Program Officer Jobs in Bethesda, MD (NOW HIRING)

FLSA Status: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: $63,000-$68,000 /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 Officer (PO) manages and delivers in-person and/or virtual programmatic, thematic, and overall design of the professional and cultural program itineraries for 70-120 participants yearly from all around the world. The PO interfaces with U.S. State Department counterparts and community-based member organizations around the country to conceptualize the program design and follows all applicable IVLP rules and procedures for program delivery. The PO identifies and arranges for in-person site visits or virtual meetings with American counterparts of the IVLP participants. 

The position will require close attention to detail, the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and work independently, and a readiness to communicate with a variety of people. The Program Officer will work in a team with a Program Coordinator for each project and will report to the Program Manager. Programs may take place virtually or in-person and meeting facilitation skills will be required for the success of the interactions. The PO is responsible for the overall oversight of the program success including ensuring that meetings meet the program goals, objectives, and budget constraints of the IVLP. Some travel may be required.

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.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Liaise effectively with State Department program managers and other IVLP stakeholders in the conceptualization and implementation process of assigned IVLP projects;
• Ensure understanding of the program topics in advance of communicating with the U.S. State Department program manager, sometimes under tight time constraints;
• Design and coordinate programs for groups of foreign professionals including a group project opening, Washington, D.C. professional appointments, visits to two to five cities, and occasionally a program closing;
• Work effectively with Global Ties U.S. Community Based Member (CBM) organizations to coordinate the national itineraries;
• Prepare, in coordination with an assigned program coordinator, all program materials in accordance with internal and external Standard Operating Procedures and internal control practices;
• Liaise with interpreters and liaisons to address itinerary changes, trouble shoot and provide support to groups;
• Confirm each professional meeting in advance and ensures successful interactions by providing guidance and direction to the interlocutors;
• Supervise Program Coordinators’ project-related activities to ensure the timely planning and coordination of logistics, budgeting, payments, and expense tracking;
• Liaise with other staff members to ensure the smooth delivery of all professional exchange programs and the accurate reporting of program activities;
• Assist with the program’s social media content;
• Remain current in American foreign affairs and national trends in relevant fields through participation at trainings, seminars, and conferences; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.
• 4+ years of international exchange experience or 2+ years of working on the IVLP;
• Fluency with cross-cultural communication;
• Familiarity with U.S. State Department’s foreign policy priorities;
• Experience with international exchange program design and implementation for individuals and groups;
• Effective oral and written communication;
• Readiness to resolve issues outside of official work hours, as needed;
• Strong sense of priority setting in order to meet deadlines;
• Display poise, flexibility, discretion, and mature judgment to handle and respond appropriately and professionally in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment;
• Well organized and self-motivated, with a desire to explore beyond the immediately obvious in order to create unique and high-caliber experiences for program participants;
• Work with a high degree of independence, confer with supervisor on complex issues; and
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and database management

PREFERRED:

• Experience with U.S. State Department professional exchange programs administration;
• 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.