Project Director, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program (FY 2027)

IREX•Washington, DC

25d•Onsite

About The Position

For more than 50 years, IREX has delivered results in complex environments. We solve problems through partnership, bridge divides where interests conflict, and develop leaders committed to impact. The youth we empower build stronger economies. The educators we support improve learning for countless students. The critical thinking skills we advance help people make informed decisions about their futures. We approach our work through three horizon goals: leaders bridge divides; learners succeed in the world of work; and people thrive in a technology-, AI-, and data-driven world. IREX seeks an experienced Project Director to lead implementation of the anticipated FY 2027 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is a flagship Fulbright exchange that includes two components. The fellowship brings accomplished mid‑career professionals from priority countries to the United States for a year of non‑degree academic study and professional development, and also offers shorter‑term Distinguished Humphrey Fellowship Program (DHFP) cohorts for participants who are positioned for impact but unable to participate in the full academic year program. Through academic coursework, professional affiliations, leadership development, and alumni engagement, the program advances U.S. foreign policy goals, strengthens bilateral relationships, and builds a global network of influential leaders. The Project Director will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all components of the Humphrey Fellowship, driving program outcomes. The role will serve as the primary liaison with ECA, oversee a multidisciplinary program team, manage relationships with host universities and partners, and ensure high‑quality, compliant program implementation aligned with ECA priorities and U.S. foreign policy objectives. The position is based in Washington, DC. This position is contingent on funding

Requirements

Master’s degree in international affairs, public policy, education, international development, or a related field strongly preferred; bachelor’s degree with substantial relevant experience considered.
Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience managing international education, exchange, or public diplomacy programs.
Demonstrated experience managing U.S. Department of State–funded programs; ECA‑funded program experience strongly preferred.
Proven supervisory experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex, multi‑component programs.
Experience overseeing multimillion‑dollar budgets and ensuring compliance with U.S. government grant or cooperative agreement requirements.
Familiarity with international exchange program operations, including participant recruitment, placement, alumni engagement, and monitoring and evaluation.
Strong leadership, organizational, and cross‑cultural communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, engage diverse stakeholders, and represent the program at a senior level with donors and partners.
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with J‑1 visa regulations and SEVIS or similar systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide overall strategic leadership and direction for the Humphrey Fellowship Program, ensuring timely, high‑quality implementation across all academic‑year and short‑term program components that drive program outcomes in support of foreign policy priorities.
Serve as the primary point of contact with ECA, maintaining proactive, collaborative communication with program officers and ensuring alignment with Bureau priorities and guidance.
Remain current on foreign policy priorities and drive program implementation towards outcomes that support U.S. foreign policy.
Oversee recruitment, selection, and placement guidance and processes for Humphrey Fellows and Distinguished Humphrey Fellows, in close coordination with ECA, U.S. embassies, Fulbright commissions, and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
Lead oversight of host institution recruitment, selection, and performance, including coordination of open competitions and ongoing quality assurance across participating U.S. universities and professional hosts.
Guide development and implementation of Fellows’ academic, professional, leadership, and networking experiences, including professional affiliations, thematic programming, and the Global Leadership Forum.
Supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary program team responsible for participant support, university and partner engagement, alumni programming, communications, monitoring and evaluation, and financial management.
Oversee program budgets and financial planning, ensuring sound fiscal management, cost‑effectiveness, and full compliance with federal regulations and cooperative agreement requirements.
Oversee program monitoring, evaluation, and learning efforts in alignment with ECA’s MODE Framework, using data to inform continuous program improvement and strategic decision‑making.
Oversee outcome-focused program communications that link fellow and alumni accomplishments to U.S. foreign policy goals.
Ensure robust participant monitoring and wellbeing, including compliance with J‑1 visa regulations, health and safety protocols, stipend and allowance disbursements, and issue resolution in coordination with ECA.
Guide development and submission of all required program deliverables, including workplans, reports, budgets, performance data, and communications materials.
Represent IREX and the Humphrey Fellowship in external forums and with key stakeholders, including government partners, host institutions, professional organizations, and alumni networks.
Perform other duties as assigned.