Program Officer

World Learning•Brattleboro, VT

About The Position

World Learning seeks a Program Officer, YA-USA, to manage the day-to-day implementation of the U.S. Department of State-funded Youth Ambassadors – USA program, which sends American high school students and adult mentors on leadership exchanges abroad. The Program Officer coordinates program design and logistics with overseas host partners; leads virtual and in-person preparation for participants and mentors; supports participants during the exchange and follow-on period; and tracks program data and budgets for funder reporting. The role 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 countries and programs 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 is based in Vermont and is designated remote or hybrid. The anticipated start date is November 30, 2026. The full-time salary range is $57,000–$65,500.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
At least three years of related work experience.
Authorization 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 and 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.
Collaborative and resourceful team-player approach.
Commitment to continuous learning and improvement through program monitoring, data tracking, and reflection.
Curiosity about World Learning and willingness to represent the organization effectively to external audiences.
Dedication to organizational business development targets through program implementation and relationship building.
Sound judgment and calm under pressure when addressing participant safety and wellbeing.

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, homestays, site visits, and community engagement activities for each country cohort.
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 with Enrollment and Operations.
Support participants and families with assigned pre-departure requirements, including passport, visa, medical, and travel document collection.
Participate in candidate interviews and selection reviews 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 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 by supporting participants’ 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 stay aware of organizational priorities and policies.