Cultural Exchange Program Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Regional Director – J-1 and Short-Term High School Programs 

• Type of Position: Full Time 
• Start Date: ASAP 
• Hours: Full-time 40+ hours/week 
• Location: *Remote 
• Compensation  

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $60,000–$69,000 annually. 

This position is also eligible for additional **incentive compensation of approximately 15% or more of base salary through bonuses and/or commissions, based on meeting or exceeding applicable placement goals, performance benchmarks, and other established criteria.  

About Us: 

In 2025, Greenheart celebrated 40 years of cultural exchange! Greenheart International facilitates cultural exchange programs for students and adults to work or study in the USA or abroad. Our mission of connecting people and planet to create global leaders drives all that we do at Greenheart Exchange (programs in the USA) and Greenheart Travel (programs outside the USA). Our unique set of programs and initiatives foster cultural exchange, environmentalism, volunteerism, and personal development. 

Greenheart International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to creating a more peaceful and sustainable global community
 

***Evergreen / Future Opportunity Notice 

Please note: This is an evergreen job posting for future opportunities with Greenheart International. An immediate vacancy may not exist at the time you apply. 

Greenheart International maintains evergreen job postings for certain positions where we regularly seek talented individuals who may be a strong fit for future opportunities. By submitting an application, you are expressing interest in being considered when an appropriate position becomes available. 

Our People & Culture team may review the information you provide, including your application, resume, qualifications, skills, and experience, to determine whether your background aligns with current or future opportunities. If a position becomes available and your qualifications appear to align with the needs of the role, a member of our team may contact you regarding the opportunity and potential next steps. 

Submitting an application through an evergreen posting does not guarantee that a position is currently available or that an applicant will receive an interview or offer of employment. 

Applicant Information & Withdrawal 

Greenheart International will maintain applicant information in accordance with applicable legal requirements and organizational record-retention practices. Information submitted as part of the application process may be reviewed for consideration for this and other appropriate employment opportunities. 

If at any time you would like to withdraw your application or no longer wish to be considered for future opportunities, please contact people@greenheart.org. 

Summary: 

Greenheart Exchange (A division of Greenheart International) is seeking individuals with previous work experience as a Regional Director.  

The Regional Director position is a crucial leadership position within the High School Programs department by supervising a team of 50+ Local Coordinators and working with them to place a minimum of 100 exchange students every year. 

Greenheart is offering a competitive payment structure to our Local Coordinators with generous incentives for early placements, which helps with team building and retention.   

Requirements, qualifications and skills: 

• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Regional Manager/Director or equivalent in the BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor program. Applicants without prior experience in the industry will not be considered.  
• Recruitment – Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, mentor and retain talent, specifically independent contractors, while fostering a positive and mission-driven team culture. Ability to lead teams through recruiting volunteer host families, finding school placements, and placing high numbers of exchange students in the United States 
• Leadership skills and attitude – being able to organize, motivate and continue to serve their team while promoting the team spirit and connection with the organization’s mission and the program 
• Compliance – strong understanding and implementation of U.S. Department of State Bridge USA program regulations and high compliance standards 
• Communication Skills – strong communication skills, including the ability to confidently present information, conduct trainings, and build relationships with schools, community organizations, and stakeholders. 
• Problem Solving Skills – Excellent judgment and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage sensitive student, host family, school, and coordinator situations with discretion and professionalism. 
• Travel – While less common, willingness and ability to travel throughout the assigned region as needed for recruitment, training, school relations, and support visits. 
• Data Focus – Ability to identify team's OKR (Objectives and Key Results), analyze placement data and performance metrics to identify opportunities, strengthen recruitment efforts, and support regional growth. 
• Attention to Detail – Experience reviewing applications, conducting assessments, and ensuring accurate and timely documentation. 
• Impeccable customer service and networking skills, being community oriented and well connected locally  
• Professionalism – approaching others with consideration, tact, compassion and willingness to listen and understand  
• Understanding of social media and marketing techniques  
• Adaptability – being flexible and able to adjust to changes in the work environment, processes and approach 
• Computer Skills: Microsoft Suites (Word, Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, Teams) 
• Reliable Internet access 

Responsibilities: 

• Build and supervise a team of Local Coordinators (independent contractors) to facilitate the timely placement of J-1 exchange students with host families, who will attend high school for a semester or full academic year. 
• Review and pre-approve all student placements submitted by the team 
• Work with the Program Support Team on escalated program student support issues requiring sourcing new placement 
• Create a development plan for the region, which includes recruitment and regional training meetings for LCs. Help ensure that the Local Coordinators understand the Greenheart policies and procedures and can professionally represent the organization.  
• Maintain compliance with Department of State regulations by ensuring Local Coordinators provide the necessary documentation via the database for all students placed in the region 
• Work closely with the staff in the Chicago office through regular email, phone, and Microsoft Teams communication. Provide feedback on policies, processes and help create solutions for any challenges the program faces.  
• Other duties as assigned 

Compensation and Benefits Information: 

**Incentive compensation is not guaranteed and is subject to the terms and conditions of Greenheart International's applicable incentive compensation program. 

Greenheart International also offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance; retirement benefits; paid time off; paid holidays; sick leave; and parental leave. 

Additional Benefits:  

• Working remotely  
• Travel incentives  
• Work with purpose and impact  

To Apply: 

Sound like the perfect fit? Tell us WHY by clicking “Apply Now.” A cover letter is required for your application to be considered. 

Due to the number of applications processed, we ask that you do not call Greenheart International regarding this position. All qualified applicants will be contacted. 

*Remote employees must be authorized to work in the US while having a US physical address for all tax, payroll, and employment practice purposes. The applicants’ state of residence will be reviewed during the candidacy process and must be approved prior to hire. 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Greenheart International is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

Employment decisions are based on organizational needs, job requirements, individual qualifications, and other legitimate, nondiscriminatory factors.