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Exchange Program Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Program Sales Manager

Santa Rosa, CA Β· On-site

$54K - $61K/yr

The tasks completed must comply with all STS Select policies and best practice guidelines, the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) for F-1 high school exchange programs.

Program Sales Manager

Santa Rosa, CA Β· On-site

$54K - $61K/yr

The tasks completed must comply with all STS Select policies and best practice guidelines, the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) for F-1 high school exchange programs.

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Showing results 1-20

Exchange Program information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$39.2K

$55.3K

How much do exchange program jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for exchange program in California is $39,163.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,600.00 and $38,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an exchange program?

Exchange programs are educational initiatives that allow students or professionals to study or work in a foreign country for a set period, typically through partnerships between institutions. These programs promote cross-cultural understanding, language learning, and personal development by immersing participants in a new environment. Exchange programs can range from a few weeks to a full academic year and often involve reciprocal arrangements between participating institutions.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an exchange program coordinator?

To thrive as an Exchange Program Coordinator, you need strong organizational skills, cross-cultural competence, and typically a bachelor’s degree in international relations, education, or a related field. Familiarity with student information systems, visa processing platforms, and travel management tools is often required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for managing diverse participants and resolving unexpected challenges. These competencies ensure smooth program operations, positive participant experiences, and effective cross-cultural engagement.

What are common challenges faced by coordinators of exchange programs, and how can they be addressed?

Coordinators of exchange programs often encounter challenges such as managing cultural differences, ensuring clear communication between international partners, and handling unexpected logistical issues. Building strong relationships with both participants and partner institutions is key to navigating these challenges. Successful coordinators are proactive in setting expectations, providing thorough orientations, and maintaining open lines of communication to quickly resolve any issues that arise. Flexibility, attention to detail, and cultural sensitivity are essential skills for thriving in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Exchange Program vs Intern?

AspectExchange ProgramIntern
CredentialsTypically requires enrollment in a university or college, sometimes with language proficiencyUsually students or recent graduates, may require minimal certifications
Work EnvironmentShort-term, cultural exchange focused, often in international settingsHands-on work experience in a company or organization, often in office or field settings
Employer & Industry UsageOrganized by educational institutions or cultural exchange programs, across various industriesEmployers in multiple industries seeking entry-level or training experience

In summary, an Exchange Program is primarily a cultural or educational experience involving international travel and learning, while an Intern position offers practical work experience within a company. Both serve educational purposes but differ in scope, environment, and objectives.

Infographic showing various Exchange Program job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,163 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Program Lead, TechLeaders Exchange (Hybrid)

San Francisco, CA β€’ On-site

Institute Of International Education
Non-ProfitsΒ β€’Β 501 - 1,000 employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Implement the TechLeaders Exchange program, including managing projects, deliverables, work plans, and activities throughout the program lifecycle.

  • Cultivate relationships with private-sector partners in technology fields to support program implementation and engagement opportunities.

  • Design, launch, and lead the participant application and selection process, and maintain communication with participants and mentors.


Job description

Organizational Unit Schedule

Full Time

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Location

Chicago IL - Chicago, IL 60602 US
San Francisco CA - San Francisco, CA 94108 US
Washington DC - Washington, DC 20005 US (Primary)

Travel

10 to 25%

Job Description

The Institute of International Education (IIE) is hiring a Program Lead for the TechLeaders Exchange. We invite you to join a team united by our mission to help people and organizations forge brighter futures through educational exchange and lifelong learning. Working at IIE is more than just a job; it’s a chance to make an impact. To collaborate with a passionate team, grow your skills, and contribute to programs that change lives around the world.

Job Summary

The Program Lead will implement the ECA-funded TechLeaders Exchange, which engages approximately 60 emerging international tech industry leaders to collaborate with American companies and mentors and gain firsthand exposure to U.S. technological leadership. In collaboration with the Director, Technology Exchanges, this role will manage projects, deliverables, and work plans to support end-to-end implementation of the TechLeaders Exchange including U.S.-based and overseas exchanges, professional development initiatives, mentor activities, orientation and closing, communications, monitoring and evaluation, and alumni programming. The Program Lead will cultivate relationships with private-sector partners in technology fields, including AI, biotechnology, space, supply chain, and agri-tech, to support program implementation. The Program Lead will facilitate cross-functional activities, manage team workflows, including all performance management objectives, and support communications with the program sponsor and other external stakeholders. The role also supports sponsor reporting and the strategy and execution of monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan.

THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT ON FUNDING Essential Functions
  • Support the Director, Technology Exchanges, in delivering high-quality implementation of TechLeaders, ensuring alignment with program goals, timelines, and performance standards across the full program lifecycle.
  • Design, develop and manage delivery of participant and alumni events and activities, as well as special projects, throughout the program lifecycle including the development and monitoring of implementation plans, budgets, status reports, and closeout activities. Responsible for identifying and securing content provider relationships, such as event speakers, trainers and facilitators, and for spearheading a comprehensive plan for team member collaboration and support for events-related programming. Manages and conducts sourcing of services from vendors, including caterers, restaurants, event equipment providers and others. Maintains communication with vendors in preparation for and execution of events.
  • Cultivate private-sector partnerships and build industry networks in critical technology fields to secure mentors, host sites, and engagement opportunities for participants and alumni.
  • Designs, launches, and leads TechLeaders participant application and selection process.
  • Maintain proactive communication with participants and mentors, providing guidance, managing inquiries, and ensuring a clear and positive program experience.
  • In consultation with IIE’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team, supports the strategy and execution of MEL plan for TechLeaders, including program reporting to sponsor and the development, management, and implementation of yearly strategic action plan to improve program design and delivery.
  • Collaborates with IIE program support teams to deliver on the program scope of work.
Job Requirements Qualifications and Experience Education and Work Experience
  • Requires a Bachelor's degree and at least five years of related work experience, or combination education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • 5-7 years of experience in exchange program implementation, preferably in workforce development or professional exchange is ideal. Experience with U.S. government programs preferrable.
  • Subject matter expertise in STEM-ecosystem program implementation. Experience in managing programs in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Space Technology, Biotechnology/Health Technology, Supply Chain/Cold Chain Technology, or Agricultural Technology (AgriTech) welcome.
  • Ability to manage a large volume of work under severe time constraints and pressures, while demonstrating creativity and suggesting innovative yet practical solutions to new challenges.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, superior writing and editing skills, and a thorough knowledge of the English language.
  • Must exhibit maturity, be comfortable interacting with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including the program sponsor, and have the ability to use diplomacy in difficult situations.
  • Experience with monitoring and managing project budgets and financial literacy required.
  • Experience working with logistical arrangements, program content development, and facilitation of group training or events. Comfortable with extensive public speaking.
  • Strong program management skills, including the ability to prioritize successfully meet deadlines and provide high-quality deliverables in complex situations.
  • Passion for supporting STEM initiatives, global education, exchange, and training, and/or emerging STEM technologies highly encouraged.
Salary and Benefits
  • Hiring Range: $77,623 - $101,244. A candidate’s starting salary is determined by various factors including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, job-related knowledge, skills, abilities, internal organizational equity, and geographic region.
  • IIE offers a robust suite of benefits to team members including medical, dental, and vision plans, paid time off and holidays, student loan, tuition and professional development reimbursement programs, retirement plans and a family medical leave benefits. Please visit our careerspage for further details.

The Institute of International Education (IIE) offers a flexible hybrid work environment which leverages both office work and telework.

Work Conditions & Physical Demands:
Essential functions are performed in a general office setting with low noise. Job demands may require long periods of sitting; telephone work and/or computer work, as well as interactions with other team members and external stakeholders. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

IIE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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