Program Officer (YA-USA)

World Learning•Brattleboro, VT

9d•$57,000 - $65,500

About The Position

World Learning seeks a Program Officer for the Youth Ambassadors – USA (YA-USA) program, a U.S. Department of State–funded initiative that sends American high school students and adult mentors on leadership exchanges abroad. The role manages day-to-day program implementation, coordinating program design and logistics with overseas host partners, preparing participants and adult mentors, supporting participants during the exchange and follow-on period, and tracking program data and budgets for funder reporting. The Program Officer works closely with the Senior Program Officer, Outbound, and Enrollment and Operations colleagues to deliver a safe, high-quality exchange that meets Department of State requirements. The programs and countries in the role’s portfolio may change based on funding and U.S. Government priorities. The position is part of World Learning’s Global Programs unit, which designs, implements, monitors, and evaluates global exchange and education programs. The role includes partner coordination, participant preparation, on-program support and risk management, follow-on activities, monitoring and reporting, budget tracking, compliance, and organizational engagement. The position is based in Vermont and is eligible for remote or hybrid work. It is full-time, with an anticipated start date of November 30, 2026, and a salary range of $57,000–$65,500.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required.
At least three years of related work experience is required.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the location where the position is offered.
Demonstrated experience coordinating international programs, exchanges, or youth programming, including program logistics and partner communication.
Experience facilitating workshops or orientations for youth or adult participants, in person and virtually.
Understanding of experiential education and youth leadership development.
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple deadlines and coordinate activities across the U.S. and overseas.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Ability to adapt to change and make decisions in ambiguous situations.
Willingness to work outside regular business hours during program season, including on-call shifts.
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as assigned.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, cloud-based document management, and virtual meeting platforms.
Acts as a collaborative and resourceful team player.
Supports a culture of continuous learning and improvement through diligent program monitoring, data tracking, and reflection to ensure strong outcomes.
Displays curiosity about World Learning and is eager to represent the organization effectively to external audiences, as required.
Shows dedication to the organization's business development targets through ongoing program implementation and relationship building.
Approaches participant safety and wellbeing with sound judgment and calm under pressure.

Nice To Haves

Experience implementing U.S. Department of State–funded exchange programs.
International or cross-cultural experience, including leading or supporting student groups abroad.
Experience with survey and monitoring tools such as KoboToolbox.
Familiarity with virtual exchange platforms or virtual program delivery.
Proficiency in a second language.
Comfort using AI tools to support program delivery and reporting.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with overseas host partners on program itineraries, homestay arrangements, site visits, and community engagement activities for country cohorts.
Track partner deliverables, including itineraries, risk management plans, host family information, and reports, to ensure deadlines are met.
Support the Senior Program Officer, Outbound in designing and refining the YA-USA curriculum, including youth leadership and applied AI content.
Prepare program activity calendars and outward-facing materials for Department of State review and approval.
Provide program information to the Operations team for travel, logistics, group leader hiring, and vendor management.
Deliver virtual pre-departure programming for youth and adult mentors on the Kolab platform, including live sessions, modules, and adult mentor meetings.
Plan and help facilitate in-person pre-departure orientations, including logistics briefings, site visits, and cohort-building activities.
Develop and update pre-departure materials, participant handbooks, and family communications in coordination with Enrollment and Operations.
Support participants and families with pre-departure requirements, including collection of passport, visa, medical, and travel documents as assigned.
Participate in candidate interviews and selection review as assigned.
Monitor participant wellbeing and program delivery during in-country exchanges through regular contact with group leaders, adult mentors, and host partners.
Support group leaders and adult mentors in responding to health, behavior, and logistical issues, escalating incidents to the on-call team as appropriate.
Serve on the on-call team during program season, including night, weekend, and holiday shifts as assigned.
Attend and fully engage in Staff Training, including workshop design, session facilitation, and on-site support as assigned.
Maintain a thorough understanding of the Youth Exchange Team Handbook and Department of State program implementation requirements.
Manage the follow-on period, supporting participants in capstone project implementation through office hours, check-ins, and the YA Follow-On Toolkit.
Coordinate alumni engagement activities and follow-on events in line with the award, including joint activities with other Youth Ambassadors implementers.
Lead performance monitoring and data collection, including pre-, post-, and follow-on participant surveys and monthly follow-on check-ins.
Draft program content for funder reports and share regular implementation updates with the Senior Program Officer, Outbound.
Support communication with the Department of State program office and U.S. embassies as directed by the Senior Program Officer, Outbound.
Track program spending against the YA-USA budget and flag variances to the Senior Program Officer.
Manage personal program advances, reconciliations, and credit card reconciliations in compliance with Finance requirements.
Ensure program activities comply with award terms, Department of State requirements, and World Learning policies.
Attend key organizational meetings and learning sessions to understand and maintain awareness of organizational priorities and policies.