Global Exchange Programs Director

International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX); Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 101,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

IREX is seeking a Project Director to lead a large, multi-component international exchange portfolio, overseeing strategic direction, team leadership, and high-quality participant experiences. You will engage with funders and partners, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive measurable results across programs.

The role requires 8–10 years of experience in international education or related fields, strong budget oversight, and a track record of managing complex, multi-year programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master's preferred.
• 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in international education, exchange, leadership development, or comparable complex programs.
• Experience managing U.S. Government-funded programs; experience with U.S. Department of State-funded exchange programs preferred.
• Proven experience supervising multidisciplinary teams and managing budgets and grants.
• Familiarity with J-1 SEVIS regulations and related compliance.
• Ability to plan strategically, handle multiple priorities, and travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for a large, multi-component international exchange portfolio.
• Serve as senior point of contact for funders and external stakeholders.
• Lead annual planning, risk management, and cross-functional coordination.
• Oversee participant recruitment, onboarding, and support with compliant procedures.
• Ensure program quality, data-informed decisions, and monitoring & evaluation.
• Manage budgets, subawards, procurement, and resource allocation.
• Foster collaboration across culture and functions and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Program management

Stakeholder engagement

Budget oversight

Team leadership

Data-driven management

Compliance & regulatory

Education

Bachelor's degree in international affairs, public policy, education, international development, or a related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Salesforce

Data visualization tools

Online learning platforms

Job description

IREX is seeking a Project Director to lead a large, multi-component international exchange portfolio, overseeing strategic direction, team leadership, and high-quality participant experiences. You will engage with funders and partners, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive measurable results across programs.

The role requires 8–10 years of experience in international education or related fields, strong budget oversight, and a track record of managing complex, multi-year programs.