Programs Associate Jobs in Gaithersburg, MD (NOW HIRING)

Description

Title: Program Associate, IVLP

Employment Status: NON-EXEMPT

Salary: $45,150-$49,600

Supervisor Title: Multiple Roles

Date Revised: August 2026

Summary of Position:

The Program Associate (PA) works as part of a two-person team implementing the Department of State's (DoS) International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Under the supervision of a Program Officer, Senior Program Officer or Vice President, the PA is responsible for all of the administrative and logistical arrangements for the IVLP participants, including disbursing and accounting for U.S. Government funds, completing travel arrangements, and preparing program documents. 

This position is located in Washington D.C. and Meridian requires MD, DC, or VA residence for all employees. The position may work partially remotely until further notice. 

This position is contracted through December 31, 2026, with an option for extension pending federal funding.

Requirements

 Position Responsibilities:

• Uses database to prepare visitors' biographic information.
• Prepares welcome materials, including sightseeing information.
• Manages, disburses, tracks and reconciles authorized funds such as per diem, cultural allowance, ground transportation, and travel advances.
• Arranges and troubleshoots program logistics, including domestic flights, accommodations, ground transportation, cultural events, and group enhancements while staying within budget limits.
• Coordinates and communicates with assigned interpreters and liaisons about project details and briefs visitors on IVLP provisions, including funding, health insurance, and travel arrangements.
• Develops comprehensive budgets of projected expenses in consultation with PO for proposal submission to DoS.
• Uses database to prepare program booklets and supporting documents; arranges to have program documents translated, if necessary.
• Distributes biographic information and program booklets according to established timetables.
• Promptly pays bills, reconciles monthly Visa credit card statements, and processes travel expense reimbursements.
• Completes final accounting of total project expenditures for DoS and Meridian Finance Office according to established timetables.
• Maintains key documents in a permanent file, which is prepared for digital or off-site storage.
• Communicates and regularly up-dates DoS officers and coordinators about administrative issues.
• During virtual programs, creates and updates Digital Program Book and serves as technical coordinator for online meetings. 
• Responsible for completing all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meeting all organizational administrative deadlines
• Other duties as assigned 

Education/Experience:

• Undergraduate degree
• 0-2 years of related experience
• Or any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with Washington, DC and the United States.
• Ability to work effectively and accurately under pressure.
• Mature judgment and the ability to set priorities.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Superior organizational skills.
• Ability to carry out responsibilities independently while functioning as part of a team
• Strong inter-cultural communication skills; maturity, cultural sensitivity, and tact suitable for working with individuals from around the world

Technical Requirements:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams is necessary for this role
• Experience with Canva, Zoom and Salesforce is helpful

Employer's Statement:

Meridian is committed to empowering global leaders and amplifying voices from a wide variety of backgrounds to create pathways for greater understanding, shared values, and respect. Connecting people has been our foundation for more than 65 years. If you share our values and enthusiasm for promoting non-partisan collaboration to address global challenges and opportunities, you can find a home at Meridian.

As an equal opportunity employer, Meridian is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, personal appearance, family responsibilities, marital status, matriculation, political affiliation, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, District of Columbia, or local law. This commitment applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination.

Meridian provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities and to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, and for pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, as required by applicable law. Applicants who require an accommodation during the application or interview process are encouraged to contact Human Resources.

Meridian offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include medical, dental, retirement, life and disability insurance, voluntary benefits, paid leave, and paid holidays. Eligibility and coverage are subject to the applicable plan documents and Meridian policies.

How to Apply:  

Please submit both a resume and a cover letter with your application; submissions missing either document will not be considered.

Qualified candidates should apply here. Only candidates being considered for this position will be contacted. NO PHONE CALLS in reference to this position will be accepted.