Program Coordinator, National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Administration (2026)

American Councils for International Education; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

American Councils for International Education in Washington, DC, seeks a Program Coordinator for the NSLI-Y program to support administrative duties, outreach, and participant activities. The role reports to the NSLI-Y Senior Program Officer and NSLI-Y Director for Administration, with responsibilities spanning data entry, event coordination, and communication with applicants and participants.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in a related field, strong communication and organizational

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in NSLI-Y target languages, international affairs, education, or related field.
• At least 1 year of full-time professional experience in education, student advising, international education, study abroad, virtual/cultural exchange, or in public service capacity.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Outstanding organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to handle high volumes of communication effectively and professionally.
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
• Ability to exercise problem-solving skills, good judgment, and discretion in handling sensitive information and participant issues.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Supports the administration of NSLI-Y and Virtual NSLI-Y.
• Responds to phone and email inquiries from NSLI-Y and Virtual NSLI-Y applicants and participants.
• Contributes to and tracks NSLI-Y outreach and recruitment efforts and strategies.
• Assists in participant recruitment, selection, and placement activities for NSLI-Y and Virtual NSLI-Y.
• Assists in operation and entry of program databases.
• Coordinates application, program materials and deliverables including careful data entry.
• Assists in coordination of travel, logistics, and content for NSLI-Y orientations, events, and programs.
• Contributes to the creation and distribution of program highlights, reports, social media assets, and promotional materials.
• Assists in coordination of travel, logistics, and content for NSLI-Y orientations, alumni activities, and other events.
• Supports logistics and administrative needs; and
• Other administrative duties as assigned.

Skills

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Discretion

Microsoft Office

Study abroad experience

Microsoft Teams

WordPress

Canva

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Teams

WordPress

Canva

Job description

Description

FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT

PAY RANGE: $53,000 - $56,000 SALARY/YEAR

Position Summary

The U.S. Department of State’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) is a merit-based scholarship program for U.S. high school students to study languages critical to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. To learn more about the program, please visit the NSLI-Y website at www.nsliforyouth.org.

Based in Washington, D.C., the Program Coordinator position will primarily support administrative, outreach, selection activities and special projects for NSLI-Y Administration. The NSLI-Y Program Coordinator will report to the NSLI-Y Senior Program Officer and NSLI-Y Director for Administration.

Position Responsibilities

• Supports the administration of NSLI-Y and Virtual NSLI-Y;
• Responds to phone and email inquiries from NSLI-Y and Virtual NSLI-Y applicants and participants;
• Contributes to and tracks NSLI-Y outreach and recruitment efforts and strategies;
• Assists in participant recruitment, selection, and placement activities for NSLI-Y and Virtual NSLI-Y;
• Assists in operation and entry of program databases;
• Coordinates application, program materials and deliverables including careful data entry;
• Assists in coordination of travel, logistics, and content for NSLI-Y orientations, events, and programs;
• Contributes to the creation and distribution of program highlights, reports, social media assets, and promotional materials;
• Assists in coordination of travel, logistics, and content for NSLI-Y orientations, alumni activities, and other events;
• Supports logistics and administrative needs; and
• Other administrative duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in one of NSLI-Y target languages, international affairs, education, or related field;
• At least 1 year of full-time professional experience in education, student advising, international education, study abroad, virtual/cultural exchange, or in public service capacity;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Outstanding organizational and time-management skills;
• Ability to handle high volumes of communication effectively and professionally;
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team;
• Ability to exercise problem-solving skills, good judgment, and discretion in handling sensitive information and participant issues;
• Ability to approach challenges with flexibility, creativity, and a positive attitude;
• Outstanding attention to detail; and
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Personal experience with study abroad, language study, language teaching, and/or second language acquisition especially in NSLI-Y, Virtual NSLI-Y, or a similar USG exchange program;
• Professional experience in customer service capacities;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Teams, WordPress, social media platforms, and Canva.

Work Conditions & Physical Demands

Essential functions are performed in a general office setting or remote work environment with low noise. Job demands may require long periods of sitting, telephone work and/or computer work, as well as interactions with other team members and external stakeholders and lifting up to 15 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Additional Information About The Position

• This position is contingent on receipt of federal funding.
• This position may require occasional work outside of regular business hours for NSLI-Y and Virtual NSLI-Y events or trainings.
• The incumbent for this position must comply with American Councils’ hybrid work requirements and must report to the Washington, DC office at least two days a week, potentially more if events or other needs require.

Benefits

This position is eligible for healthcare benefits.

American Councils is committed to providing employment opportunities for all individuals, in accordance with current federal regulations. Our focus is on ensuring that all individuals have equal access to employment and advancement opportunities based on merit. American Councils’ commitment to employment opportunity is driven by federal requirements, including Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act (supporting individuals with disabilities) and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) (protecting covered veterans). We also ensure our employment practices comply with all applicable regulations, including E-Verify requirements for work eligibility. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace where all individuals have the opportunity to succeed and grow, in full compliance with federal law.

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.