Program Manager, International Visitor Leadership Program (Contingent Upon Funding)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000 salary/year

SUMMARY:

The position is contingent upon funding.

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s (DOS) premier professional exchange program. Through short-term visits to the United States, current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields experience our country firsthand and cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts. Professional meetings reflect the participants’ professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the United States. Group sizes vary from an individual to a multi-regional group of 25+ professionals.

Based in Washington, DC, the Program Manager (PM) reports to the Program Director (PD) and supervises a small team of Program Officers (POs) and Program Coordinators (PCs) in the development and implementation of the professional and cultural program itineraries for approximately 35 groups totaling 350 participants yearly from all around the world. The PM ensures adherence to all applicable IVLP rules and procedures for program delivery, provides fiscal oversight for all project related expenses, and interfaces with U.S. State Department counterparts and community-based member organizations around the country. 

The role requires independent judgment, strong funder facing communication skills, and comfort operating in a complex, approval driven federal environment. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of and interest in international affairs and public diplomacy, demonstrated experience with successful logistical management of professional exchange programs, and the ability to communicate effectively with various program stakeholders as well as professionals from all around the world. Some travel may be required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Operations, Coordination, and Fiscal Management

• Supervise implementation of all IVLP project assignments ensuring alignment across activities, timelines, and deliverables.
• Develop and monitor program implementation requirements, including meeting DOS IVLP materials submissions, and workflow requirements.
• Lead, develop, and implement internal review of IVLP project proposals and program books.
• Identify, escalate, and resolve operational, compliance, or scheduling risks in coordination with senior leadership.
• Review and approve payments for project related expenses and maintain budget oversight.
• Serve as lead programmer for a small number of IVLP projects, involving all aspects of program design and implementation

Management and Supervision

• Supervise up to six staff members responsible for implementing assigned IVLP programs
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, and ongoing staff training activities
• Lead team and individual goal setting and performance review activities  

Stakeholder and Partner Engagement

• Liaise effectively with the U.S. Department of State and other IVLP stakeholders on program implementation matters.
• Represent the program in external meetings, briefings, and partner discussions
• Represent the team and organization at IVLP Network meetings, conferences, and activities. 

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Oversee monitoring and evaluation activities across assigned projects
• Draft or oversee substantive portions of required programmatic reports, data submissions, and success stories.
• Ensure compliance with all program regulations and IVLP Standard Operating Procedures

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in international education, public administration, international relations, or a related field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience with federally funded international programs or exchanges
• Experience managing, motivating, and developing staff in a complex environment
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Experience working with international participants and wide array of stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with U.S. government grant or cooperative agreement environments, including reporting and compliance expectations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience with U.S. Department of State-funded professional exchange programs.
• Experience related to workforce development, community colleges, or industry-education partnerships.
• Exposure to monitoring and evaluation or learning frameworks.
• Experience with databases or grants management systems.
• Experience in study abroad or working/living overseas; and
• Foreign language proficiency.

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.