Program Officer, National Security Language Initiative for Youth 2026

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

21d•$60,000 - $67,000•Onsite

About The Position

Based in Washington, DC, the Program Officer will support the administration, daily operations, alumni activities, and events for the National Security Language Initiative for Youth. NSLI-Y provides merit-based scholarships for eligible U.S. high school students to study languages critical to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. NSLI-Y is a program of U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs; American Councils leads its administration in cooperation with partner organizations. The Program Officer will report to the NSLI-Y Director for Administration.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in one of the target languages, international affairs, international education, education, or related field
Three years of professional experience in event planning, study abroad, student or alumni services, education, non-profit or government service
Excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated experience in event planning and facilitation
Excellent written communication 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 and discretion in handling sensitive information
Ability to approach challenges with creativity and a positive attitude
Ability to manage multiple, simultaneous assignments and set appropriate priorities
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams
Proficiency in Zoom as an attendee and host
Experience and interest in international education, virtual exchange, language study, or study abroad

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred
Experience engaging and motivating students through teaching, advising, mentoring, or coaching strongly preferred
Experience with alumni programming preferred

Responsibilities

Facilitates logistics for program and alumni events, alumni workshops, and participant orientations
Facilitates and designs content for alumni events and alumni workshops
Manages alumni travel for NSLI-Y workshops and orientations; provides support for participant travel or other program events
Manages billing and vendor procurement for program events and orientations
Contributes to department’s outreach and student recruitment efforts for NSLI-Y and Virtual NSLI-Y
Mentors and monitors NSLI-Y Alumni Representatives for their event planning and requirements
Mentors NSLI-Y alumni in program outreach, special projects/events, other activities
Prepares program and alumni reports and highlights
Collaborates on program monitoring and evaluation efforts, especially related to the impact of NSLI-Y
Contributes to the promotion of NSLI-Y and Virtual NSLI-Y
Handles inquiries about the NSLI-Y programs from the alumni, general public, prospective applicants, and their families
Contributes to student recruitment and outreach, program publicity, application processing, participant selection and placement activities
Coordinates and tracks of language testing results and billing
Assists in operation of program databases
Other duties as assigned