Program Officer, International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP

Meridian International Center•Washington, DC

4d•$68,250 - $103,084•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Officer designs, develops, and manages complex short-term International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) projects on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. The role translates foreign policy objectives into professional exchange experiences that advance mutual understanding and support U.S. diplomatic priorities. It combines program design, relationship management, budget oversight, participant engagement, and development of professional networks across government, private-sector, academic, and nonprofit communities. The position is based in Washington, D.C. Meridian requires employees to reside in Maryland, the District of Columbia, or Virginia. The role may be performed partially remotely until further notice. The Program Officer supervises and supports assigned staff, including through coaching, mentoring, performance feedback, and professional development.

Requirements

A thorough understanding of American society, culture, history, geography, economy, and government.
Broad knowledge of international cultures and customs.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
Experience using customer relationship management (CRM), project management, collaboration, and AI-enabled productivity tools.
Strong interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, including maturity, cultural sensitivity, diplomacy, and tact.
Ability to organize, manage, and coordinate complex tasks.
Excellent research and analytical skills.
Ability to synthesize large amounts of information on a variety of topics.
Ability to work on multiple projects under deadline.
Good judgment and problem-solving abilities.
Exemplary written and oral communication skills.
Ability to build and sustain productive professional relationships across sectors and cultures.
Residence in Maryland, the District of Columbia, or Virginia.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience with the IVLP or other U.S. government-funded exchange programs.
Regional expertise.

Responsibilities

Translate Department of State project goals into comprehensive exchange programs by identifying themes, learning objectives, resources, and opportunities for professional collaboration.
Research, develop, and implement U.S. programs in cooperation with State Department officials, participants, interpreters, and International Visitor Liaisons.
Develop and maintain relationships with government agencies, private-sector organizations, academic institutions, think tanks, and civil society organizations to support IVLP project objectives.
Serve as the primary point of contact for participants, interpreters, and Department of State stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
Oversee local programs carried out in other cities by community-based members of Global Ties U.S.
Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Capture significant project developments for the Department of State and maintain accurate, comprehensive project documentation.
Provide coaching, mentoring, performance feedback, and professional development support to Program Associates and other assigned staff.
Monitor project budgets and administration to ensure financial responsibility.
Complete organizational administrative responsibilities within allotted deadlines.
Perform other duties as assigned.