Program Officer, Professional Exchange Programs

American Councils for International Education; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

American Councils for International Education seeks a Program Officer to support the YSEALI Professional Exchange and related programs. The role involves visa procurement, travel logistics, alumni engagement, and content development for outreach and reporting.

The position is based in Washington, DC with a hybrid schedule combining in-office and remote work. Strong project management, communication, and cross-cultural coordination are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in international relations/development and/or education.
• Experience coordinating international travel for groups.
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities quickly and effectively.
• High level of interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to interact effectively with all levels of participants and staff.
• Experience managing social media pages and generating content (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn).
• Exceptional writing skills to create clear and concise reports and briefing materials.

Responsibilities

• Lead administrative support for the program including visa procurement, travel arrangements, and enrollment in ASPE.
• Maintain the program's online presence by developing and managing social media content and alumni stories.
• Assist with the selection and evaluation process, reading applications, and maintaining participant records.
• Manage scheduling and implementation of virtual sessions.
• Coordinate program events such as orientations, professional development, and alumni gatherings.
• Conduct outreach to onboard U.S. contacts including hosts and speakers.
• Manage logistics like ground transportation, hotels, and airport transfers.
• Support Reciprocal Exchange Projects for Americans traveling overseas, including interviews and travel arrangements.
• Oversee creation and maintenance of alumni databases.
• Create promotional materials such as fliers and recruitment ads.
• Prepare financial requests, track invoices, and file expenditures.
• Compile data for semi-annual reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Administrative skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Cultural sensitivity

Social media content

Written reports

Independent work

Team collaboration

Travel willingness

Southeast Asia familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Databases

Job description

FLSA STATUS: Exempt Salary Range: $55,000-$65,000 salary/year

Description

FLSA STATUS: Exempt Salary Range: $55,000-$65,000 salary/year

Position Summary

The Program Officer supports Professional Exchanges programs which are sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. The Professional Exchanges department engages both foreign and U.S. professionals with experience in individualized professional experiences in the United States and overseas. Participants are provided with logistical support, professional enrichment activities, and alumni engagement through workshops, expert-led curriculum, and mentoring activities. This position will primarily support YSEALI Professional Exchange, assisting with other department programs as needed. YSEALI Professional Exchange provides emerging leaders from Southeast Asia the opportunity to spend six weeks in the United States gaining professionally relevant experience at non‑profit, public, or private sector organizations. The program is designed to enhance participants’ leadership and professional skills and build lasting and sustainable partnerships between emerging leaders in Southeast Asia and the United States. The Program Officer provides essential program and administrative support to the Professional Exchanges team. The position reports to the Program Manager and works closely with other program staff and partners in the U.S. and overseas. This is a Washington, D.C.-based position with a hybrid schedule of office and work‑from home days (minimum two in‑office days).

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead administrative support for the program including but not limited to: J-1 visa procurement, travel arrangements, and enrollment in ASPE;
• Maintain the program’s online presence by developing and managing social media content, gathering alumni stories, and sharing program highlights;
• Assist with the selection and application evaluation process, reading applications, and maintaining participant records;
• Manage scheduling and implementation of virtual sessions;
• Assist with coordinating program events such as arrival orientations, professional development activities, closing programs, and alumni gatherings;
• Conduct research and outreach to onboard potential U.S. contacts including hosts, guest speakers, and others as needed;
• Manage logistics such as ground transportation, hotels/housing, airport transfers, etc.;
• Support logistical implementation of Reciprocal Exchange Projects for Americans traveling overseas, including conducting interviews, booking travel and accommodations, obtaining visas, and supporting with Pre-Departure Orientations;
• Oversee creation and maintenance of alumni databases;
• Create promotional materials such as fliers and recruitment advertisements;
• Prepare financial requests, track invoices, and file program expenditures;
• Compile data and materials for semi-annual reports;
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in international relations/development and/or education;
• Experience coordinating international travel for groups;
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills;
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities quickly and effectively;
• High level of interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to interact effectively with all levels of participants and staff;
• Experience managing social media pages and generating content (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn);
• Exceptional writing skills to create clear and concise reports and briefing materials;
• Capacity to work both independently and as a member of a team;
• High level proficiency in Excel and managing databases;
• Ability and willingness to occasionally work during non-business hours such as weekends and/or evenings as program necessitates;
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally if needed;
• Familiarity with the cultures and geography of Southeast Asia preferred.

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.