Program Officer (YA-USA)

Program Officer

YA-USA, Youth Exchange

Reports to: Senior Program Officer

Reports to: Director of Youth Programming

Salary Range: $57,000–$65,500

Anticipated Start Date: November 30, 2026

Term of Employment: Full-time

Base of Operations Designation: Vermont

Remote Eligible: Remote OR Hybrid

World Learning seeks a Program Officer, YA-USA to manage day-to-day implementation of the U.S. Department of State–funded Youth Ambassadors – USA (YA-USA) program, which sends American high school students and adult mentors on leadership exchanges abroad. The Program Officer, YA-USA will coordinate program design and logistics with overseas host partners, lead virtual and in-person pre-departure preparation for participants and adult mentors, support participants on program and through the follow-on period, and track program data and budgets for funder reporting. This person will work closely with the Senior Program Officer, Outbound and with Enrollment and Operations colleagues to deliver a safe, high-quality exchange that meets all Department of State requirements. The specific programs and countries in this role’s portfolio may shift over time based on funding and U.S. Government priorities.

ABOUT GLOBAL PROGRAMS

This position will be a part of the Global Programs unit of World Learning which designs, implements, monitors and evaluates global exchange and education programs. We work with various donors, including the U.S. Department of State, to achieve immediate impact and sustainable outcomes. Consistent with our organization’s status as both a global nonprofit and an accredited institution of higher education, we prioritize experiential programs that are grounded in theory and proven in practice.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Design and Partner Coordination

• Coordinate with overseas host partners on program itineraries, homestay arrangements, 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.

Participant and Adult Mentor Preparation

• 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 through pre-departure requirements, including passport, visa, medical, and travel document collection as assigned.
• Participate in candidate interviews and selection review as assigned.

On-Program Support and Risk Management

• 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.

Follow-On, Monitoring, and Reporting

• 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.

Budget and Compliance

• 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.

Organizational Engagement

• Attend key organizational meetings (e.g., town halls, quarterly meetings) and learning sessions to understand and maintain awareness of organizational priorities and policies.

REQUIREMENTS

Required Experience/Education:

• 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 this position is offered.

Required Skills:

• 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, with 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.

Required Behaviors/Competencies:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

ABOUT WORLD LEARNING

For more than 90 years, World Learning has advanced American leadership at home and abroad by equipping students, professionals, and institutions with the skills, networks, and real-world experience needed to address today’s most pressing challenges. Through dynamic, experiential education and exchange programs, we strengthen 21st-century competencies, foster innovation, and expand economic opportunity-building more secure and prosperous communities worldwide.