Temporary Program Associate, National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Administration

AMERICAN COUNCILS FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION ACTR/ACCELS•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

American Councils is seeking a temporary, full-time Program Associate for the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program, based in Washington, DC. NSLI-Y is a U.S. Department of State program that offers scholarships for U.S. high school students to study less commonly taught languages. The Program Associate will support the NSLI-Y Administration Team with administrative tasks, public communication, selection processes, and special events. This is a temporary position through mid-late August 2026, with a hybrid work arrangement requiring at least two days per week in the office, plus additional in-office days and occasional work outside regular hours for events or trainings as needed. The role primarily reports to the NSLI-Y Administration Senior Program Officer.

Requirements

Professional experience in education, student advising, international education, study abroad, or virtual/cultural exchange.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to handle high volumes of communication effectively and professionally.
Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
Ability to exercise problem-solving skills, good judgment, and discretion in handling sensitive information and participant issues.
Ability to approach challenges with flexibility, creativity, and a positive attitude.
Outstanding attention to detail.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or currently degree seeking in one of target languages, international affairs, international education, education, or related field.
Personal experience with study abroad, language study, language teaching, and/or second language acquisition especially in NSLI-Y, Virtual NSLI-Y, or a similar USG exchange program.
Professional experience in customer service capacities.
Knowledge of Microsoft Teams, social media platforms and Canva.

Responsibilities

Supports the administration of NSLI-Y and Virtual NSLI-Y.
Responds to phone and email inquiries from NSLI-Y and Virtual NSLI-Y applicants and participants.
Assists in coordination of travel, logistics, and content for NSLI-Y orientations, alumni activities, and other events.
Assists in participant recruitment and selection for Virtual NSLI-Y.
Collects, files, and manages finalist deliverables across platforms, with careful data entry and high attention to detail.
Contributes to the creation and distribution of program highlights, reports, social media assets, and promotional materials.
Assists in operation and entry of program databases.
Provides support for NSLI-Y staff for logistics and administrative needs.
Other duties as assigned.