Program Coordinator, National Security Language Initiative for Youth (American Councils)

Deadline: Open Until Filled

NSLI-Y is a critical component of a multi-agency federal initiative to increase U.S. citizens’ capacity to engage foreign governments and peoples through the critical language of Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Persian (Tajiki), Russian, and Turkish. NSLI-Y is a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and American Councils acts as the prime grantee collaborating with other partner organizations. NSLI-Y provides merit-based scholarships for eligible U.S. high schools students to learn less commonly taught languages in summer and academic-year overseas immersion programs. To learn more about the program, please visit the NSLI for Youth website at www.nsliforyouth.org

Based in Washington, DC, the Program Coordinator position supports the implementation and daily operations of the National Security Language Initiative for Youth Program. Responsibilities focus on program administration and student support for Chinese and Russian language academic year programs and Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Tajiki Persian language summer programs. The Program Coordinator position will primarily focus on Russian Academic Year programs, and Russian, Persian, and Arabic summer programs.

The NSLI-Y Program Coordinator will report to the NSLI-Y Program Manager for Placement.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Supports NSLI-Y Program Manager in daily operation and implementation of the NSLI-Y overseas and virtual summer and academic year programs, specifically Russian Academic Year programs, and Russian, Persian, and Arabic summer programs;
  • Supports the NSLI-Y Program Manager with administration of host institution partner agreements and budgets, as well communication with host institution partners during pre-program planning, on-program implementation stages, and post-program wrap-up activities;
  • Manages daily inquiries and communications from program participants and families;
  • Advises participants and families on a variety of language learning, cultural, adjustment and logistical issues in preparation for the program;
  • Provides on-program support for participants and Resident Director staff, including regularly responding to communications outside of business hours and working with a range of international time zones;
  • Designs program materials, including participant guides, language resources, calendars and parent materials;
  • Assists with design, planning, and facilitation of pre-departure orientations and other program events;
  • Supports recruitment and hiring of Resident Director staff;
  • Helps develop, design and organize training programs and materials for host institution partners, Resident Director staff, teachers and students;
  • Assists with processing finance requests and tracking expenses;
  • Coordinates participant travel, visas, housing, and stipends as needed;  
  • Communicates with and supports NSLI-Y Administration operations as needed;
  • Assists with regulation compliance, drafts detailed reporting to U.S. Department of State;
  • Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Education, Area Studies, language or a related field;
  • Excellent English written and oral communication skills;
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills in Russian;
  • Study, work, or extensive travel experience in Russian-speaking countries or other NSLI-Y host countries;
  • Experience working with high school students and diverse groups of stakeholders;
  • Ability to handle high volumes of communication with a variety of individuals effectively and professionally in different time zones;
  • Demonstrated skills in academic and personal counseling;
  • Commitment to supporting diverse participants and contributing to an inclusive work environment;
  • Ability to multi-task effectively;
  • Ability to exercise problem-solving skills, good judgment, and discretion;
  • Ability to approach challenges with flexibility and a positive attitude;
  • Professional experience with administrative responsibilities; and
  • Demonstrated skills in general financial accountability;
  • Minimum of 2+ years working in international education or related field

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