Program Manager (Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program)

Overview: iEARN-USA is seeking a dynamic and experienced Program Manager to oversee the implementation of a U.S. government-funded youth exchange program. The ideal candidate will possess a diverse skill set including experience managing and implementing a complex federal grant program, developing and overseeing program budgets, managing stakeholder relationships, coaching and leading a staff team to deliver a high-quality program, and awarding and supervising grant subawards. Experience working with international partners is preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

People and Relationship Management:

• Develop and manage remote staff (2 FTE’s). Hold regular check in meetings and provide ongoing coaching and feedback to inspire and encourage successful completion of program goals.
• Develop a strong coalition of country partners. Ensure they have the knowledge, skills, tools and resources to successfully implement the program within their countries.
• Drive collaboration, align diverse perspectives and achieve common goals through persuasive communication and relationship-building.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, funders, country partners, and program participants.

Grant Management:

• Navigate and ensure compliance with government regulations and grant requirements.
• Develop program strategy, annual plans of work, and associated budgets.
• Manage multiple, concurrent grant budgets and oversee subaward budgets to ensure spending is on track and within budget.
• Award and oversee grant subawards to iEARN country partners ensuring grant budgets are managed properly and deadlines and program deliverables are met and in compliance with grant requirements.
• Evaluate program outcomes and develop progress and financial reports.
• Improve operating efficiencies while ensuring alignment across program locations while allowing for country customization where needed.

Program Management:

• Manage day-to-day implementation of a highly structured program with multiple levels of hands-on stakeholders. Primary program deliverables include:
  • Oversee the recruitment of international exchange participants. Ensure participants are properly prepared to be successful throughout their international exchange.
  • Liaise between international partners and key stakeholders throughout all aspects of the program experience (e.g., participant preparation, on-program support, and alumni programming). Ensure accurate, transparent, and timely communication between stakeholders.
  • Build a strong alumni network. Oversee the development and implementation of innovative and engaging alumni programming.
  • Oversee website and social media portfolio for the program.
  • Develop evaluation tools and implement them with country partners to assess program impact.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and ensuring successful outcomes.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Proven experience in grant management and program administration. Experience with budgets over 2M preferred.
• Experience developing and managing highly successful teams.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to measure program outcomes and effectiveness.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• Ability to work occasional nights and weekends for program-related activities and meetings with international stakeholders.

Additional Skills Preferred:

• Experience working, studying internationally.
• Experience negotiating terms and agreements with various partners, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Ability to navigate a rapidly changing environment and unforeseen challenges effectively.
• Experience with international education and student exchange is helpful.
• Careful attention to detail.
• Experience improving systems and processes.

iEARN-USA is a remote first workplace. However, this position is required to attend mandatory in-person meetings/activities which may include:

• Staff in-weeks (2 times/year)
• Meetings with team members or stakeholders
• Participant workshops

Travel: up to 20% of time

Candidates must be able to work legally in the United States. iEARN-USA is unable to sponsor a work visa.

This position is subject to grant funding.