Project Director, IVLP
Washington, DC
Full Time
Leadership
Experienced
About IREX:
IREX is an independent nonprofit education organization dedicated to global development. Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of over $100 million, works in more than 100 countries worldwide and has a global staff of 250.
Position Summary:
IREX seeks an experienced Project Director to lead our anticipated work as a National Program Agency (NPA) for the FY26 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). As the State Department’s foundational professional exchange program, the IVLP brings current and emerging foreign leaders to the U.S. for short-term exchanges to build long-term relationships, advance U.S. foreign policy goals, and showcase American society and values. The Project Director will lead the strategic and operational program implementation IREX’s IVLP portfolio, build and maintain high-level relationships with leaders across sectors and topics, serve as the primary interface for the donor, oversee the implementation of high-quality customized exchange programs for global leaders, and ensure compliance and alignment with ECA priorities and U.S. foreign policy goals.
Primary Responsibilities:
Primary Qualifications:
IREX is an independent nonprofit education organization dedicated to global development. Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of over $100 million, works in more than 100 countries worldwide and has a global staff of 250.
Position Summary:
IREX seeks an experienced Project Director to lead our anticipated work as a National Program Agency (NPA) for the FY26 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). As the State Department’s foundational professional exchange program, the IVLP brings current and emerging foreign leaders to the U.S. for short-term exchanges to build long-term relationships, advance U.S. foreign policy goals, and showcase American society and values. The Project Director will lead the strategic and operational program implementation IREX’s IVLP portfolio, build and maintain high-level relationships with leaders across sectors and topics, serve as the primary interface for the donor, oversee the implementation of high-quality customized exchange programs for global leaders, and ensure compliance and alignment with ECA priorities and U.S. foreign policy goals.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Lead all aspects of IVLP program implementation to ensure timely, accurate, and thoughtful delivery of high-quality programming
- Serve as the primary liaison to ECA and maintain proactive and collaborative communication with assigned Project Officers
- At the direction of ECA, oversee the planning and implementation of IVLP visits for international leaders, ensuring each trip itinerary reflects U.S. foreign policy priorities and balanced geographic representation and perspectives
- Represent the IVLP program to external stakeholders, including government officials, partner organizations, and community organizations across the U.S.; build, foster, and maintain a deep roster of high-level contacts and relationships across key topic areas for IVLP, particularly in the Washington, DC area.
- Supervise a team of program staff implementing administrative and logistical operations, including travel arrangements, interpretation services, site visits, participant per diem disbursement, and program documentation
- Monitor budget development and oversight, including the master administrative budget and project-specific illustrative budgets
- Guide program monitoring and evaluation in alignment with ECA’s MODE framework, analyze results to inform program design and implementation, and incorporate learnings into program improvements
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with Global Ties, U.S. community-based members and local organizations, interpreters, vendors, and other key collaborators
- Ensure timely development and submission of all required program materials including proposals, detailed itineraries, budgets, and final reports
- Represent IREX and Leadership Practice area interests both within and outside of IREX.
- Other support duties as needed.
Primary Qualifications:
- Master’s degree preferred; Bachelor’s degree with significant relevant experience will be considered
- 10+ years of progressive job experience implementing international exchange programs with a focus on public diplomacy or professional exchanges
- Substantial experience working on foreign policy programs in support of U.S. government foreign policy priorities
- Proven experience managing U.S. Department of State or other USG grants and contracts, ECA experience strongly preferred
- Minimum of four years of supervisory experience, including leading multi-functional teams
- Demonstrated ability to oversee large-scale program administration, including budgets exceeding $1M, ensuring compliance with federal regulations
- Proven experience designing and implementing program events and interactive activities, including both virtual and in-person, preferred
- Familiarity with international visa regulations and federal travel policies preferred
- Experience working with global participants and cross-cultural teams; strong interpersonal and communication skills
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