Executive Director - Tbilisi, Georgia

Application Deadline: July 15, 2026

Position SUMMARY

The Executive Director provides overall leadership, management, and strategic oversight for all American Councils for International Education programs in Georgia and direct administration of one or more programs in the portfolio. The Executive Director maintains strong relationships with U.S. Embassy stakeholders, host‑government partners, implementing organizations, educational institutions, and the wider community, ensuring effective business development, program delivery and alignment of activities with American Councils’ mission.  The Executive Director works closely with the Regional Director, and program leadership based in headquarters or the region. This role requires leadership presence, external engagement, strong administrative and financial management, and the ability to guide staff and programming in dynamic contexts.

Position Responsibilities

I. Oversight, Leadership, and External Relations

• Provide overall supervision and leadership of all American Councils programs and staff in Georgia; train, mentor, and evaluate local staff; build collaborations across programs to maximize impact and efficiency.
• Maintain and strengthen American Councils’ organizational relations in-country with the U.S. Embassy/Consulate, Public Diplomacy Section, other U.S. agencies, host-country ministries, government bodies, educational institutions, and partner organizations.
• Participate in new business development efforts including concept design, proposal contributions, and identify new opportunities.
• Represent American Councils in meetings, public events, program orientations, consultations, and media engagements.
• Advise senior leadership and program managers on political, economic, social, and cultural conditions affecting program implementation and strategic direction.
• Address urgent issues or crisis situations as they arise and provide support to programs and participants.

II. Office Management, Administration, and Finance

• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and donor requirements, including maintaining office policies aligned with local legislation, U.S. federal grant regulations, and American Councils global policies.
• Oversee all finance and accounting operations, including reviewing monthly timesheets, expense reports, and budget requests submitted to DC.
• Monitor financial transactions, including incoming/outgoing funds, expenses, payroll, and invoicing.
• Ensure timely submission of all compliance filings, including revenue service documentation, pension declarations, and required statistical reports.
• Lead HR and talent management processes, including recruitment, onboarding, staff training, performance reviews, and maintaining personnel files.
• Manage general office operations, including contracting, procurement, facilities, landlord relations, and IT coordination.
• Ensure cross-program coordination and operational efficiencies, promoting shared resources and streamlined workflows.
• Maintain local website and intranet resources, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information as needed.

III. Program Administration & Delivery

• Provide direct leadership and administrative oversight for selected programs in the portfolio, including planning, implementation, partner coordination, and compliance.
• Oversee recruitment cycles: outreach, presentations, testing, interviewing, finalist selection, and communication with applicants and families.
• Ensure proper conduct and documentation of competitions, maintenance of applicant/participant files, and adherence to policies and program rules.
• Support and monitor program staff in day-to-day operations, ensuring timely achievement of program goals and deliverables.
• Support emergency response and decision-making during program activities.
• Maintain relationships in the community to support participant activities, site visits, alumni programming, and host engagement.
• Facilitate alumni relations: oversee alumni fellows/assistants, alumni event planning, alumni data maintenance, and alumni reporting.

• Legally permitted to live and work in Georgia.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Georgian; Russian advantageous.
• Graduate degree or equivalent experience in management, international education, international development, public administration, or related field.
• 7–10 years of managerial experience with educational, exchange, or U.S. government–funded programs.
• Strong experience in office management, staff supervision, organizational administration, and financial management, including budgeting and grants compliance.
• Familiarity with U.S. Department of State program regulations and NGO compliance requirements in Georgia.

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.