Program Officer
Global Exchange Programs, International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

Reports to: Senior Program Officer

Salary Range: $61,000-$70,000 depending on experience

Anticipated Start Date: August 17, 2026

Term of Employment: Full- time

Apply by: July 17, 2026, with resume and cover letter (both required)

Base of Designation: Washington, DC

Remote Eligible: Hybrid only (must be based in Washington, DC and must be willing to meet in person at least once per week and as needed for project work)

Conditional on Funding? Position pending satisfactory performance and the continued availability of funding.

World Learning seeks a Program Officer to support the implementation of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the flagship professional exchange program of the U.S. Department of State. This position provides an opportunity to engage with international leaders in a range of fields, learn about key U.S. foreign policy issues, and help forge international partnerships by designing and executing short-term exchange programs. The ideal candidate will be an experienced professional with a proven ability to design and implement multiple projects, work both independently and collaboratively, and communicate clearly and effectively with a variety of partners and stakeholders. As part of a larger team of 15 IVLP staff, the program officer should possess excellent judgment, leadership ability, and dedication to international exchange.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead a team of 2-3 in designing, implementing, and monitoring short-term professional exchange programs, for projects ranging in size from 3 to 25 participants from every region of the world on a wide range of domestic and foreign policy topics;

• Collaborate with S. Department of State program officers and other stakeholders to ensure that programs meet the objectives of all stakeholders;

• Write project proposals outlining potential itineraries, meeting formats and platforms, and recommended resources;

• Plan and arrange the Washington, DC program segment;

• Oversee the development of program segments in S. cities in conjunction with local partner organizations;

• Authorize, monitor, and reconcile the accurate disbursement of project funds in compliance with World Learning and State Department financial management guidelines;

• Supervise the implementation of all project logistics (including air and ground travel, hotels, meeting venues, and virtual meetings, including interpretation and/or webinars);

• Conduct project briefings with participants; provide guidance on cultural matters; moderate program sessions; or host, facilitate, or produce virtual meetings for participants, as required;

• Draft and edit program materials and correspondence, including program books, agendas or itineraries, reports, or other materials;

• Participate in any project-related social media activity, including posting articles and photos to interact with external partners and participants;

• Conduct final group evaluations in person, traveling 2-4 times per year for 2-3 days to various S. locations;

• Write final evaluation reports or other project reports and oversee project follow-up and closeout;

• Supervise Program Associate and interns, promote Program Associate's professional training and development, and conduct performance reviews; and

• Contribute to the achievement of team, organizational, and network-wide goals and the overall management of the Global Programs unit.

As members of World Learning's staff, program officers also have various opportunities for professional development, including skill-building workshops, shadowing sessions with internal and external entities, and brownbag lunches on various topics relevant to international education and exchange.

REQUIREMENTS

Required Experience/Education:

• Master's degree with 2+ years of experience, or bachelor's degree and 3+ years of relevant experience;

• Two years' supervisory and/or workflow direction experience;

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the location where this position is

Required Skills:

• Effective presentation, communications, and interpersonal skills, including strong written and oral communication skills in English;

• Demonstrated skills in leadership and collaboration, sound judgment, and an ability to work effectively with a wide range of people;

• Ability to apply thematic research to the design of exchange programs;

• Broad knowledge of and interest in domestic and foreign policy issues and well-developed research skills;

• Demonstrated experience with organizing or overseeing logistics for events or travel;

• Experience with successfully managing multiple tasks at the same time, while meeting deadlines;

• An ability to problem-solve, work with responsibility, and make decisions in ambiguous situations;

• Strong attention to detail, including in written work and financial tasks;

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 Suite, web conferencing platforms, and other cloud-based document management and online project management tools;

• Experience with various web conferencing platforms, including Zoom, Webex, and Microsoft Teams;

• Fluency in written and spoken English

Required Behaviors/Competencies:

• Ability to be flexible and adaptable, including willingness to work in remote/hybrid teams, across time zones, and occasionally outside of normal working hours, as required;

• Willingness to travel domestically 2-4 times per year for a few days each time;

• Ability to effectively cope with change; able to shift comfortably, decide and act without having the total picture; comfortably handle risk and uncertainty.

• Understands how to cultivate and maintain positive working relationships with a variety of stakeholders;

• Supports a culture of continuous learning and improvement through diligent program monitoring, data tracking, and reflection to ensure strong outcomes;

• Shows dedication to the organization's business development targets through ongoing, effective program implementation and relationship building;

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with program design preferred;

• International or intercultural experience is appreciated, as reflected in personal background or international work or study experience;

• Experience implementing S. Department of State-funded programs is valued but not required