Student Exchange Program Manager
Posted by: States' 4-H International Exchange Programs
Description
About us:
At States’ 4-H International Exchange Programs, our mission is to enhance world understanding and global citizenship through high-quality 4-H international cultural immersion and exchange programs for 4-H aged youth. S4-H is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1972. S4-H has short-term summer inbound and outbound programs along with an academic year-long program. Currently, S4-H works with Argentina, Australia, Costa Rica, Finland, Japan, Norway, South Korea; the countries of Eurasia through the Department of State’s FLEX program; and four countries in Sub-Saharan Africa through the Department of State’s Youth Leadership Program. Students live with volunteer host families, experience and come to understand new cultures, build friendships, and develop language and leadership skills that serve them throughout their lives. Join us in making a difference! (www.states4hexchange.org)
4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, and it is found in more than 70 countries in North America, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia and Africa. In the United States, 4-H is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. 4-H National Headquarters is located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is overseen by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). 4-H programs are implemented by the 109 land-grant universities and the Cooperative Extension System through their 3,100 local Extension offices across the country. Learn more about 4-H at 4-H.org. The 4-H National Headquarters at NIFA has authorized S4-H to use the 4-H name and emblem.
Description:
The Program Manager is responsible to implement all aspects of one or more of S4-H’s exchange Inbound programs to ensure quality program execution.
The Program Manager must provide high-quality service that is cost-effective and efficient. The person must be a self-starter and work independently to provide leadership, displaying the tact and intellect necessary to effectively direct and retain a dedicated team of coordinators and volunteers. This position requires a high level of diplomacy, judgment, attention to detail, and professional demeanor (often under stressful circumstances). Successful candidates should have superior writing skills, be extremely organized, be able to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced and fluctuating environment, have strong communication skills, and display both compassion and leadership. This position reports directly to the President in a small office environment (currently 4 staff members total).
Primary Responsibilities:
- Coordinate all aspects of international Inbound student exchange program(s) by providing daily operational administration. The largest program is the Japan Summer Inbound program. Major tasks include effective communication with coordinators in the US and foreign partners, processing applications, assisting in timely placement of students with host families, planning and conducting arrival orientations, effectively dealing with student issues (behavior problems, homesickness, cultural misunderstandings, medical issues, etc.), handling medical insurance claims, preparing program- related reports, program analysis and evaluation, budget management, and financial record keeping.
- Administer all aspects of the electronic host family application system, including performing coordinator trainings, communicating issues to the web developer and tracking ideas for future development of the system.
- Write annual reports, articles for publication and business correspondence. Perform research and compile data.
- Develop and update educational and training materials for host families, students and state coordinators.
- Attend bi-annual board meetings and perform related duties, including preparation of agendas, logistical coordination and recording of minutes.
- Provide assistance to the President as needed including drafting correspondence, scheduling, and special research projects.
- Develop and create promotional materials such as brochures and annual newsletters using desktop publishing.
- Assist in coordinating the annual coordinator conference.
- Coordinate IT service through external contractor.
- BA or BS degree in education, business administration, communication, international relations, or a related field.
- Minimum of 4-5 years work experience in a complex administration, educational, non-profit or customer service environment.
- Hands-on knowledge and demonstrated success in administering and managing complex projects or events. The ideal candidate will possess previous experience in the student exchange sector.
- Superior English writing skills are a must.
- Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse multicultural community including successful conflict resolution techniques. Speaks clearly and persuasively in all situations with intercultural awareness while adhering to program policies.
- Able to multi-task and prioritize in an ever-changing environment. The ideal candidate is one who can envision the big picture and has the ability to keep the program moving.
- Work effectively under extreme pressure and meet deadlines without compromising program quality.
- Must be extremely detail oriented, have strong organizational skills, and possess excellent judgment and professionalism.
- Must have outstanding, quick, and accurate problem-solving skills and the ability to handle customer relations with tact and sensitivity.
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet, Publisher and Power Point. Ability to combine and format complex documents with textual and graphic elements preferred. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite a plus.
- Be flexible, reliable, dependable, trustworthy, self-directed, self-motivated, and manage time effectively.
- Able to travel domestically (and on occasion, internationally) and adjust work schedule as required. This is a salaried position that requires longer hours during busier seasons.
- Personal intercultural or international exchange experience is a plus.
- Proficiency in a foreign language is a plus.
- The ideal candidate is one who believes in the value of international student exchange and is committed to following program requirements to achieve educational goals.
How to apply
How to Apply:
To apply for this position, please submit the following items to job@states4h.org. Please note that we are only considering local candidates at this time. Only those qualifying for an interview will be contacted.
- Resume
- A one-page cover letter describing why this position interests you and is a good fit for you
- Three professional references familiar with your work
