Temporary Program Officer, International Visitor Leadership Program

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

August - December 2025

Pay Range: $35.71-$38.46

SUMMARY:

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.

The Temporary Program Officer will manage and deliver programmatic, thematic, and overall design of the professional and cultural program itineraries for approximately 3-4 groups of professionals during a 4-5 month period (August - December 2025). The Temporary Program Officer will interface with U.S. Department of State's counterparts and community-based member organizations around the country to conceptualize the program design, while following all applicable IVLP rules and procedures for program delivery. The Temporary Program Officer identifies the American counterparts of the program participants and arranges for in-person site visits or virtual meetings.

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 wide variety of individuals. The Temporary Program Officer will work 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 Temporary 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 international professionals.

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 diverse 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;
• Oversee the activities of Program Coordinators as needed- logistics, financials, and expenses;
• Liaise with other employees to ensure the smooth delivery of all professional exchange programs and the accurate reporting of program activities;
• Assist in the administration of alumni follow-on events and activities;
• Assist the social media coordinator in the administration of the program's social media outreach, including the creation of written content and graphics;
• 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. Master's degree preferred, but not 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 IVLP or other U.S. State Department professional exchange programs administration;
• Experience in study abroad or working/living overseas preferred; and
• Foreign language proficiency.

The position is contingent upon funding.