Program Lead, YLAI: Global Events & Partnerships

International Research & Exchanges Board; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

IREX, based in Washington, DC, seeks a detail-oriented Program Officer to support the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI). You will help manage timelines, budgets, and program documentation while ensuring compliance for assigned deliverables and supporting event logistics for virtual and in-person activities.

The role includes supervising a Program Coordinator, coordinating with vendors and partners, and delivering milestone fellowship events such as the U.S.

Qualifications

• BA degree required.
• Experience planning large in-person and virtual events.
• Experience with government grants, contracts, or donor-funded programs.
• Strong budgeting, procurement, invoice processing, and compliance skills.
• Experience coordinating with funders, partners, vendors, hotels, venues, speakers, and participants.
• Experience facilitating meetings, workshops, orientations, and networking events.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day planning and implementation of YLAI program events (virtual, hybrid, in-person).
• Provide supervision and development support to a Program Coordinator.
• Manage event logistics including venue, catering, A/V, accessibility, and participant communications.
• Coordinate with vendors, hotels, speakers, facilitators, and internal teams for seamless execution.
• Monitor timelines, workplans, and budgets; resolve issues to stay on schedule and within budget.
• Develop event tracking tools, run-of-show documents, briefing materials, and contingency plans.
• Serve as primary on-site and virtual contact during events; troubleshoot in real time.
• Track expenditures, process invoices, and ensure compliance with award requirements.
• Support participant engagement through networking, workshops, and professional development activities.
• Advise cohorts and U.S. business partners for maximal impact.
• Prepare briefing materials and updates for leadership, funders, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with communications, alumni, training, and M&E to align activities with program goals.

Skills

Event planning

Project management

Budget monitoring

Vendor management

Written communication

Verbal communication

Stakeholder engagement

Servant leadership

Problem solving

Cross-cultural communication

Data management

Microsoft Office

Education

BA Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Copilot

Teams

Job description

IREX, based in Washington, DC, seeks a detail-oriented Program Officer to support the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI). You will help manage timelines, budgets, and program documentation while ensuring compliance for assigned deliverables and supporting event logistics for virtual and in-person activities.

The role includes supervising a Program Coordinator, coordinating with vendors and partners, and delivering milestone fellowship events such as the U.S.