Job Opportunity in the US: Program Officer at the American Councils for International Education

The American Councils for International Education is offering a job opportunity for a Program Officer to join the National Security Language Initiative for Youth in Washington DC, United States. It is a critical component of a multi-agency federal initiative to increase U.S. citizens’ capacity to engage foreign governments and peoples through the critical language of Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Persian, Russian, and Turkish. The initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and American Councils acts as the prime grantee collaborating with other partner organizations. Responsibilities of the Program Officer focus on program administration and student support for Chinese and Russian language academic year programs and Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Tajiki Persian language summer programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Supporting the Initiative’s Program Manager in daily operation and implementation of the summer and academic year programs.
2. Supporting the Program Manager with administration of host institution partner agreements and budgets, as well communication with host institution partners during pre-program planning, on-program implementation stages, and post-program wrap-up activities.
3. Managing daily inquiries and communications from program participants and families.
4. Advising participants and families on a variety of language learning, cultural, adjustment and logistical issues in preparation for the program.
5. Providing on-program support for participants and Resident Director staff as needed, including potentially responding to emergencies outside of business hours and working with a range of international time zones.
6. Helping to design pre-program materials, including participant guides, language resources, calendars and parent materials.
7. Assisting with design, planning, and facilitation of pre-departure orientations and other program events.
8. Supporting recruitment and hiring of Resident Director staff.
9. Helping develop, design and organize training programs and materials for host institution partners, Resident Director staff, teachers and students.
10. Assisting in development of program budgets and tracking expenses.
11. Coordinating participant travel, visas, housing, and stipends as needed.
12. Communicating with and supporting the initiative’s Administration operations as needed.
13. Assisting with regulation compliance, drafts detailed quarterly and other reporting to U.S. Department of State.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Education, Area Studies, language or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
2. Excellent English written and oral communication skills.
3. Effective verbal and written communication skills in Russian, Arabic, or Korean.
4. Study, work, or extensive travel experience in host countries.
5. Experience working with high school students and diverse groups of people.
6. Ability to handle high volumes of communication with a variety of individuals effectively and professionally in different time zones.
7. Experience engaging and motivating students in creative and effective ways.
8. Demonstrated skills in academic and personal counseling.
9. Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
10. Ability to multi-task effectively.
11. Ability to exercise problem-solving skills, good judgment, and discretion.
12. Ability to approach challenges with flexibility and a positive attitude.
13. Professional experience with administrative responsibilities.
14. Demonstrated skills in general financial accountability.
15. Minimum of 2+ years working in international education or related field.

Benefits:

Salary will be determined with the successful applicant. 

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