Program Officer Global, Leadership Exchange

World Affairs Council • Seattle, WA

6d • $49,000 - $53,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The World Affairs Council is seeking a detail-oriented, relationship-driven, and globally curious Program Officer to help design and deliver high-quality international exchange programs through our Global Leadership Exchange (GLX) department. This role shapes meaningful, people-centered experiences for emerging and established international leaders visiting Seattle.
As a Program Officer, you will manage the full lifecycle of exchange programs—from program design and itinerary development to on-the-ground execution and evaluation. You will partner with local professional resources, national programming agencies, and federal stakeholders to ensure each delegation’s experience reflects excellence, hospitality, and the Council’s mission of advancing global understanding, one conversation at a time.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment; enjoys relationship building; and values the power of international engagement to create more informed and connected communities.
We envision an inclusive and informed community inspired to create a just and equitable world. Our work advances global understanding and cultivates enduring relationships within our local community and with the world.
For 75 years, the Council has built a local community of globally engaged citizens. Through international exchanges, public programs, and education initiatives, we bring the world to Seattle—making global citizenship accessible to everyone.

Requirements

• Globally minded and curious about international issues.
• Relationship-oriented and able to build trust with partners, colleagues, and visitors.
• Organized with strong attention to detail and comfort managing logistics.
• Flexible and steady under pressure, with a solutions-focused mindset.
• A clear and respectful communicator, both verbally and in writing.
• Collaborative and comfortable working in a mission-driven team.
• A builder who sees opportunities to improve systems and processes.
• The mission matters.
• You remain adaptable and flexible amid change and extend grace for colleagues and yourself.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement innovative, thematically aligned international visitor programs, primarily through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program.
• Develop itineraries, manage schedules, and ensure seamless program execution from arrival to departure.
• Coordinate volunteer hosts, professional resources, and host families to foster meaningful cross-cultural engagement.
• Manage program budgets, track expenses, and ensure responsible financial stewardship.
• Anticipate and troubleshoot real-time program challenges with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment.
• Contribute to the development of proposals for professional and youth-focused exchange programs—primarily State Department programs but also new opportunities with non-U.S. government exchanges.
• Participate in program design discussions, identifying objectives, themes, and community resources.
• Support improvements to GLX programming, tools, and workflows.
• Cultivate and steward strong relationships with Seattle-area professional resources to ensure program relevance and long-term engagement.
• Collaborate with national programming agencies and federal stakeholders to support high-quality program delivery.
• Represent the Council professionally at meetings, briefings, and community events.
• Maintain accurate Salesforce records to support data integrity and reporting.
• Support GLX communications, including social media content, web updates, and newsletters.
• Conduct program evaluation, gather impact stories, and support grant reporting.
• Assist with financial processes, including invoicing, reconciliation, and vendor coordination.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Generous paid time off, including volunteer time off and floating holidays so you can celebrate what’s important to you.
• An ORCA pass and phone stipend.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees