Global Youth Leadership Programs Lead

IREX; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

IREX in Washington, DC is seeking a detail-oriented Program Officer to support the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI). You will manage assigned program activities, timelines, budgets, and documentation, ensuring compliance and successful event delivery across virtual and in-person formats.

You’ll lead event planning for two milestone fellowship events, the U.S. Arrival Orientation and Market Immersion, and the YLAI Closing Forum, and coordinate the three-day Virtual Pre-Departure

Qualifications

• BA Degree required.
• 3–5 years of professional experience managing programs, projects, events, or related operational activities.
• Experience implementing international education, exchange, alumni, professional training, leadership development, or entrepreneurship programs.
• Experience planning and implementing large-scale in-person and virtual events, including logistics coordination, agenda development, vendor management and partnership development, and on-site event support.
• Experience working with U.S. Department of State or other U.S. government grants, contracts, or donor-funded programs.
• Experience supporting program budgeting, procurement, invoice processing, financial tracking, and compliance requirements.
• Experience coordinating with external stakeholders, including funders, partners, vendors, hotels, conference venues, speakers, participants, and partner organizations.
• Experience facilitating meetings, workshops, orientations, networking events, or professional learning experiences.
• Experience working in cross-cultural environments with diverse international participants and partners.
• Demonstrated understanding of Latin America and the Caribbean and recent developments in the region.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day planning, coordination, and implementation of virtual, hybrid, and in-person YLAI program events.
• Provide day-to-day supervision and performance management of a Program Coordinator.
• Manage event logistics, including venue coordination, catering, audiovisual needs, accessibility, and communications.
• Coordinate with vendors, hotels, speakers, facilitators, and internal teams for seamless execution.
• Monitor timelines, workplans, and deliverables; resolve logistical challenges to stay on schedule and within budget.
• Develop event tracking tools, participant lists, run-of-show documents, briefing materials, and contingency plans.
• Serve as primary contact during events, manage onsite/virtual operations, troubleshoot in real time, ensure positive participant experience.
• Track expenditures, process invoices, and monitor budgets for compliance with awards.
• Support participant engagement through networking opportunities, workshops, site visits, and professional development.
• Advise participants and U.S. business partners to maximize program impact.
• Prepare briefing materials and updates for leadership, funders, partners, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with communications, alumni, training, and M&E teams to align activities with program goals.

Skills

Event planning

Project management

Budget monitoring

Vendor management

Written communication

Verbal communication

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership / mentorship

Problem solving

Cross-cultural communication

Data management

MS Office Suite / collaboration tools

Education

BA Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

IREX in Washington, DC is seeking a detail-oriented Program Officer to support the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI). You will manage assigned program activities, timelines, budgets, and documentation, ensuring compliance and successful event delivery across virtual and in-person formats.

You’ll lead event planning for two milestone fellowship events, the U.S. Arrival Orientation and Market Immersion, and the YLAI Closing Forum, and coordinate the three-day Virtual Pre-Departure