested).

Skills and Abilities:

Analytic Skills:

Must have strong analytical skills and the ability to conceptualize how best to use innovation and cutting-edge experiential learning opportunities to attract EV audiences and engage them in positive ways. Must be able to identify, analyze, predict, and assess EV audience attitudes; evaluate the impact of activities and projects and modify approaches for best outcomes. Must be able to perceive the emergence of new trends and new sources of influence on EV audiences and adjust operations and programming accordingly.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

Must have excellent customer relations, interpersonal cross‑cultural communication skills, and be able to identify and engage key figures critical to developing EXPL priority initiatives. Must have the capacity to quickly tailor communications to fit formal and informal situations and different ethnic, religious, and linguistic cultural groups. Must also have excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking, interviewing for evaluation purposes, and writing reports and material for publication. Must be able to brief on a variety of issues and interpret between English and Malay for public programs.

Management Skills:

Strong project management skills are required, including the ability to establish credibility and lead group participation in projects such as workshops, seminars, conferences, sports and cultural programs, and camps, including activities conducted virtually. Must be able to negotiate agreements with partner institutions and manage their fulfillment. Must be able to work closely and collaboratively with grantee organizations, ensuring that they are delivering on time and in accordance with grant benchmarks.

Technical Skills:

Good keyboarding and data entry skills, and excellent familiarity with electronic discovery tools, in particular the internet, and standard information retrieval practices and procedures are required. Thorough knowledge of various computer software programs, specifically Microsoft Word and Excel, is required. Must be practiced in using social media and mobile platforms, basic photo and video tools to generate group interest and participation. Must have good numerical skills to be able to develop and oversee project and grant budgets.

NOTE: All applications MUST be submitted through the Electronic Recruitment Application (ERA), the Department of State’s employment portal. Please go to the Embassy jobs page to access the ERA site to be considered for employment

Open Period: September 4, 2026 to September 20, 2026