Program Officer, International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP

Meridian International; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Meridian International is seeking a Program Officer for the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in Washington, D.C. This role designs, manages, and evaluates complex short-term IVLP projects for the U.S. Department of State, with focus on strategic program design, stakeholder engagement, and budget oversight.

Some remote work may be possible as the arrangement evolves. The position requires strong cross-cultural communication, collaboration across sectors, and the ability to

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Understanding of American society, culture, history, geography, economy, and government.
• Broad knowledge of international cultures and customs.
• Experience with the IVLP or other USG-funded exchange programs preferred.
• Regional expertise welcome.

Responsibilities

• Translate Department of State project goals into comprehensive exchange programs by identifying themes, learning objectives, resources, and opportunities for professional collaboration.
• Research, develop and implement a U.S. program in cooperation with State Department officials, participants, interpreters, and International Visitor Liaisons.
• Develop and maintain relationships with government agencies, private sector organizations, academic institutions, think tanks, and civil society organizations to support IVLP project objectives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for participants, interpreters, and Department of State stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee local programs carried out in other cities by community-based members of Global Ties U.S.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Intercultural communication

Project management

Research and analysis

Written and verbal communication

Relationship building

Education

Master’s degree preferred

USG/IVLP experience

International cultures knowledge

Tools

Microsoft 365

CRM software

Project management tools

AI-enabled productivity tools

Job description

Meridian International

Title: Program Officer, International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

Salary: $68,250 to $103,084
Employment Status: FULL-TIME

FLSA Classification: EXEMPT

Direct Report Titles: NONE

Supervisor Title: Deputy Director, IVLP

Summary of Position:

The Program Officer designs, develops, and manages complex short-term International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) projects on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. The role requires strategic program design, relationship management, budget oversight, participant engagement, and the development of professional networks across government, private sector, academic, and nonprofit communities. Program Officers translate foreign policy objectives into meaningful professional exchange experiences that advance mutual understanding and support U.S. diplomatic priorities.

This position is located in Washington D.C., and Meridian requires MD, DC, or VA residence for all employees. The position may work partially remotely until further notice.

Requirements

Position Responsibilities

• Translate Department of State project goals into comprehensive exchange programs by identifying themes, learning objectives, resources, and opportunities for professional collaboration.
• Research, develop and implement a U.S. program in cooperation with State Department officials, participants, interpreters, and International Visitor Liaisons.
• Develop and maintain relationships with government agencies, private sector organizations, academic institutions, think tanks, and civil society organizations to support IVLP project objectives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for participants, interpreters, and Department of State stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee local programs carried out in other cities by community-based members of Global Ties U.S.?
• Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Capture significant project developments for the Department of State and maintain accurate and comprehensive project documentation.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, performance feedback, and professional development support to Program Associates and other assigned staff. Monitor all aspects of the project budget and administration to ensure financial responsibility.
• Complete all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and within the allotted deadlines.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

• Master’s Degree preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
• A thorough understanding of American society, culture, history, geography, economy, and government.
• Broad knowledge of international cultures and customs.
• Experience with the IVLP or other USG-funded exchange programs, preferred.?
• Regional expertise, welcome.

Technical Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams is necessary for this role.
• Experience using customer relationship management (CRM), project management, collaboration, and AI-enabled productivity tools.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, with maturity, cultural sensitivity, diplomacy, and tact.
• Capacity to organize, manage, and coordinate complex tasks.
• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• Ability to synthesize large amounts of information on a large amounts of topics.
• Ability to work on multiple projects under deadline.
• Good judgment and problem-solving abilities.
• Exemplary written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to build and sustain productive professional relationships across sectors and cultures.
• Strong intercultural communication skills; maturity, cultural sensitivity, and tact suitable for working with individuals from around the world.?

Employer’s Statement

Meridian is committed to empowering global leaders and amplifying voices from a wide variety of backgrounds to create pathways for greater understanding, shared values, and respect. Connecting people has been our foundation for more than 65 years. If you share our values and enthusiasm for promoting non-partisan collaboration to address global challenges and opportunities, you can find a home at Meridian.

As an equal opportunity employer, Meridian is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, personal appearance, family responsibilities, marital status, matriculation, political affiliation, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, District of Columbia, or local law. This commitment applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination.

Meridian provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities and to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, and for pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, as required by applicable law. Applicants who require an accommodation during the application or interview process are encouraged to contact Human Resources.

Meridian offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include medical, dental, retirement, life and disability insurance, voluntary benefits, paid leave, and paid holidays. Eligibility and coverage are subject to the applicable plan documents and Meridian policies.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.